<p>How many safeties, matches, and reaches?</p>
<p>I’ve always wondered about this too. Currently, I have about 12 on my list, and those are only the reaches and matches. And I love every single one of them, so I can’t see myself getting rid of any of them.</p>
<p>6 to 10 colleges. 1 safety. 4-6 matches. 1-3 stretches.</p>
<p>You can add more stretches if you like, but never skimp on the safety and matches.</p>
<p>2 safeties, 4 matches, 2-3 reaches. Make sure that you have at least one financial safety, hence why two safeties. Even if you have an university that is both an academic and financial safety, apply to another one anyways. It’s been a crazy couple of years in college admission. A lot of people only got into their safety in the end. You want to still have a choice if that happens. You could change the number of matches/reaches if you really can’t narrow them down or can’t come up with more colleges. Just don’t go overboard with your number of applications. Even with common app, most universities require a supplementary app, not to mention tons of universities are not on common app. It’s better to do a smaller number of good apps, than more apps with lesser quality. Plus, save yourself some time, money and stress. Don’t apply just for the sake of it. Do a few EA and if you have a few favourites, go for ED.</p>