@BKSquared I didn’t withdraw my applications from some schools because I paid the application fee and I’m not exactly sure where I want to commit yet. I understand your point, in terms of giving other people chances, but I also don’t feel like I have to decide where I’m going right now until I see FA/merit aid options from my RD list. I think especially for applicants who do have financial considerations having a long list can be extremely helpful if you want options.
Most of the schools I applied to that I had “little interest” in, I realized I didn’t like after I applied. Most, if not 17 of my schools, I really loved and were good fits in different ways. I think when you apply you’re not going to know everything about what you want to do, and your opinions can change a lot as your going through the actual process. I agree that applying to safeties you have no interest in attending is problematic, but I’m talking about top tier colleges that I now am less interested in because of major/program/community aspects I realized through interviews and official visits.