The early deadlines have come and gone, and the regular ones are coming up fast. So it’s surprising that some seniors still don’t have their lists of schools finalized. What can be even more surprising, though, is the size of some of them once they are “complete.”

When I started compiling a list of the schools I wanted to apply to, I started off big; maybe 14, 15 schools. But that was last summer, and I have since narrowed it down to 5. It wasn’t just because I decided I didn’t like the other schools, but because it made sense.

It’s mid November—there’s been plenty of time for college visits and deciding what you’re looking for. If you really know your strengths and weaknesses and have done the research, you should be able to narrow your options down to maybe 7, tops.

This number can have a little wiggle room, but a couple reach schools, maybe three match schools, and two safetys is a pretty standard idea of what a solid list could look like. So why jumble it all up with all the extra options? Could you really see yourself equally at all of these schools? Aren’t there ones you like a little bit better, whether location or size or
majors? It’s time to start narrowing your lists down—if not for you, then for your wallet.

Even if you are set on applying to 12 schools, you may change your mind once you start filling out applications. Most schools utilize the common app, but still, a lot don’t. And then there are the supplements. That means more essays, more stress, more time, and more money.

Most schools have application fees from $40 to $80. Don’t forget the extra score reporting when you apply to a lot of schools: $15 for APs, $8.50 for ACTs, and $9.50 for SATs. For 12 schools, that’s a cost of around $950, whereas my five is only about $400.

Consider that and add in the cost of your time (during your senior year!) your stress (do you want to catch senioritis this early?) and then decide:  are big lists really worth it?

To view the opposing argument, click here.