How many colleges should I apply to?
When I was applying to college, I thought why not apply to 17 colleges because the more colleges I apply to, the better. What I didn’t do before applying to colleges however was think about whether or not I actually wanted to go there!
COVID-19 hit during my junior year of high school, which was for me, the ideal time to visit colleges. They had virtual tours for colleges, but I thought that was a waste of time. I reasoned to myself that it didn’t matter whether or not I researched colleges because all I was going to do was study when I got to school. So, I decided to simply apply to every single college I heard of. I didn’t do research. I didn’t even consider whether I would like the weather. I applied anywhere and everywhere. It seemed like a great decision at the time, but I regret it now.
While there is no set number of colleges that students should apply to, the optimal number can vary greatly depending on individual circumstances and goals. However, here are a few factors that can influence the number of colleges a student should apply to:
Cost: Applying to more colleges can increase the overall cost of the application process. Students should consider the cost of each application and weigh the benefits of applying to a specific college against the cost.
Time management: Students should take into consideration the time and effort required to complete each application, as well as the time needed for any campus visits or interviews.
Distance from home, weather, and activities outside of school: Think about what you could do at the school over the weekend. Are there club activities that match your hobbies? Do you see yourself finding things to do over the weekend? Do you like having seasons or do you prefer sunny weather most of the year? Think of these questions to see if you like the specific college environment.
Career goals: Students should research the programs and resources offered by each college, and consider how well each college aligns with their career goals and aspirations.
In general, it is recommended that students apply to at least 5-7 colleges, including a mix of reach schools (colleges where their academic profile is below the average admitted student), match schools (colleges where their academic profile is similar to the average admitted student), and safety schools (colleges where their academic profile is above the average admitted student). This allows students to have a variety of options and increases their chances of being accepted to a college that meets their needs and goals.
For me, I didn’t consider that I hate cold weather. I don’t think I’d be happy anywhere with weather below 40 degrees. After growing up in sunny Southern California all my life, even moving to my current college now which is 3 hours north of my home town is too cold. At least half the schools I applied to were out of state, but when I think back I never really wanted to go out of state. I just wanted to be far enough where I could have a separation from school and home.
Looking back, I wish I was more strategic with the colleges I applied to. I could have saved a lot of money and use the extra time to write scholarship essays instead. Ultimately, the number of colleges a student should apply to will depend on their individual circumstances and goals. Students should consult with their guidance counselor, parents, and other trusted adults to determine the best strategy for their college search.