<p>Your dad is wrong about the college visits. This is the number one way you can pick the college with the right “feel/atmosphere” which is really important. I went on a tour at Dartmouth and thought the kids there were stuck-up little brats (so were the parents) so I decided I would not go there. (Side note: I applied there but this was because it was my mom and dad’s alma mater. But I think I literally went into the interview and said, “I don’t want to go here”)</p>
<p>I would apply to 5-10 schools depending on your time, how much energy you want to put into it, and how much money you have to pay application fees. You definitely need options, but you also want to be able to write a unique essay each time. You also do not want to apply anywhere you don’t want to go (unless it’s a community college because you need to save the money).</p>
<p>In all honesty, this is your first task in growing up. You’re going to need to do a lot of research on your own as well as talk to your dad (maybe through other relatives) in a reasonable manner about the right way to approach admissions.</p>
<p>Good luck</p>