Is ten colleges too many to apply to?

MYOS1634
Sun, 05 Mar 2017 11:05:02 +0000

Right now, your list is just a bunch of names you’ve heard. Most of these universities are 'reach for everyone ’ and case western will be a Reach or a match depending on our hs gpa/scores. (it’s a highly ranked research university). These universities have different 'personalities’and thus ‘fit’ is different from one to the other.
You’re also missing out on a LOT of good schools - ever heard of HarveyMudd, Carleton , Colgate, Hamilton, Grinnell, Skidmore…? What about Fordham, Syracuse, Ithaca, St Olaf, Butler, Dickinson, Truman State? Kenyon, Denison, Wooster, Ohio Wesleyan?
Do you know the differences between honors colleges at TOSU, Ohio, MIAMI OH, Pitt, psu-schreyer? What about UAlabama Honors or ASU Barrett?
My point is that, right now, you shouldn’t have dream schools and you should explore colleges. You’re lucky to be living in a college-rich state. Try to visit a bunch to get a feel for what you like, to understand ‘fit’, etc. Read the Fiske guide and look for safety schools you like. Don’t zero in on all the prestigous 'big names '.
It’s good to have ambitions and to want to strive for your goals. It’s good to have a plan that leads you there.
But don’t forget that high school isn’t ‘pre-college’. It’s a goal in and of itself. Not just the antechamber to your future.
Regarding college:
The hardest part will be 1) finding two safeties you like and can afford and 2) talking ‘budget’ with your parents.
If they haven’t started yet, they can still start putting money aside each month in a 529. They can also test their ability to do that: can they set aside $1,000 each month? More? Less?
If you can sign up for a 'promise’type of program where you promise to do what it takes to get to College and the state will help you financially , sign up, it’s often done in 8rh grade.