How Many Schools Should You Apply To?

Question

Is there a right number of colleges to apply to? What's a "safety" school, and is it really safe?

Answer 1

The right number really depends on both the applicant and the schools on their list – I tend to be conservative and recommend applying to at least 2-3 safety schools and 4-5 target schools, and then add your reaches on top of that! That brings me to your next question – what is a "safety school"? A safety school depends on the applicant – what's "safe" for one student might not be for another. It is usually considered to be a school where your metrics (say your grades or your standardized test scores) are above those of the average accepted student. (This is compared to a target school, where your grades and test scores fall within the range of accepted students). If chosen appropriately, you will likely be accepted to your safety school, but unfortunately it's not always a sure thing (which is why I never recommend applying to only one safety). The other big caveat with ranking your tiers of schools (reach, target, safety) is that these are often stratified based on those numbers (GPA, SAT or ACT), and don't reflect you as a full applicant. So think a little about your application as a whole – do you have really strong extracurriculars or leadership? Are you a star musician or athlete? Those factors could impact your chances of admission and change what we would consider a safety vs. target school for you.

Think critically before applying about what attracts you to that school – would you go there if you got in? If the answer is no, don't waste the application. On the other hand, don't over-restrict your list – you definitely can't get in if you don't apply!

For the best advice, meet with someone one-on-one who really knows you, your credentials, and your goals to help you craft a list that fits you.

Answer 2

The answer to this question depends on the student’s goals and circumstances. Generally, applying to 6-8 schools that you are genuinely interested in and would be happy to attend is a good range. This allows for a balanced mix of safety, target, and reach schools.

A "safety" school is one where a student's academic profile (GPA, test scores, and extracurriculars) is significantly above the school's average admitted student. For example, a school with a 95% acceptance rate is likely a true safety for a well-rounded student with a 4.0+ GPA and 99th percentile test scores. However, as Rachel G. mentioned, there are always exceptions—particularly for schools with lower acceptance rates or holistic admissions processes.

If a student can afford the additional application fees, applying to at least two safety schools may provide extra security in case of an unexpected outcome. This approach can help alleviate the stress of relying on a single safety school.

Answer 3

In recent years, students using the Common App have applied to 6 schools on average. You may choose fewer or more. Every rule has its exception, but I typically recommend at least 3 and I rarely recommend more than 10.