<p>Don’t even cut down your list. If you can manage to keep writing good essays, apply to 15 reaches. The worst that can happen is lose $75 upon rejection. You don’t need a ton of safeties or matches. Find 2 matches you are interested in and 2 safeties and then just apply to as many reaches as you want. You are a great applicant and will get accepted to some of your reaches. @anniebeats is coming down hard on you because you came off as arrogant but i understand why you chose the title - to get attention. I’ve done it myself and I don’t think I’m the best out there either. I empathize with you and I think you’re doing it right. I would say, check the aid boxes because I doubt anything bad will happen. I mean maybe it will hurt your chances, so i am not sure. You seem to have it down pretty well though.</p>