Finalizing your College List

The number of colleges/universities you should apply to can depend on a number of factors such as your specific goals, the selectivity of the schools you're interested in, and how aggressive you want to be. I have had students apply to a large number of colleges.  Often times, it is because they are either playing the numbers game and/or they are only interested in the most selective ones and/or they are looking to shop for the most favorable financial aid package they can get. I try not to encourage this but, at the end of the day, it is their decision and I will support them. If they are willing to pay the application fee, they really can do whatever they want.

For me, a general recommendation is to apply to about 8-10 colleges. This mix typically includes:

Safety Schools: Where your academic profile exceeds the school's average admitted student profile.

Match Schools: Where your academic profile aligns closely with the school's average.

Reach Schools: Where admission may be more competitive, and your scores or GPA might be below the school's average.  There is a method to the madness for choosing your “reach schools”.

ForecastEd can help you decide.  I would suggest that you apply to 2 reaches, 4 matches and 2 safeties and review the notes you took from your visits.  Make sure the safeties are places you would attend.  You should not waste your time applying to colleges you have no interest in attending.  Factors should include things like academic programs that are of interest, likelihood of getting a significant financial incentive to attend, and a desirable location.  There are more factors in choosing safeties but start with those. 

This approach helps balance your options between Colleges/universities where you're likely to get in, those that are a good fit, and a few that might be a bit more of a stretch but still worth trying.

How does this align with what you've been thinking? Are there any specific colleges you're considering?