I have 14 colleges on my list, but I heard that colleges know how many (not exactly what) schools you’ve applied to. Apparently, too many colleges can signal a red flag.
I doubt they know, and even if they did, that is not too many to apply to. Some college applications might ask where else you are applying. In that case, you do not need to list all 14 of these – just pick a few that are similar to the one the application relates to and list those.
There’s no way we can know if they know. Some schools do talk to each other (an adcom told me), and they can know about multiple ED applications (our HS was caught many years ago), so we don’t know what communication systems are in place.
there is no way for them to know unless you tell them. honestly, i don’t think they care as long as you don’t breach the ED/restrictive EA agreement.
If you’re worried that the number might pose a red flag, you should probably cut back the list.
Casting your net wide is great - but 2-3 each of safeties, matches, and reaches should yield more than enough options come decision time.
I asked that same question a couple of months ago. It used to be that when you submitted your FAFSA, the colleges could see what other colleges you are applying to. This changed just this past year, so colleges can no longer see this.
Colleges do not see what other colleges you apply to, and I am not sure how they would know, unless they do in fact communicate. As has been suggested, I can’t imagine they go to the effort to check unless they suspect a student of breaking an ED agreement. The FAFSA no longer requires a student to list colleges. But they aren’t dumb, they know you are applying elsewhere.
I agree that 14 is a lot of colleges to apply to, unless perhaps you are hoping to compare financial aid offers. Just because a lot of kids are applying to more colleges than ever doesn’t mean you have to. Having spent a lot of time on CC over the last several years, it seems that kids are simply submitting more apps to the most selective schools. I don’t really see kids submitting more apps to match and safety schools. If you are applying to a bunch of reach schools, just be aware that it isn’t a lottery. Applying to more reaches doesn’t increase your odds. Remember that the apps are going to be a lot of work. My D did 12, and it was two too many. If you do your homework and apply to colleges based on your stats, you should be fine applying to 2 safeties, a few matches,and a few reaches. I personally think a student should be fine submitting 8-10 apps, or even less if not applying to super selective schools.