Is it okay to apply to only two schools– and has it been done?

College Search & Lists
1

Hi everyone,
I’m a junior right now, and I’ve been researching schools for a while and visited several over spring break. It’s not that my criteria is particularly narrow, but I’ve only been able to find two schools where I could really “see myself”: William & Mary and UVA. (And just for the heck of it, I’d like to apply to Yale). I’m instate, IB diploma candidate, 3.95 unw gpa, 2310 sat, so both schools are within reach, but I feel like it might be risky to only apply to two schools. I guess I’m wondering whether it’s crucial that I find another school or two that I like, and whether any of you on CC have ever applied to a ridiculously low number of schools.

2

Two schools may be ok if at least one of them is a safety that you are assured admission to, certainly able to afford, and which you have no questions on liking it or any other suitability (academic or otherwise) issue.

If the two schools do not include a safety, your default safety is to start at a community college and transfer to a four year school later.

3

I would apply to a safety, unless you would prefer to go to CC or take a gap year if you are denied at UVA

4

Can you apply early action so you have the option to send more apps in mid-December if needed?

5

I had a 50% success rate with four. Would not advise. It’s stressful.

6

@suzyQ7 I’m definitely planning on applying EA to UVa (W&M only has ED). Unfortunately UVa doesn’t release EA decisions until January 31st. Of course I guess some schools have rolling admission, and there are a few with deadlines in February…

@bodangles Thanks, I think that’s what I needed to hear.

7

I don’t think it’s a good idea. If by some miracle you don’t get into any, which could happen, you’re in a pretty dreadful situation. Plus, you might change how you feel about some colleges you apply to in the 6 months following applying. I know I did.
A few of my friends only applied to 1 school but those were ED/EA and they got in. Had they not gotten in, they have applied to many many more RD.

8

If I’m not mistaken, Virginia Commonwealth University has rolling admissions, so if you really don’t want to attend/don’t get into any other schools than the ones you’ve listed, you could apply there as a safety as a last resort at any time. @xcgal17

9

It would be fine if you were interested in a school like University of Mary Washington or James Madison University and knew you could afford either, but you are applying to the two most selective schools in the Virginia public higher ed system. You need a safety school unless you are fine with community college (VCU may have an earlier deadline for merit aid than its actual stated deadline, idk though).

10

Just don’t. Not a good strategy.

11

Thanks everyone, it’s been good to hear this.