How Many Colleges Can You Apply To On Common App? (Spoiler Alert: It’s Not As Many As You Think)
So, you’re finally ready to conquer the college application process. You’ve got your grades, your extracurriculars, and your essays all lined up. But then you stumble across this question that throws a wrench in your perfectly crafted plans: “How many colleges can I apply to on the Common App?”
The answer? 20.
Yes, you read that right. Twenty.
Why the Common App is like a picky party host
Think of the Common App as a slightly snooty party host. Sure, they’re happy to throw a big bash for all their friends (aka, colleges). But they have a strict guest list, and they’re not afraid to turn down applications if they feel like they’re too crowded.
The Common App’s 20 College Limit: A Good Thing or a Bad Thing?
Now, you might be thinking, “20 colleges? That’s not nearly enough!” And you’re not wrong. You might have a dream list longer than your favorite grocery store receipt. But before you start freaking out, let’s talk about why the Common App has this limit in the first place.
The Common App’s Logic: It’s Not About Being Mean, It’s About Being Organized
The Common App’s limit isn’t about being a buzzkill. It’s about making sure that everyone’s application gets the attention it deserves. Imagine if you had to sift through hundreds of applications every year. You’d be drowning in essays and transcripts. The Common App’s limit helps keep things manageable and ensures that each application gets a fair shake.
The Strategy Behind the Limit: Smart Choices Over Shotgun Applications
It’s tempting to think that throwing your application at every college in sight will increase your chances of getting in. But the reality is that admissions officers can tell when you’re just checking boxes and not truly interested in their school.
It’s About Quality, Not Quantity
The Common App’s limit encourages you to be thoughtful and strategic about where you apply. It’s about finding colleges that are a good fit for you, not just applying to every school that accepts the Common App.
Think of it this way: You wouldn’t date everyone you met on a dating app, right? You’d take the time to get to know someone and see if you clicked. Applying to college is the same.
You might think 20 colleges is a small number, but it’s really enough to give you a solid range of options.
Here’s why 20 is actually more than enough:
- It allows you to apply to a mix of safeties, reaches, and matches.
- It gives you room to explore different types of colleges and majors.
- It prevents you from feeling overwhelmed and burnt out during the application process.
It’s Not About the Number, It’s About the Fit
So, instead of obsessing over the Common App’s limit, focus on building a college list that genuinely reflects your interests and goals. Don’t feel like you have to fill all 20 slots just for the sake of it.
Remember, the goal is to find the right college for you, not to apply to as many colleges as possible.
What to Do If You Have More Than 20 Colleges on Your Dream List
We get it. You have a list of colleges longer than a Shakespearean sonnet. But don’t despair. The Common App’s limit doesn’t mean you have to abandon your dreams.
Here are a few strategies for dealing with that long list:
- Prioritize: Start by making a list of the top 5-10 colleges that you’re most interested in. These are the schools where you’d be happy to attend, even if you don’t get into your top choices.
- Research thoroughly: Once you’ve narrowed down your list, research each school in detail. Look at their academic programs, extracurricular activities, student life, and location. This will help you to decide which schools are truly the best fit for you.
- Consider other application platforms: The Common App is great, but it’s not the only game in town. There are other application platforms, such as the Coalition Application and the Universal College Application, that may allow you to apply to more colleges.
- Don’t be afraid to be a little adventurous: The Common App is a great way to explore colleges you might not have considered before. Maybe there’s a hidden gem out there that you’d never have discovered if you hadn’t been open to applying to different schools.
The Bottom Line: The Common App’s Limit Isn’t the End of the World
So, while the Common App’s 20 college limit might seem like a bit of a downer, it’s really a blessing in disguise. It forces you to think critically about your college choices and focus on finding the schools that are truly right for you.
Remember, applying to college is a marathon, not a sprint. Take your time, do your research, and don’t be afraid to ask for help along the way.
And remember, if you need any extra help with this whole Common App thing, the JobLoving community is always here to help!