Recently, my friends and I have been having this discussion. Or, I’ll be talking to someone and I will tell them I applied to ten schools (because I wanted to keep my options, two of the fees were waived, and I wanted a good amount of schools in each category-Safety, Target, and Reach) but instead of being encouraged they gasp and say I applied to too many or too little. I ask how many they applied to and I am answered with small numbers like 2-5 or large numbers like 15-20. Are they right or did I apply to just the right amount? I personally think it’s whatever you, the applicant, are comfortable with. I just wanted to hear what everyone else thought. What do you guys think?
I think it depends on the applicant, but about 7-8 is usually a good number.
A lot depends on finances - for example, my kids were high stats/low income so we targeted schools that meet full financial need. Most of these schools have a low admit rate. S ended up getting in Early Decision to his first choice so although he had a larger list initially he didn’t end up actually applying to most.
There is no “right” answer, but I think you have applied to a reasonable number. 10 is about right these days. But each person/family will do what they feel most comfortable with. Those that apply to large numbers of schools (15 - 20) typically have many reaches. I would not worry about what others say.
Also some kids are chasing merit aid so they may apply to a lot of schools.
Our GC recommends 6-8. I think up to 10 is reasonable. JMO
I’d say around 2-3 safeties, 2-3 middles, and however many reaches you want (that is, unless the application fee is too much of a burden).