<p>What should really be done is first determine the safety schools where the student will be admitted, which will be definitely affordable, and which the student will be happy attending (good fit, offers courses and majors for academic goals, etc.).</p>
<p>Once the safeties are determined, all other application targets can be chosen. Of course, one should not apply to any school that is less desired than the safety schools. The number of additional schools depends on their desirability and how much time and money one is willing to spend on the applications.</p>