<p>I think 15 schools is probably too many. You will end up applying to schools that you have very little probability of attending. </p>
<p>I’m assuming that money is not an issue because your safety (I assume that UTK is Tennesee-Knoxville) is your instate flagship and you are applying to any University of California which would only want you if you bring your own cash, and lots of it. </p>
<p>I think UIUC is an easy application. I don’t really know what’s so special about it, but it doesn’t matter.</p>
<p>Belmont and Pepperdine have very conservative populations. I would think since journalism jobs are hard to come by that appearing impartial and agnostic would leave more opportunities available, whether writing for the liberal press or the conservative press or any press. If you have biases that you want to feature, you can always display them to your potential employers. </p>
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<p>Yet I know a young person who got a job in journalism anyway. She studied journalism despite her immigrant parents objections. </p>
<p>I think the dream career is worth more than the dream school, though that person did go to Northwestern. You are the poster child for early decision. </p>