How many PhD programs should I apply to?

[Just Jeff]

I have about 10-12 so far, but somehow, I don't feel that this is enough.

 

If someone has an MA from a really good university, how many schools? What about just a BA?

[fuzzylogician]

I moved this thread to the Applications forum. Let me know if you think there is a better place for it and I can move it there. 

 

I suggest you do a search of the forum. Your question has been asked and answered several times, and you may even find answers that are specific for your field of study (whatever it is). 

[juilletmercredi]

Ten to 12 should be enough.  At least in my field it is, and I can't think of a field in which it wouldn't be enough.  I don't think it matters whether one has an MA or a BA as long as one is a competitive candidate.

[fishasaurus]

Your number is fine, but make sure that the rankings vary. It's fine to apply to a bunch of top tier schools as long as you apply to a few "safety schools" as well, that you are guaranteed to get into.

[juilletmercredi]

^Mmm, I think this depends on the student and their goals.  First, one can't be guaranteed admission to any doctoral program since all of them are competitive - even if a doctoral program takes in 5 students per year and only 50 apply, that's still a 10% admission rate.  Second, depending on your goals, a mid-ranked program may not make as much sense.  If you're in a glutted field and you want to teach at Harvard, it may make sense to go to a mid-ranked program (unless Harvard IS a mid-ranked program in your area).

[rising_star]

This is really field dependent. If you're applying in clinical psych, 10-12 may not be enough. If you're applying in my field, that same number would generally be considered overkill.

[emmm]

I would add that it is also dependent on your personal situation. I was geographically constrained, so I could not apply to a large number of schools, but I was able to apply to multiple programs at individual schools. They were not all perfect fits, but it is not always easy to figure out which programs are during the application process (interview days are helpful for this). I would say apply to as many as you can manage and that you are seriously interested in attending if admitted.