If I’m looking to get as much merit aid as possible, do schools typically give out more merit aid with Early Action rather than RD? So Should I apply and “cast a wide net” with EA applications? I have about 15-18 schools on my list so far.
I think I’m going to apply to around 5 or 6. If my guidance counselor ever gets back to my mom about free/reduced lunch, I’ll be able to apply to more.
Run the Net Price Calculators on the school websites to get an idea of what they may cost, then run the numbers by your parents to see if they’re comfortable paying that much. My son dropped a few colleges off his list because the NPC gave us figures we couldn’t afford to pay.
It really depends on the situation. My friend who was applying for a musical theatre BFA applied to 23 schools, because with those programs you must be accepted academically as well as for your theatre skills. Another friend who knew she could afford to spend virtually nothing on college applied to 2 schools, one of which guaranteed her a full ride. I would say a good ballpark for the average applicant is 8-10.