![\"Best-MBA-Figuring-Out-How-Many-Schools\"](\"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Best-MBA-Figuring-Out-How-Many-Schools.jpg\")
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In our\u00a0Choosing the Best MBA Program for You<\/a>\u00a0series, you\u2019ll learn how to create a list of business schools that are the best fit for your educational, social, and professional preferences and how creating this list will boost your chances of getting accepted.<\/em><\/p>\n At this point in your school research, you know what you\u2019re looking for in an MBA program, but what\u2019s the magic number? How many is too many and how many is not enough? Deciding how many schools to apply to is another often shortchanged step in the pre-application process. It\u2019s something that people seem to think just happens. And it will just happen, but not necessarily in an advantageous way, unless you take control of the process. Your specific situation and needs should drive your choice of how many schools to apply to \u2013 in each category: reasonable reach, on-par, and safety<\/a>. Having a clear idea before you start your applications of how many schools you\u2019ll be targeting will help you plan and allocate your resources. Please note: By \u201cnumber\u201d I mean roughly; a short range such as \u201cfive or six\u201d is fine.<\/p>\n A \u201ctypical\u201d applicant would apply to about five or six programs: 2-3 reasonable reaches, 2-3 on-pars, and 1-2 safeties. The rationale for this scenario is that it yields a decent possibility of acceptance at a reach, likelihood of acceptance at an on-par program, and certainty through the safety.<\/p>\n This typical case doesn\u2019t apply to a lot of people though. Here are some common exceptions:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2022 You\u2019re on the older side, so getting in this year is essential<\/strong> \u2013 next year you will be solidly in EMBA territory.<\/strong> Consider applying to more programs \u2013 as many as you can manage.<\/p>\n \u2022 You\u2019re fairly young, have a spectacular career and stats, and don\u2019t think it makes sense to take off two years now if it\u2019s not HBS or Stanford.<\/strong> You should apply to those two only, because you can reapply next year if need be without worrying about age.<\/p>\n \u2022 The brands you require are all reaches, some reasonable and some almost out of reach.<\/strong> It wouldn\u2019t be worth it to you to attend other programs. Apply to as many as you can that fit your criteria and offer some realistic hope of acceptance to increase the possibility of a hit.<\/p>\n \u2022 You are applying with a handicap \u2013 a DUI or honor code infraction, were fired for cause, etc.<\/strong> If you write a frank and compelling essay about growing from the situation<\/a> (and if it didn\u2019t happen yesterday), you should have a shot. But because it\u2019s such an unpredictable factor and adcoms often react defensively, apply to more schools than you otherwise would need to.<\/p>\n \u2022 You\u2019re unsettled about geographic region and want to keep options open.<\/strong> Apply to more programs to keep options open.<\/p>\n \u2022 You\u2019re pressed for time.<\/strong> Maybe you can\u2019t devote more than two hours a week, or maybe you must have all your apps done by a given deadline. Select a number that will allow you to deliver the strongest quality applications, even if it\u2019s fewer than you would normally do under other circumstances.<\/p>\n Last but not least, this number isn\u2019t written in stone. The application process is dynamic, and you are not closing off opportunities by deciding on a number to target now.<\/p>\n You can significantly increase your chances of getting accepted by applying to the programs that are the best fit for your unique qualifications, goals, and preferences. Our MBA admissions consulting services<\/a> will provide you with the one-on-one guidance you need to submit the best MBA applications to the best MBA programs for YOU!<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Related Resources:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2022 Navigate the MBA Maze: 9 Tips to Acceptance<\/a>, a free guide \u00a0This article originally appeared on blog.accepted.com<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n Applying to a top b-school? The talented folks at Accepted have helped hundreds of applicants get accepted to their dream programs. Whether you are figuring out where to apply, writing your application essays, or prepping for your interviews, we are just a call (or click) away.<\/em><\/p>\n![\"Get](\"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/Best_MBA_Programs_-_CTA.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Cindy](\"https:\/\/blog.accepted.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/12\/cindy.jpg\" "\\"Cindy")
<\/a><\/em>Cindy Tokumitsu<\/a>\u00a0has advised hundreds of successful applicants, helping them gain acceptance to top MBA and EMBA programs in her 15+ years with Accepted. She would love to help you too.\u00a0Want Cindy to help you get Accepted? Click here to get in touch!<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n
\n\u2022 Should You Apply to a Safety School?<\/a>
\n\u2022 How to Clarify Your Goals for Your MBA \u2013 And Beyond<\/a><\/p>\n