<p>I think the only correct answer to “how many colleges should you apply to” is “as many as necessary.”</p>
<p>The general rule is to have some “top” choices, some so-so choices, and then some choices you’re pretty much guaranteed to get into. I’ve seen people apply to 12 universities, I’ve seen people apply to 3. It’s all about how confident you are in your application’s strength</p>