RIGHT NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS
Pratima Mittal
Director IPC, Gulf | Developmental Academic Counselor | Education Consultant| University Representative | ACC, ICF aspirant
How Many Applications Should Be Made?
The number of colleges one must apply to is one of the most crucial queries. How many is too many? To get to our dream college, how many should we apply to?
What is THE RIGHT NUMBER of applications? Is there a right number? 10-15-20?
I am aware of students who submit numerous applications, which makes the process tiresome, time-consuming, and, let's face it, terrifying.
Should this be the case?
A smart application strategy is the solution!?Quality to Quantity!
Please respond to this question before initiating the application process: How many can you attempt with complete conviction? Answer this while bearing in mind that at the time of applying, you would be busy studying and in all probability will also be taking some form of evaluation. You would also be involved in projects/internships. Amidst it all, there are applications!?
So once again, how many can you manage right to make it a strong application?
An application has several sections- writing is an important section. Your application must reflect the best version of you.??It takes time and hard work to get that process right. Instead of making a hasty and hurried attempt, carefully evaluate the solutions.
So answer these before you make an application!
How many assertive applications can you churn out?
In addition, remember, you have to go to ONLY ONE of them!
There will be institutions/colleges you have dreamt of and aspire to go to - keep those in mind. Answer honestly, how many of these are there?
In all honesty, how many of these are there? If however you have 15 schools that you like, and 10 more schools that you kind of like.?then your decision-making requires some serious consideration.
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Remember, the number of schools on your list is far less important than having a balance of the reach schools, the target schools, and the safety schools.
Give this a serious thought - the mix! The mix of your aspiration colleges and those that are easily accessible, also known as safety schools.
However, trying to have AS MANY AS POSSIBLE is not the right solution. In my experience, you will have subpar numerous applications which will finally not fetch you admission to your dream college. A strong, targeted application will, on the other hand, makes you a strong candidate.?
Which one do you prefer to be?
An extract from the University of Pennsylvania website states:
'It is better to submit eight well-done, strong applications that give you the
greatest chance of acceptance instead of submitting 15 quickly done weaker applications'.
Carefully select the universities and thoroughly investigate their educational standards and requirements. Distinguish them as reach, target and safety while carefully studying their requirements, your scores and your profile. A good school list has a balance of all three types of schools. A list that has only 'the reach schools' is a recipe for disaster. You run a higher risk of rejection if you apply to only reach schools.
Back to our question!
How many Reach schools, Target schools and Safety Schools?
My answer is, how many can you be true to without compromising the quality of the application? Answer that and then choose carefully!?
You have to keep up with your schoolwork, your friends, and your family. And you have to maintain your sanity too.