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"When you attend summer orientation, take copies of immunization records, your transcript, and any AP or CLEP score reports."
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Dr. Elizabeth Teagan, Director, Advising Center, Texas Tech University

How Many Applications?

Finalizing the College List

Some students send as many as 15 applications, while others send only one. A diverse group of college choices and a realistic attitude about the strength of his application are the keys to a successful match for your child.

Here are a few things you and your child should keep in mind as he creates a balanced list.

Your Child Should Apply to a Range of Schools

Your child's college list should include approximately five to eight colleges, but there isn't one "magic" number.

  • One or two colleges where your child feels she will most likely get in—say, a 90-100 percent chance. These are usually called "safeties" or "back ups."
  • Two to four colleges that are overall good matches—say, a 75 percent chance of getting in. These are colleges that fit academically and socially.
  • One or two "reach" colleges—say, a 25 percent or less chance of getting in. These are colleges that present an admission challenge.

The key is for your child to plan her list now, so she is not making last-minute decisions. Here's a worksheet your child can use to help get a handle on her college list:

Don't Go Overboard

There are several reasons for your child to apply to only those schools where he is sure to want to go.

  • The application fee at most colleges is around $50. Applying to a large number of schools can be expensive. You should be clear with your child from early on about how much the family can budget for application fees. If finances are tight, your child may want to apply for a fee waiver.
  • Applications involve a lot of time and effort. There are many steps and each item must be done carefully. Quality is better than quantity when it comes to college applications. Your child is probably still very busy with classes and extracurricular activities, so he should be realistic about allowing time for applications.
  • Your child may be taking a spot away from another applicant who really wants to go to that school.

Seek Help

Your child's guidance counselor or college adviser can help your child determine the number of schools that's right for her. They know your child and her academic history and can recommend good fits. Their experience in helping students through the application process can be a valuable resource for you and your child.

"Safeties" Good Matches "Reaches"