Number of Colleges to Apply For

Applying to College
1

<p>Hello, I am a junior in high school who is now starting to think about colleges. Is there a recommended number of colleges you should apply/send applications? I am thinking of applying to prestigious colleges.</p>

2

<p>I’m applying to around 8 or so prestigious ones (I’m class of 2014) so I’ll have a chance of getting into at least one. I suggest if you’re looking at selective schools apply to around 5-9 depending on selectivity.</p>

3

<p>10 is a good max.</p>

<p>A good guide to follow…

  • Maximum of one “lottery” type school, where your chances are slim, regardless of how good your stats are (eg Harvard)
  • Maximum of three reaches (schools where you are in the bottom 25% of admitted students based on ACT/SAT and/or GPA)
  • 3-4 match schools (schools where you fall in middle 50% of applicants)
  • At least 1, preferably 2 safety schools (note that a safety is an academic AND financial safety, and a place you would be happy at)</p>