Number of applications

[caranciaest]

I'm not sure how many PhD applications to submit. I'm applying only in Europe and I'm thinking of applying to Oxford, LSE, UCL, and EUI. Would this be enough or is it better to apply to lots of places? I see that in the US it's common to apply to up to a dozen places, but presumably because the intake is smaller at each institution. Would 4 be enough or is it better just to apply to loads of places?

[the_sheath]

Before you apply to lots of places, ask yourself the following questions:

1) Can I afford to apply to do many places?

Personally, I could not, and could only go for 5.

2) Do I actually want to go to all these places? Do all of these places fit with my research interests? Does living in these places make me want to throat punch a kitten?

I guess technically, applying to more than 4 places increases your probability of being accepted into at least one place. But speaking as someone who horribly botched his application process, I think you should be very selective about your programs. It sounds like you want to apply to a bunch of programs for the sake of being accepted, but that is a recipe for disaster.

I say go ahead and apply to a lot of places of you can afford it, but don't do it solely for the increased probability of being accepted somewhere. Choose wisely.

[PhDerp]

Does living in these places make me want to throat punch a kitten?

I loled.

But seriously, the_sheath's advice.

It could be helpful to meet with your advisor to discuss options (if you're still in school). My advisor helped me immensely with my application process!