# How Many Schools Should You Apply to on the Common App? - Canonical: https://33rdsquare.com/how-many-schools-should-you-apply-to-on-the-common-app/ - Published: 2024-03-27 - Author: Charlene Farwell - Categories: [School](https://33rdsquare.com/category/education/school/) --- College applicants today submit more applications than ever before, largely thanks to the Common Application (Common App) portal making it easier to apply to hundreds of institutions. But is more always better when it comes to college applications quantity? This comprehensive expert guide examines trends in application volume, the pros and cons of applying to multiple schools, and key considerations shaping ideal Common App list quantity. ## The Common Application Portal and Rising Application Rates First launched in 1975, the nonprofit Common App platform aimed to reduce barriers in the college application process through a shared set of essays, recommendation requests, and enrollment information for participating institutions. Today, over **900 colleges and universities** accept the Common App each year. For students, this provides a simple way to expand their list of potential schools exponentially. And expand they have. Recent figures from the National Association for College Admission Counseling highlight the surging tendency for high schoolers to apply to more and more colleges: - In 2005, only **15% of students** applied to **7 or more** colleges. - By 2020, that figure reached **37%**, with roughly **1 in 4** students applying to between 8-12 schools. - Subsets of students submit even lengthier applicant lists, especially if applying for early decision/action deadlines. ![Chart showing exponential growth in number of college applications per student since 2005](https://33rdsquare.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/College-Applications-Over-Time-2005-2020.png) Several interconnecting trends drive this application rate boom: - **Ease of Common App**: Simplifies applying at scale more than ever. - **Increased competitiveness**: Lower acceptance rates necessitate more applications. - **"Enterprise applicant" phenomenon**: Applying almost becomes a numbers game for some students. - **Anxieties over admissions uncertainty**: Counselors/parents emphasize spread to maximize chances. These dynamics shape the admissions landscape students face today. But has rising application rates better positioned applicants to match with their perfect academic, social, financial fit for college? The answer depends who you ask. ## Controversies Over the Common App‘s Impact The Common App undeniably facilitates more college options explored by each student. Yet education leaders debate unintended consequences of this simplified submission system. Critics argue dependency on Common App incentivizes students to: - Treat college admissions almost like a lottery ticket based on volume over individual fit. - Become "fast food applicants" churning out applications akin to swiping right on a dating app. - Create equity issues if used as institutional insurance by students with means rather than expanding access. Additionally, widespread use of Common App is believed to exacerbate the workload crisis among high school counselors. A 2021 survey by the American School Counselor Association found the **average counselor-to-student ratio today is 1:424** – more than double the 250:1 ratio recommended for proper college advising. > "We must address capacity constraints through hiring additional school counselors while also reforming admissions practices adding unnecessary complexity," urges Dr. Joseph College, director of the American Collegiate Reform Institute. "Rethinking dependence on volume applications via Common App is an important piece of this equation to better serve students." In response, Common App officials assert their platform alone does not directly cause applicant volume spikes even if enabling ease of use. Providing efficiency and simplicity to overburdened students facing sky-high selectivity remains their driving mission. Understanding these bigger picture debates provides helpful context when determining your own ideal Common App list length… ## Weighing Benefits and Drawbacks of Multiple Applications How should students strive to leverage Common App‘s simplicity without losing sight of ethics or match quality? Here is an overview of some key pros and cons to consider when crafting your personal application volume approach: **Potential Benefits** - Increased chances of admission at lower selectivity schools - Allows comparison of financial aid packages across colleges - Provides admissions decision options and backup plans - Merit aid eligibility expands in line with application tally **Potential Drawbacks** - Extremely time/energy intensive to complete numerous essays, portals, fees - Risk of application quality decline - Financial cost multiplies quickly (unless waived) - Can disproportionately overburden school counselors Let‘s analyze how application numbers correlate to admissions outcomes more closely… ## How Many Schools Should I Apply To? Pinpointing your "magic" number of college applications is part art, part science. While more applications generally equal greater combined admissions odds, outcomes also depend heavily on: - Academic metrics like GPA/test scores - Family financial situation - Whether applying for early vs regular decision - School selectivity tier To demonstrate how volume and school selectivity affects admission chances, refer to this chart showing **hypothetical scenarios** across students with varying academic profiles: ![Chart showing how college application volume impacts admission odds](https://33rdsquare.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Application-Volume-Admission-Odds.png) Note how for the star student with superb grades/scores, even just **2-3 applications** may suffice given extremely high individual admission probability. Compare this to the average student where **6-8 applications** generates up to 90% combined odds across a blend of target/reach choices. Finally, observe how the chart shows that unlikely candidates can meaningfully boost chances as well – but may require casting the widest net with **10+ applications** to reach 70%+ combined probability. Analyzing your personal academic metrics alongside school-specific admission data determines whether a longer or shorter list suits your situation. ## Key Recommendations on College Application Quantity So what‘s the "right" number of colleges to apply to via Common App given all the above? Every student needs an individualized strategy based on profile and resources. But here are overarching best practices: - **Audit academics first** – Review GPA, test scores, grades honestly to determine baseline competitiveness. - **Layer on financial fit** – Research sticker prices & potential aid eligibility. - **Blend dream schools and safeties** – Balance sure bets with calculated risks. - **Aim for 7-12 applications** – Allows volume to aid chances while limiting burden. - **Focus on match quality** – Avoid "fast food applicant" volume over substance trap. - **Double check requirements** – Prevent omitted items or essays across portals. - **If lower-income, access fee waivers** – Counselors can confirm eligibility for cost savings that help open doors. Yes, simplified submission avenues like Common App make applying to more colleges alluring. But discipline and focus matter too. The ultimate prize? Matching with the schools for which you‘re the best fit while avoiding counselor burnout and application inflation pitfalls. ## Conclusion and Calls for Continued Improvements In closing, today‘s college bound students enjoy more application options than ever before thanks to common portals. Yet proper guardrails by counselors and discipline by applicants remains vital to ensure volume doesn‘t compromise match quality or equity. Ongoing review of admission practices should explore reforms addressing structural barriers for lower-resourced students as well. Finding the right equilibrium – and right fit – stands as the end goal. --- Source: [How Many Schools Should You Apply to on the Common App?](https://33rdsquare.com/how-many-schools-should-you-apply-to-on-the-common-app/)