Hi guys, so I’m looking at a whole host of schools for application this year, and was wondering if the number of schools you apply to affect admission? Do they see how many you’re applying to and believe it’s too many? Also, how many REALLY is too many?
Any help would be MUCH appreciated
We applied to 8 schools and got accepted at 5, waitlisted at 1 and rejected at 2. Very few asked where else we were looking, as most schools assume they aren’t the only one you are looking at. You have to determine what is your limit as each application requires essays, recommendations and app fees.
It was suggested to us by one admissions person that six is a good number. My DD applied to 7 and was accepted at six and waitlisted at one. We had visited 13 initially.
Don’t worry – the online applications do not show the other schools that you are having the app sent to. It is really not any school’s business to know where else you are applying. It is certainly not advantageous to you to share that information. Schools are in the business of protecting their yield numbers – don’t give them an excuse to refrain from putting your app in the “YES” pile!
Thank you so so much!! Big sigh of relief! 
@cameo43 @MAandMEmom @southernboyzmama
Although the online applications don’t divulge where else you are applying, be aware. During the interviews, don’t be surprised if you get this question. Prepare a good answer. Be honest, but sometimes admissions people ask this question to gauge how far down on your list their school may be.
Very true, they will ask. I’ve posted this before, but I think it bears repeating:
“How do you answer the question about other schools to which you are applying?”
For me, my interviews were all well before the application date, so my answer was, “I’m still finalizing the list, but the schools to which I will apply offer X, Y, and Z.”
When I went through the college admissions process my answer before the application deadline was as above. My answer after the application was submitted is, “I’m applying to schools that offer X, Y, and Z, such as AA, AB, and AC,” where two of the schools are at the same level as the school asking the question, and the third is a step below. I would not list all the schools, and I would list them in random (or alphabetical) order.
Thank you for that advice @skieurope ! Super helpful and am so grateful!
If you’re applying for FA, there is no way to hide the full list of schools you’ve applied to. Your FA application, submitted through SSS by NAIS, shows all the schools with which it’s been shared.
Oh… thank you @GoatMama as I am applying for FA that is a very helpful tip
OP I don’t know if you realize this, but the vast majority of boarding schools, applying for financial aid does appear to have an impact on your chances (with the exception of need blind schools).
@ivydreamer01, I remember you saying in the M10 thread that you were admitted to Governor’s this year. Did you decide against attending?
I don’t think the other schools can all the schools you are submitting the form to. You can see it but they can’t.
Thank you for remembering @GoatMama well, I needed FA and something with it did not work out (my mom was not very transparent about why) so I could not go. However, maybe it was all for the best. Everything happens for a reason 
and thank you @queenmother for the info
@ivydreamer01 you may want to call the ISS by NAIS people with this question. I did last year, and that’s what the NAIS person on the phone told me, but it’s possible that she wasn’t well informed, and that @queenmother is right. If you do talk to them, it would be great if you could report back their answer as it seems important whether or not the schools can see where else you’ve applied for FA. Good luck with your application!
Thank you @GoatMama! And I hope your DD has a great time at SPS, it’s an amazing school!
With regards to FA, schools can be all over the place. We got FA waitlisted at one school and a more than generous offer at another. We got into Govs as well and their FA offer was inline with what I thought it would be although it was going to be a stretch for us. But always remember you can appeal the offer if you get accepted. But only do this if it’s the school you really want. We were advised that we were FA waitlisted at the school because they felt it wasn’t DS’s first choice as they needed to spread dollars wisely.
Some schools have a space on their application asking what other schools you are considering. Plus it can come up in the interview, as others have said.
The question was asked by a student guide as well.