With thousands of colleges and universities to choose from, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when deciding where to apply. Some students keep their list short and focused, while others cast a wider net and apply to dozens of schools. If you’re unsure what the right number is for you, know this: there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. Instead, the best approach is to consider your goals, your academic background, and your personal circumstances.
Key Factors to Consider
Before you start sending out applications, you’ll need to take some time to think through what matters most to you. The number of schools you apply to shouldn’t be a reaction to stress or pressure but rather reflect a thoughtful strategy. A few important factors to consider include:
Academic Fit
Make sure the colleges you end up adding to your list offer the majors or programs you’re interested in. Your GPA and, if applicable, test scores should also meet school requirements.
Cost and Financial Aid
It’s crucial to apply to financially realistic schools. This is why completing your FAFSA sooner rather than later matters; it’s hard to know what schools make sense for you financially if you don’t know how much financial aid is available to you. Additionally, some schools offer grants or scholarships to students meeting specific grade and test score criteria. Ideally, you’ll want to find schools that are strong academic matches and financially manageable without requiring large amounts of debt.
Selectivity
Some schools are much more competitive than others, with low acceptance rates and more rigorous admissions criteria. The more selective the schools on your list, the more vital it is to include additional options where your chances of acceptance are stronger.
Application Fees and Time Commitment
Many institutions require applicants to pay a fee to submit. Low-income applicants may see these fees reduced or eliminated entirely. Other schools simply don’t have application fees. Additional requirements like essays, portfolios, or interviews may be necessary, all of which take time to prepare for. It’s a good idea to balance your list so you can give enough time and attention to each application.
Fortunately, some colleges, like Villa Maria, are working to ease that burden. Villa doesn’t charge an application fee, offers provisional acceptance, and allows rolling admission—meaning there’s no looming deadline or deposit to worry about. These flexible, student-friendly policies can make a real difference as you manage multiple applications.
What Is a Good Amount of College to Apply To?
On average, most students apply to somewhere between five and 10 schools. This gives you solid options without becoming overwhelmed. Rather than focusing on hitting a particular number, aim to create a balanced list that has a mix of the following:
- Target schools: These are schools where your academic profile closely matches that of the institution’s typical accepted students. While that doesn’t mean admission is guaranteed, you can count on target schools as strong options. These should make up the majority of your list.
- Safety schools: These are colleges where your grades and test scores exceed the average accepted students. Your chance of acceptance at these schools is high, making them a great fallback if other options don’t work out. At least one safety school is recommended.
- Reach schools: These are the selective schools where admission is very competitive, even for well-qualified applicants. If you’re interested in a highly ranked or prestigious program, it’s worth applying to one or two reach schools so long as you meet the basic qualifications.
How to Build Your College List
Before you can even start applying, you need a list of schools to work from. Start by researching programs you’re most interested in. Look into each college’s academics, location, culture, class size, financial aid options, and other important information. Think about what’s important to you, how you learn, and what kind of campus experience you want to have. Make sure the schools on your list can help you achieve your goals.
If you’re able to, visiting campuses is a great way to help narrow things down. Touring a college gives you a better sense of what life there could actually be like. It might even help you realize what you do or don’t want in a school. Ultimately, it’s not about applying to as many schools as possible. It’s about applying to the right ones, which are the ones where you can grow and succeed.
Apply to Villa Maria College
Still building your college list? We hope Villa makes it there. We have a variety of bachelor’s and associate degree programs in the arts and sciences, invest in our students by covering the cost of textbooks and supplies, and eliminate application fees. Plus, we’re test-optional, so we’re happy to take your application with or without standardized testing included. Applicants even get one-on-one guidance from our admissions counselors, so you know you’ll find the right fit. Reach out today to learn more or apply now!
