<p>First step is to use the Net Price calculator to see if you can afford the colleges you want to apply to. Then start to really make your list. Check the college admits for the previous year for your major (if they admit by major) and see where you are academically (making sure you calculate the GPA they require – sophomore/junior year GPA’s for CSU’s & figure out your eligibility index, sophomore/junior year for UC’s, and freshman/sophomore/junior year for SLO. SLO has a very different method of calculating admissions which goes far beyond regular gpa/test scores). UC’s are holistic, so sometimes unpredictable. Make sure you have at least one safety (better yet, two) – a college you know you will be admitted to and that you can afford. </p>
<p>My son applied to 6 UC’s, 3 CSU’s and 2 privates. That was enough! IMO 17 is a bit much, unless cost is no concern and time is available. </p>