number of colleges to apply to

<p>I'd question "match" in regards to several schools on burnedout's list, esp. in light of this year's results... Looking at burnedout's stats, I'd say he was darned lucky. It could have gone the other way just as easily.</p>

<p>DS likely will be at one of two targets or one super-reach (Two top 10s and #1 engineering LAC, all three stellar in his intended field). All three get "oooohhhs" and "aaaahhhs" from people he respects and who know the programs. The only "huh?" questions we've gotten are about why he'd consider turning down the full ride at the safety.</p>

<p>Edit: The term "match" really bothers me -- it seems so presumptuous. To me, "target" is a school where a student fits well in the stats range, has the programs/opportunities one wants, and is likely to be affordable to the student and family. It's where one shows (and feels) the most love.</p>

<p>My son applied to one ridiculously safety school, two safeties, two should be ok's, 3 reaches and one legacy. The only one we haven't heard from was the legacy. We looked at quite a few other schools though.</p>