Amount of Schools

[zizu]

Apologies if this topic has been covered, new here! This is my first go at applying to grad programs and I've narrowed my list to 8. I was wondering how many schools you guys are planning on applying to? I feel like everyone is applying to programs in the top 10-15 list so I'm curious if I'm applying to too many or too few? 

[SocialKonstruct]

I don't apply for at least 2.5 years but I have like 15 schools on my list.

[SpillToBuilt]

Tough call. If you are interested in all eight of those schools, maybe just apply to all of them? It certainly increases your odds of getting into a program. Of course, this depends on how much time/money you want to spend on applications as well.

It seems like a lot of people apply to their dream school(s) and then some backups. For me, I only had one school that worked due to location and funding, so I put all of my energy into that single application (and got in). Not applying elsewhere would be risky if you have more options though!

[aniben3]

I applied to 6 schools last year and 6 schools this year! Got into a few last year, but decided ultimately they weren't for me and the application process itself taught me a lot about what I was actually looking for in schools. (Plus, if schools weren't all that responsive, or if their application was a pain, then I mentally crossed them off my list. I feel like the way applicants are treated will tell you a lot.) 

If each of the schools has something you're interested in, then I think 8 sounds just fine. 

[Highlow]

I'm applying to 4 schools, but 8 sounds good if they are highly selective.