<p>While it’s tempting to apply to all those UCs if only because one application more or less suffices, pick a safety from the set of 8, 2 or so matches and 1 reach. Then pick one or two CSUs. Presumably because you are applying to all the UCs the CSUs that you’re picking are safeties. If they aren’t then apart from UC Merced your UCs are reach schools or low match at best. With the California publics on your list the out of state publics don’t make a lot of sense. If your stats are at the level of UC Berkeley accepted students then you may want to add additional reach colleges to your list.</p>
<p>I don’t agree with the recipe that “8” is enough, or “17” is too much. What matters is that your list is balanced and that it is in line with your chances of acceptance and with your interest with the program at each of the colleges on your list.</p>
<p>In the grand scheme of things $1000 is small change compared to the cost of a 4-year college education.</p>