I think this question must have been asked many times... at least once per year? I am wondering how many schools people usually apply to, and how many is too many? Recalling back to the college applications, I only submitted 5 applications (1 was for state unis so it was one app for all and let me squeeze in many more schools). I remember writing essays (long & short) for the app process took forever, and that was when I was still a student and didn't need to worry about the full-time job! My current strategy is like this: 2 reach 4 schools of 50-50 2 safties This bring the total to 8 schools, and that's probably... safe to say over 20 essays to write about? Sounds daunting to me. Also, how can you pick the recommenders? Do I have to pile 8 recommendation forms on "the chosen one's" desk? Sounds like it will take weeks to get the recommendations finished.... In any case, some opinions in this will be greatly appreciated. If someone can share his/her experiences, that'll be even more fantastic! Thanks in advance.

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How many schools do you plan to apply?

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sarzan

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09 Jul 2008, 15:21

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6.

Wharton
MIT
Chicago
Columbia
Yale
Cornell

Maybe 2 in R1 and 4 in R2

refurb

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09 Jul 2008, 18:22

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raabenb

6 total. How many in round 1 will be determined by how good the quality is before submission....and smart planning.

That's exactly my plan. 5 schools, so either 2 or 3 in R1 and 3 or 2 in R2. How many in R1 will depend on how good I think my essays are at that point.

A friend who graduated last year did zero in R1 and all five in R2.

RF

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09 Jul 2008, 18:36

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nognig

A friend who graduated last year did zero in R1 and all five in R2.

RF

Out of curiosity, any idea how he fared, in terms of admits/dings?

msday

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09 Jul 2008, 19:17

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4 schools, all R1 (hopefully)

lenaonline

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01 Mar 2014, 07:20

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riverripper

8 is a lot. I think 3 per round is a good balance...unless you are throwing an ED in there. Doing 3 for R1 last year was tough, talking with folks they said that by the time you get to #5 you are starting to get burned out and quality starts to slip a little.

I agree, 8 is way too much. Go for 3 and select those schools have the best fit for you (realistic to get in, specializations you plan to do, quality of profs etc.)

lenaonline

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02 Mar 2014, 11:44

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Have a look at this interesting article in thembatour blog /?p=2431(unfortunately I can't post the full link), there is a really good article exactly on this subject.

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