<p>I went to Columbia and had a 3.4GPA (but significant ECs and a great high school record). I was told by my guidance counselor I wouldn't get in anywhere as a transfer but I got into every school I applied to (all Ivies). My main focus was Brown, but I cranked out the other applications in, oh, maybe one day. I think the notion of 'spending extra time" on fewer applications is a bunch of bunk. you have a database of essays from last year, revise them with your newfound skills and pump them out. </p>
<p>In the end I ended up not choosing Brown (chose Dartmouth) and had some of the best years of my life (would have surely loved Brown too). </p>
<p>the point is applying to one school because they'll appreciate the "extra focus" is one of the biggest myths in college admissions.</p>