Shotgunning—I'm very confused

skate17
Mon, 29 Jun 2020 04:29:23 +0000

For all those that have applied previously, is shotgunning an advisable strategy or not? It seems logical to me on the surface, but I think there’s a lot more than meets the eye.

I believe that applying to all 8 Ivy Leagues, all 15 of the T15, etc. is a waste of time and money. At the same time though, I kind of feel like I would be missing out on an opportunity to get into a prestigious school by not applying.

I mean doesn’t everyone say that “your college doesn’t define you, you do”? So I suppose if someone got into a prestigious school that wasn’t really a right “fit” for them, then they could figure out a way to make that experience enjoyable for them, right?

Don’t we all tell people who end up going to safety schools that it’s up to them to make the most of their education, not the university? So, when people endorse this ideology but then turn around and say, “don’t apply to all 8 ivies”, isn’t it a bit hypocritical? Or are they just trying to make those people who are going to safety schools happier?

Sorry for the long post. I just wanted to get all of this off my mind and in writing somewhere.