Really try to define fit. And don't try to influence that.
Be true to #1
Don't waste time / money on schools that are overly unrealistic or not good fits.
First kid applied to 15 schools. In reality (not simply because he wasn’t admitted but had no chance - didn’t want to do the SAT subject tests and optional is NOT optional) should have applied to 8. 4 had no shot and 3 (was accepted with merit) but wasn’t that interested (perhaps in comparison to the other 7).
Pick a safety that's a true safety: affordable, easy admit, would be happy and excited there. Once that's done the rest is gravy and can really trim down the list. We had two safeties but he wouldn't have been excited at either of them (full rides too - oh well).
It doesn't have to be grueling and stressful. Try to make it sort of fun.
^^^^^Excellent advice @Publisher . My daughter got into Pitt at the end of September of her senior year. She would have been happy to go and knowing she was in made the whole rest of the time before she heard from her reach school so much better
Our high school encourages who want UIUC ( state flagship) to apply to Iowa. It’s about the same price ( with low bar merit aid) and they tell you in 48 hours (!) If you’re in!
We put our relationship with our kid before his high school studies or college admission process. We let him decide on colleges he wanted to apply and let him choose where he wanted to go, what he wanted to major. As a result, our kid knows we would love him and support him no matter what. Our kid knows we are his number one fans.
I asked just two things from my kid regarding college: try to exercise regularly and don’t be hesitant about cutting down on activities or classes if they cause too much stress.