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Why is this bad? I don't understand. If you apply to too many schools and have the money to do so why does everyone discourage u from doing so? i was going to apply to 13 some schools but everyone tells me its a bad idea and when i ask why they dont have answer. is applying to 13-16 schools really bad? if so why?

By Skiowad (Skiowad) on Saturday, July 24, 2004 - 08:27 pm: Edit

It's not bad as long as you have the money, in my mind. But it doesn't really allow you to focus on schools that you want. You have to pick out 13-16 that just fit general criteria. I would never apply to more than 10 (4 reaches, 5 matches, 1 safety).

By Jamimom (Jamimom) on Saturday, July 24, 2004 - 08:30 pm: Edit

There are drawbacks and risks to many choices. The problem with applying to so many schools is that you will be spread pretty thin. If those schools are selective, you are going to have to show demonstrated interest in each of them with visits and letters, going to regional events that they host. You have to do this while you are still working on a tough school load, active in ECs, maybe even taking some more tests. Many schools schedule alumni interviews. It is just more difficult to put the outstanding time and effort into that many schools. Most kids tend to focus on the more selective schools and some find themselves rejected by their safeties because they treated them that way. And then if they do not get into their top choices, they are really in trouble. All because they spread themselves too thin.

I have seen kids apply to many schools. Some kids applying to ba/md combined programs send out more than 30 apps. Most of them have a parent heavily helping them with scheduling and administrative details. The more apps and stuff you are juggling , the more chances things go wrong or confused. Mistakes are more likely, mix ups will happen. And you have less time to spend on each app. The other problem is that many highschools and counselors do not like kids applying to more than a certain number of schools and if you push the envelope on this, it can come out in that private rec the school sends on you. If the colleges find out that you are applying to that many schools, they are not going to be thrilled either that you are spending that kind of time and resources on the application process. It can impact the decision. Afterall, you can only go to one school and the more schools on your list, the smaller the chance is that their school is the one you will choose.

By 007 (007) on Sunday, July 25, 2004 - 01:30 am: Edit

you can always use the common applicatio, btw i'm gonna apply to 12 schools as well (8 Reaches, 2 Matches, 2 Safeties)