How Many Schools Are You Applying To?

[cbx2v]

I'm looking at MA programs in international relations/public policy. I've whittled my schools down to eight programs and two fellowships. I'm a bit worried that's too many... But how many is too many? I am (probably irrationally) terrified that I won't get in anywhere, so I want to apply to as many programs as I can, but if I apply to too many programs the quality of my applications may go down. What is everyone else doing?

[cbx2v]

True, true, true. I will just have to devote a lot of time to my applications... Thanks!

[eternallyephemeral]

I applied to eight programs, two masters+PhD and six direct PhD (out of undergrad). It's not really a numbers game, and it all depends on the fit between you and the people there, and how difficult it is to get in. I don't think eight is impossible to do high quality applications for, but it depends how much time youre spending and how different they are. I also applied to two types of scholarships, but for one I had to apply to two separate schools for that scholarship (so three scholarship applications) and I was in school, so it was a bit crazy.

[eternallyephemeral]

On 10/7/2016 at 4:26 PM, cbx2v said:

True, true, true. I will just have to devote a lot of time to my applications... Thanks!

No problem! Only do what you think you can do well, though!

[Chai_latte]

For my first master's, I applied to 9 schools.  For the second, I applied to one.  

For me, nine was a bit much.  I remember wishing I had stopped at #7 (apps are quite time-consuming).  But, eight should be doable.  Just make sure you allot enough time.  As the previous poster said, only apply to schools that are a good fit.  When I applied, the "bad fits" were the ones that rejected me (most of which ranked equal to or lower than the schools that took me).  I shouldn't have wasted my time on those apps.

When I applied to my second/current program, I found a perfect fit.  As a result, I decided that I'd rather reapply, if necessary, than settle for a different place.  I'm not encouraging you to only apply to one school, but always ask yourself if you'd truly be happy at each school you're considering.  It can be better to have a shorter, "good fit" list and possibly face reapplication than to have a long list loaded with programs that don't meet your needs.