Question:How many colleges do you recommend applying to, and how should it be broken down by in terms of “Reach,” “Likely” and “Safety”?

Answer: College application numbers are up nationwide for many reasons, but the ease of applying online is definitely a factor. Deciding how many colleges go on your final list is a balancing act.

Consider how to balance your time to ensure that each and every application you send out reflects the very best writing you have ever done. Strong applications to six colleges from a well-chosen list are far more likely to result in fat acceptance letters in your mailbox in April than weak or sloppy applications to 20 colleges.

I recommend applying to at least two “very probable” colleges, two to four “probable” colleges, and four to six “reach” colleges. Eight to 12 college applications should be sufficient; however, each student’s goals and admissions qualifications are unique; please take these numbers as guidelines only.

Make sure that you have researched your list carefully, that each college fits your preferences as tightly as possible and that you write passionately about why you would like to attend each one.

By The New York Times