how many is too many?

Applying to College
1

<p>Alright so I'm applying to a lot of schools in most people's eyes (14) but to me the list seems just right.</p>

<p>People have given me arguments on why this is SUCH a bad idea. But so far I have yet to hear one convincing argument on why I should shorten my list. But honestly, when people hear i'm applying to 14 they really freakout and almost get upset with me. Its so annoying because i have reasons for why I am applying to that many. </p>

<p>I know people say oh apply to 6-8 schools, but my parents don't care about the money, all of mine are on the common app, WHY NOT?</p>

<p>I'm afraid if i delete one then i am possibly ruining an opportunity at that school. </p>

<p>So what is too many? And does it really matter.</p>

2

<p>You should apply to as many as you feel comfortable with. Don't let anyone tell you it's too many, because this is your future, and you have every right to give yourself as many options as you desire.</p>

<p>Now, that being said, it is generally thought that if a person applies to more than 5 or even 3 colleges (1 reach, 1 match, 1 safety), that they are being excessive. But, I am applying to 15 colleges, and I have reasons to want to attend every single one, so nobody, no matter how "excessive" it might be, is going to be able to change my mind.</p>

3

<p>There have been many threads with lots of practical reasons - costs, visiting, interviews, managing all the different supplemental forms and deadlines - but bottom line it really is your own business. If you are getting a lot of grief about how many you are applying to, just don't tell anyone.</p>

4

<p>I'd say apply to each of the 14.</p>

5

<p>I also say go for it, I mean last year I did 12 myself [11 of which were common app] and I was definitely glad that I did, just as long as you give yourself plenty of time to do an efficient job on each application then I really don't have much of a problem with it, so good luck with it, I'm sure you'll do fine :)</p>

6

<p>If they're all on the common app, you might as well apply to all 300 of them</p>

7

<p>Thanks everyone.</p>

<p>The supplemental forms are soo easy to handle especially if you are sending everything in online.</p>

<p>If you do the common app online its so easy to send that as well. It tells you what supplements you have sent and if you have paid. Its great!</p>

8

<p>It is amazing that many people do not want to do the online application because you are correct it is easy. Are you all done?</p>

9

<p>people are retarded...dont listen to them. but seriously, im actually jealous of ur work committment. The reason I'm only applying to 3-5 colleges is because I'm just lazy and I'm banking on getting into UPenn early so that I don't have to do any more apps. but props to ya man. good luck.</p>

<p>P.S. wait..."banking" meaning hoping, not that I will. I'm not conceited. lol. I really hope I get in though. I'd kill to go there and it's my reach school, so w/e.</p>

10

<p>
[quote]
People have given me arguments on why this is SUCH a bad idea. But so far I have yet to hear one convincing argument on why I should shorten my list. But honestly, when people hear i'm applying to 14 they really freakout and almost get upset with me. Its so annoying because i have reasons for why I am applying to that many.

[/quote]

For you, it could make sense to apply to that many- if you like all of them and could see yourself at all of them. </p>

<p>The problem with people applying to 8+ schools is that it can get out of hand. Top students are applying to 10, 15, or even 20 schools in a ridiculous attempt to maximize their chances. With an increased number of applications comes increased selectivity...and the rat race continues. The UK usually limits students to 6 colleges; I wish the US could do the same.</p>

11

<p>Its more that I am nervous about where I can get into and where I cannot.</p>

<p>I have an extremely rigorous courseload with respectable grades in all of them. I rank in the top 5% of my class. BUT my sat scores arent all that great. 1290... I only took them once. THis severely hurts my chances at many schools.</p>

<p>This is what goes through my head.
...Maybe I should take out babson.. i mean i dont like the size.</p>

<p>BUT what if i only got into providence and northeastern. I would prefer to go to babson. </p>

<p>Just scenarios like that keep me from deleting schools. Plus, I would reget not applying to a school and at least taking a chance!!</p>

<p>-- COMMON APP ONLINE IS EASY, i seriously highly recommend it. and no i am not done. i play a varsity sport and 5 aps so im really busy and get home at 8 or 9 every night. but when the seasons over im all about my apps!</p>

12

<p>Just make sure your safeties are places you would like to attend.
Are you taking the SAT again? Or the ACT?</p>