<p>So far I'm only applying to 4 (west Virginia, Marshall, Kent state, bowling green). Would it be wise to apply to more? If so, then how many?</p>
<p>Apply to more, depending on your stats. I would say 8-12 unless you are SURE to get in and love it there</p>
<p>If you have a decent shot of getting into most of them, maybe add just a few more. Be sure that you have one financial and academic safety that you genuinely wouldn’t mind attending if you had to. (It’s even better if you totally love your safety school, but that’s not often the case.) Ideally, you’d have 1-2 safeties, 3 or more matches, and as many reaches as you’re willing to pay an application fee for. Really though, as long as you have a sure safety, you should probably just apply to that along with 5-10 schools you really like and can probably afford.</p>
<p>If you’re unsure as to what I mean by these categories, go on collegeboard.com and look at the GPA and SAT/ACT middle ranges of admitted students. </p>
<p>safeties - At these schools, your stats are well above those of the middle 50% of applicants. You can definitely afford to attend these schools for 4 years at sticker price, or you are guaranteed enough aid or a hefty merit scholarship.</p>
<p>matches - At these schools, your grades seem to be the norm for students who are admitted. You can definitely or probably afford to attend.</p>
<p>reaches - At these schools, your stats may be on the lower end of the admitted student pool, or right in the middle if the school receives an abundance of really qualified applicants. Reaches can also be schools that you have a reasonable chance of getting into, but you’ll probably need a non-guaranteed scholarship or a lot of financial aid in order to attend.</p>
<p>If you can get in, it’s fine. If you have a low chance of admission and affordability at those 4, then you need more.</p>
<p>you should apply to 7-12 colleges.</p>
<p>2/3/4 safeties (you can get in for sure)
2/3/4 matches (grades are normal for it)
2/3/4 reaches (take a chance at it becuase its a great university)</p>
<p>depending on how much money you are willing to spend, if your stinking rich
you could apply to 20, even 25 (example of 1 of my friends)</p>