I will be applying to 20 colleges. What is the average number of colleges to which most people apply?
A. Although there is no standard number of colleges when in which to apply, we recommend that students apply to about 3 “reaches,” 3 “possibles,” and 3 “likelies.” The task of applying to nine colleges, even if done well, can be overwhelming and ever so stressful. A student who is applying to 20 schools has obviously not done his research. When writing essays for 20 different colleges, it’s less likely that those essays will be powerful statements. Since some high school guidance departments have very specific policies concerning the number of applications each student is allowed to submit, students who are considering applying to 20 colleges, need to check with their guidance counselor to see if this is permissible.
