How many is too many?

College Search & Selection
21

<p>Since you’re looking for merit aid, you most definitely don’t want to apply ED. </p>

<p>The workload (writing essays, etc) is going to be very similar regardless if you apply to one school ED or a bunch of schools EA. That’s because you have to be prepared to turn in the other applications if you don’t get happy ED or EA news. Not being accepted, or being deferred, is depressing. Having to start writing essays for RD schools right after getting a rejection is even worse. That means you should plan on having most of your essay writing done prior to the ED/EA announcements. </p>

<p>If you get EA acceptance(s), then you can trim your list of RD schools. Depending on your family’s finances, an EA acceptance can become your safety.</p>

22

<p>

I was gonna say that (only not as eloquently). My son had plans to apply to about 12 or 14, but did very well in the EA-and-rolling schools, so was able to cut his RD list drastically. He ended up applying to only 8 total, with the two later ones being his favorite and my favorite.</p>

<p>Actually, EVERYTHING in SlitheyTove’s post is perfect! :D</p>

<p>

DEFINITELY the six.</p>