Why do I have to list if I'm applying to more than one university?

<p>Ok, I recently checked some college applications and I believe it was in the Common Application that it asked to list all the universities I will be applying to. I'm thinking of applying to about 10 universities. Do universities take into account how many universities I apply to when they review my application?</p>

<p>Also, I want to start my essays this summer but was wondering when the universities put out their applications or if they even make new topics each year for the essays. I'm currently in my Junior year (not in the U.S.). If I'm planning on applying to 10 universities, about how many essays will I be writing? Maybe It's ok to recycle some of the essays, especially the ones for the common App?</p>

<p>Thanks to anyone who responds.</p>

<p>Simple for each school just write in the box that “At this time X school and y school are my safeties and Z school that this application is for is my top choice”</p>

<p>As for the essays 650 word limit
these are next years common app general questions:
Some students have a background or story that is so central to their identity that they believe their
application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your s
tory.

Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure.
How did it affect you, and what lessons
did you learn?

Reflect on a time when you challenged a belief or idea. What prompted you to act? Would you
make the same decision again?

Describe a pl
ace or environment where you are perfectly content.
What do you do or experience
there, and why is it meaningful to you?

Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from
childhood to adulthood within your culture, c
ommunity, or famil</p>