The college application process can be filled with excitement, anxiety, and anticipation, leaving many stressed and overwhelmed, so we are here to guide you through the process and highlight a few important considerations that might make things go more smoothly.
One common question among high school seniors is, “How many colleges should I apply to?” While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, the average American senior typically applies to around 10-15 colleges; however, at RMA, that number leans more toward 5-7. But where should you fall on the spectrum? The answer lies in striking a balance between applying to various schools to increase your chances of acceptance and narrowing down your choices to ensure you can devote enough time and effort to each application.
Where you want to apply is important in knowing how many schools to apply to.
Look at colleges’ acceptance rates. If every university on your shortlist admits less than 20-25% of applicants, you should probably apply to more colleges while ensuring some are less selective. Another big consideration is whether you plan to apply to in-state or out-of-state schools. (This is assuming you’re looking primarily at public universities.) In-state schools often offer lower tuition rates for residents, making them a cost-effective choice. However, out-of-state institutions can provide more diverse experiences and opportunities. If most of your top choices are public colleges outside of North Carolina, you may want to apply to an extra school or two to increase your chances of being accepted since it is generally easier to get into in-state public universities. For example, the acceptance rate for UNC-Chapel Hill is 60% in-state and 20% out-of-state.
As you can see, it is crucial to start the process early by researching colleges you may want to apply to. When possible, visiting now–not only after you’ve been accepted!–is a great place to start. Touring colleges is essential because it gives you a feel for the place you can’t get just from reading about it. You might find that you don’t like the feel of a big, public college in the heart of a city and prefer a small, private campus instead… and that preference might lead you to more or less competitive schools, which in turn affects how many applications you need to send out. Starting early can also provide you with ample time to gather the required documents and craft compelling essays. Remember that not all colleges use the Common App, so you may not always be able to reuse the same essays and personal statements, and you don’t want to be left scrambling at the last minute to meet an application deadline.
In addition, you should begin working on activities and achievements early in high school, helping out in the community, and finding your passion as schools start to turn away from solely score-based acceptance. While grades and scores are a crucial part of the admissions process, it is important to remember that you are much more than just your scores–and colleges recognize that!
The college application process can be exciting and challenging, but with careful planning and consideration, you can navigate it successfully. Remember that this process is not just about getting into college but finding the right fit for your academic and personal growth. Stay organized, seek guidance when needed, and trust in your ability to make the best choices for your future.
