Narrowing College List-The Magic # and Why?

Applying to College
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<p>I wish I had applied to more schools. You will be able to change your life dramatically at this step, its worth the extra effort! Lots of essay topics are similar or the same, you have the common app, and applications are online. I always see a couple parents suggesting limiting the number of schools because you can "focus" more on applications, "I don't want my S or D stessing out" (by the way does anyone get why they can't just type SON). I think its like not letting your kid be exposed to the world to protect them from things like the flu. Nice concept, not helpful in the long run. 10-12 applications is fine and you have a great list. </p>

<p>(I do want to say that I admire much of the parental advice on this site, but I strongly disagree with a couple of them on this subject. I also disagree with "apply to lots of safeties and not many reaches".)</p>

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<p>apply to every single school you want to</p>

<p>you only get to do it once</p>

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<p>I have to say that applying to a lot of schools is not bad at all. I applied to 12 schools, five of which were top 10 universities and I got into them all (boy was I suprised). So don't be afraid to apply to too many. Lots of schools really want to know what kinds of other schools you are applying to, not necessarily how many. Just always list that school as number one. If you're good enough, they'll accept you.</p>

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<p>I'm done with visiting! This is my list.</p>

<p>Safeties: Applied Early Action
UMASS Amherst
UVM</p>

<p>Matches: Reg. decision
Brandeis University
Boston College</p>

<p>Match/Reach: Reg decision
Bowdoin College (considering a superb interview)</p>

<p>Reaches: Reg decision
Swarthmore College
Tufts
Dartmouth College
Brown University
Harvard University
UPENN</p>

<p>Everyone has given me such great advice on this thread. I've weighed both ends of applying to fewer/more schools and have settled on these 11. As I stated earlier, I'll be happy at either one of my safeties if it comes down to that, but I don't believe it will. Although I'm curious how others view my credentials as an applicant to the more competitive schools I've listed.</p>

<p>Soph/Jun GPA: 3.82 unweighted, Freshman=3.8, Senior=3.9 thus far
SAT 1: Reading=740, Math=670, Writing=760
SAT 2s: US History=640, Math 2C=640
2 AP courses: AP US History Junior Year, 5 on AP exam - AP Physics B Senior Year - all other courses throughout high school have been honors
National Honor Society
Extracurricular Activities:
1.) Started own year-round landscaping business, continued grades 9-11
2.) Summer Basketball Camp Counselor, grades 9-12
3.) Rec Basketball League, grades 10-12, grade 9=highschool team
4.) Community service=grocery shopping for elderly, grades 11-12
5.) Internship in desigining/fundraising Teen Center for my hometown, grades 11-12
6.) Assistant Basketball Coach for 7th/8th Graders, Grade 11
7.) Mentor/Advisor to incoming Freshman, Grade 11
8.) Rotary Interact Club, large involvement, Grade 12
Recommendations: I've formed close bonds with two teachers in particular and excelled in their classes. I can expect great recs, guidance counselor included.
Essays: not a problem</p>

<p>I realize that my SAT2s are low. I've called each of my colleges and they all accept SAT2s rushed from the January 27th test date. I'll probably take 2, if not 3 in January. But just in terms of SAT2s in general, they don't amount to anything near the SAT1, right? But I guess for the more competitive schools on my list, low SAT2s might bog me down?
In terms of the SAT1, I raised my scores dramatically from the April test date.
April: Reading=590, Math=640, Writing=660
October: Reading=740, Math=670, Writing=760</p>

<p>I improved radically from constant studying leading up until test date, especially in English and Writing. All of my schools will mix and match best scores of sections from different test dates. I'm considering retaking the SAT1 in December and trying to boost my Math score (I feel confident about scoring a 700-730). My only hesitation is that the other two scores might go down a bit (maybe 700 reading, 720 writing) due to lack of recent study. Is it worth taking the December test to boost the math score a bit considering a probable drop in the other categories, or will the colleges not even consider worse scores in reading/writing, highlight the best section scores from all tests and move on. I feel like admissions officers have enough information to review and won't bother to sift through raise/drop patterns + will see my intent to boost math.</p>

<p>I know this a lot of information. If anyone has any advice or comments, please post. Thanks again for all previous advice.</p>