Applying to colleges: how many?

What's the average number of colleges most students apply to during their senior year? I don't want to apply to too few, but I also don't want to spread myself too thin.

The number of colleges that students apply to during their senior year can vary greatly, but the general recommendation is to apply to 8-12 schools. This allows for a balanced approach, ensuring that you have options but also remains manageable in terms of time and effort.

Here is a suggested breakdown of the types of colleges to apply to:

1. Reach schools (2-4): These are colleges where your chances of admission are lower due to their selectivity or your academic profile being slightly below their average admitted student. However, if you're passionate about applying to these schools, they’re worth a shot.

2. Match schools (4-6): These are colleges where your academic profile aligns with their admitted student profile, and you have a reasonable chance of gaining admission. This group should represent the majority of your applications, as they are your most likely options.

3. Safety schools (2-3): These are colleges where your academic profile is stronger than the average admitted student, and you have a high likelihood of being accepted. It's important to have safety schools on your list, as they are your backup options and provide some assurance that you will have college choices come decision-time.

Keep in mind that you should genuinely be interested in attending any college on your list, even the safety schools. Research each school thoroughly to ensure they align with your goals, values, and interests. This will help make sure any college you get into will be a good fit, and you'll be happy with the decision.