There optimum number of college applications may not be what you think.
Parents and students searching for the perfect number always ask this question. We have had clients accepted as early as September. One student was admitted based on his interview, a copy of his grades, and his SAT scores. Another student contacted us for the first time after applying to 18 different colleges and not being accepted by any of her top choices. She was rejected or wait-listed at 14 out of 18 schools.
So, what is the magic number? We don’t think there is one. Research indicates that the national average is three to four colleges. This number allows a student to apply to a “match” school, a “dream” school and a “safety” school. However, research also shows that 20 percent of students apply to between 6 and 11 different colleges and universities.
Find more information about the college admissions process here.
Applying to colleges is costly and time consuming, with the average college or university charging approximately $75 to apply. Many students are just “clicking” on the common application to blindly apply to a school. One admissions counselor at a university in the Boston area told us that they are adding a supplemental essay to stop students from blindly applying and basically wasting the university’s time.
Many other schools have added a “simple yet interesting writing supplement” to their application to prevent the “blind click.”
Proper planning is extremely important during the application period. OnPoint Prep can assist your family in making great application decisions with positive outcomes.
Find more information about the college admissions process here.