So, you’re gearing up to apply to colleges, and you’re probably wondering: How many schools should I even apply to? Do I go all-in with a ton of applications, or keep it chill and just apply to a few? Do you cast a wide net or keep it small and selective? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but we’ve got a guide to help you find your perfect balance without losing your sanity.

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1. The Sweet Spot: 8-12 Colleges

Too few = risk. Too many = stress. (And application fees. Yikes.) The ideal? Aim for 8-12 schools—a solid mix of safety, target, and reach schools, so you’re covered no matter what. 

Pro tip: It’s not about how many, it’s about making sure you actually vibe with the schools you’re applying to. Quality over quantity!

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2. Choosing the Right Colleges: Safety, Target, and Reach Schools Explained

When you’re building your list, think of it like a well-balanced meal: you need a little bit of everything.

Safety Schools (2-3): These are schools where your GPA and test scores are above average. You’ll likely get in, and hey, you’d still be happy there. 

Target Schools (4-6): These are your sweet spot. These are schools where your stats are right on target. You’ve got a solid shot at getting in and they match your academic profile. 

Reach Schools (2-3): These are your dream schools where your stats might be lower than the average student’s. It’s a stretch, but hey, it’s worth a shot!

Pro tip: Don’t go all-in on just Reach schools. You need some solid, realistic options too, just in case.

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3. The Application Fees Add Up (Like, Really Fast)

Application fees usually run between $50 and $90. Quick math: that adds up real quick, hurting your wallet. Check if you qualify for application fee waivers—a lot of schools and the Common App offer them.

Sometimes some states have free application week for most public schools in that state. Look out for those. Your school counselor may be able to give you information on these. 

Pro Tip: Apply to the schools you’re genuinely excited about so you’re not wasting cash on places you don’t actually want to attend.

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4. It’s About Fit, Not Just Rankings

Just because a school is ranked #1 doesn’t mean it’s the school for you. Think about the vibe—the location, campus culture, class sizes, and programs. 

Pro tip: If you can, visit campuses before applying. There’s no better way to get the feel for a place and see if it clicks with you.

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5. Stay Organized & Don’t Leave Everything to the Last Minute

Trust, applying to colleges is not a last-minute thing. College apps are a lot to juggle— deadlines, requirements, and essays (because, spoiler: they’ll be different for each school). Use a spreadsheet or planner to stay on top of things. Pro tip: Start early—there’s nothing worse than cramming 10 applications in one week.

Pro tip: Create a sheet (Google or Excel) with all the important dates of colleges you are interested in and track your progress on each application there.

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Final Thoughts

For most people, 8-12 colleges is the sweet spot. A solid mix of safety, target, and reach schools will give you options without the overwhelm. Apply smart, stay organized, and choose schools that genuinely excite you. You want to end up at a place you love, not just one with a fancy name. 

Need more tips on college applications, scholarships, or just how to survive this whole process? Cirkled In has your back—check out Cirkled In resources to help you through every step of your college journey!

Here are the tips on how to write a College Essay that actually stands out.

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