For many high school seniors, the Common Application feels like the gateway to possibility. With a single platform opening doors to hundreds of institutions, it simplifies the admissions processābut it also raises a big question: how many colleges can you actually apply to using the Common App? The answer involves more than just a number. It touches on strategy, cost, workload, and how to build a balanced college list that truly fits your goals.
TL;DR: Through the Common App, you can apply to up to 20 colleges. That limit is firm and applies to the total number of institutions you can add to your account. While 20 may sound like a lot, applying to that many schools requires careful planning, time, and money. Most students apply to fewer schools to balance effort, cost, and application quality.
Understanding the Common App Limit
The Common Application allows students to apply to a maximum of 20 colleges or universities. This cap is set by the platform itself and cannot be increased. Whether you’re applying to public universities, private colleges, or a mix of both, once you hit 20 schools in your list, you wonāt be able to add more.
The good news? You can remove a college from your list if you havenāt submitted the application yet and replace it with another. However, once an application has been submitted, it counts toward your total permanently.
Itās also worth noting that not every college in the United States uses the Common App. Some schools use their own applications, the Coalition Application, or state-specific systems. That means, technically, you could apply to more than 20 colleges overall if you apply through multiple platformsābut only 20 through the Common App itself.
Is 20 Colleges Too Many?
While the ability to apply to 20 colleges might seem like an opportunity to maximize your chances, applying to that many schools is not always the best strategy. Each college application requires time, attention, and often supplemental essays tailored to that institution.
Consider what goes into each application:
- Personal information and academic history
- Main Common App essay
- Supplemental essays (required by many colleges)
- Letters of recommendation
- Application fees (typically $50ā$90 per school)
If you were to apply to all 20 schools, that could mean writing dozens of supplemental essays and paying over $1,000 in application fees alone. For many students, that level of volume isnāt practical or necessary.
How Many Colleges Do Most Students Apply To?
Although the cap is 20, most students apply to between 5 and 10 colleges. Admissions experts often recommend building a balanced list that includes:
- Reach schools: Colleges where admission is less likely
- Match schools: Colleges where your academic profile aligns with average admitted students
- Safety schools: Colleges where admission is highly likely
A common strategy might look like this:
- 2ā3 reach schools
- 2ā4 match schools
- 1ā3 safety schools
This balanced approach helps you avoid putting all your hopes on highly competitive institutions while still aiming high.
Why the 20-College Limit Exists
You might wonder why the Common App limits students to 20 colleges in the first place. The answer is largely about fairness and practicality.
If there were no cap, some students might apply to 40 or 50 colleges, significantly increasing application volume across institutions. That surge would:
- Make admissions even more competitive
- Slow down review processes
- Encourage āshotgunning,ā or applying everywhere without strong interest
By setting a limit, the Common App encourages students to apply thoughtfully rather than indiscriminately. Colleges, in turn, can better manage their applicant pools.
Factors to Consider Before Applying to the Maximum
Before deciding to apply to 15, 18, or even 20 colleges, take a moment to evaluate your situation. Ask yourself:
1. Do I have enough time?
Each supplemental essay requires careful thought. Rushed applications can weaken your chances.
2. Can I afford the fees?
Even at $60 per application, 20 schools would cost $1,200. Fee waivers are available for eligible students, but they still require paperwork and planning.
3. Am I genuinely interested in all of these colleges?
Applications should reflect real interest. If you canāt articulate why a college is a good fit for you, it may not belong on your list.
4. Am I staying organized?
Tracking multiple deadlines, scholarship requirements, and financial aid forms can quickly become overwhelming.
How to Build a Smart College List
Rather than focusing on the maximum number allowed, focus on building a high-quality list. Here are steps to do that effectively:
- Research thoroughly. Look at majors offered, campus culture, location, internship opportunities, and graduation rates.
- Compare financial aid policies. Understand whether schools meet full demonstrated need or offer merit scholarships.
- Assess academic fit. Compare your GPA, test scores (if submitted), and course rigor with admitted student averages.
- Visit campuses if possible. Virtual tours also provide helpful insights.
- Narrow your list intentionally. Remove schools that donāt excite you.
This focused approach often results in 7ā12 well-chosen collegesāplenty to offer options without sacrificing quality.
Can You Apply to More Than 20 Colleges Overall?
Yes, but not through the Common App alone.
If you really want to expand your list beyond 20 schools, you can:
- Apply to colleges that use their own institutional applications
- Use other platforms such as the Coalition Application
- Apply through state university systems (like Californiaās UC system)
However, just because you can doesnāt mean you should. Admissions officers value thoughtful, well-prepared applications more than sheer volume.
The Risks of Over-Applying
Applying to too many colleges carries potential downsides:
- Essay fatigue: Your writing may lose depth and creativity.
- Missed deadlines: Juggling too many applications increases the chance of mistakes.
- Decision overwhelm: Receiving many acceptance letters can make choosing harder, not easier.
- Financial strain: Application and testing fees add up quickly.
Colleges are also becoming more skilled at identifying applications that appear generic. If your supplemental essays lack specificity, it can hurt your admission chances.
When Applying to 20 Colleges Makes Sense
There are situations where applying to the maximum might be reasonable. For example:
- You’re targeting extremely selective schools with low acceptance rates
- Youāre seeking highly competitive merit scholarships
- You need significant financial aid and are comparing multiple offers
- Your academic profile is unconventional or difficult to gauge
In these cases, expanding your list may provide more security. Still, every application should be submitted with care and intention.
Final Thoughts
So, how many colleges can you apply to on the Common App? The official answer is 20. But the better question might be: How many colleges should you apply to?
The right number depends on your goals, resources, and ability to produce strong applications. For most students, a carefully curated list of 7 to 12 colleges strikes the perfect balance between opportunity and manageability.
In the end, college admissions isnāt a numbers gameāitās a strategy game. Focus on fit, quality, and authenticity. A thoughtful application to the right schools will always outperform a rushed application to too many.