How many universities should I apply to? 
Times have changed from “the old days” when we parents applied to 2 or 3 universities!
From the Pros
From Mary Beth Stephens, MBS College Coaching LLC: That depends on the individual student. My clients have applied to as few as one, and as many as 12. I prefer that my clients apply to around 5 -7 schools.
From Springfield Academic: It is a good idea to apply to at least 3 schools, even if you have your heart set on one school. A student may feel one way in October and a different way in late April. I cannot imagine why a student would need to apply to more than 10 schools. The only exception may be if you are applying to specific, selective programs, i.e. BS/MD combined programs.
From the Moms
From Julie Kaiser: Our son applied to one university.
From Angela Try: I told our daughter we’d pay for 6. She paid for the rest – or negotiated for a free application. Some were already free to apply.
From Denise Beauman: Our daughter applied to 4 universities.
From Lisa Whelpley: Our son applied to 7 universities, but a couple have no cost to apply, and another has certain free days. On tours or in discussions with university admissions officers, ask the cost to apply and if there are ever certain days where they waive application fees.
For more information on organizing the college application process, click here.
