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<p>I don’t think it’s a numbers game in terms of applications, but more in terms of matching your son’s stats with the schools that are likely to award good merit aid to those with similar stats, have reasonable costs (and pay attention to what the average tuition increases are), offer good programs for his interests, and are schools he would be happy attending. I would think you could narrow it down to 5 schools or less by the time he’s ready to apply.</p>