Generally speaking, the answer is no maximum number of colleges to which you can apply, but in practice, the number isn’t limitless. Read on to learn more.
College Application Platforms and Their Restrictions
While many colleges have their own application systems, most accept shared applications that are designed to make the process easier for students. The two most widely used platforms are the Common Application and the Coalition Application, and most colleges that accept one or both don’t express a preference. Instead, the college’s goal is to make it easier for students to apply, and your goal should be to use the platform that best supports your own process.
It’s worth noting that both the Common App and the Coalition App link to high school counseling platforms. Naviance is often connected to the Common App, while SCOIR works with the Coalition App. That said, your high school doesn’t need to use either of these systems for you to submit applications through these platforms. They’re simply tools to help manage and organize the process
If you are going to use either the Common App or the Coalition App to submit your applications, it’s important to take note which of your schools accept each platform, as well as which platform will allow you to apply to the number of colleges that you would like.
Coalition Application
As of April 2025, accepted by over 130 colleges
Students can apply to as many schools as they want
Common App
Accepted by over 1,100 colleges
Students can only apply to 20 schools
If You Want to Use the Common App and Apply to More than 20 Colleges
Twenty colleges might sound like a lot, and for most students, it is. But there are ways around this cap if you truly need more. Some students use the Common App for up to 20 schools, and then submit additional applications through the Coalition App or directly through individual college portals when necessary. For example, the University of California and California State University systems both use their own application systems, entirely separate from the Common App and Coalition App, and neither has a limit on the number of schools you can apply to within their systems (though CSU caps the number of campuses you can apply to with fee waivers).
So technically, yes, you could apply to 25, 30, or even more colleges. But should you? We don’t think so.
When Applying, Consider Quality Over Quantity
Whether you use a standard platform or a college’s own proprietary application, we strongly encourage you to be intentional about where you apply. Yes, applications are easier to submit than ever before, but each application still takes time, effort, and in many cases, money.
Each college on your list should be a place you could genuinely see yourself attending. That means doing research, reflecting on what kind of environment you’re looking for, and making sure the school offers the academic programs, extracurriculars, and community you want and need to thrive. Ask yourself the question for every school on your list, if this is the only school I get into, will I be happy attending. If not, you should give thought to whether you should submit that application. Ask yourself the question, why?
Our General Guideline for How Many Schools to Apply to
Over the years, we’ve worked with students who applied to just a handful of schools and others who applied to more than 20. Most students fall somewhere in between. Our general guideline? Aim for a balanced list of 8 to 12 colleges, including a mix of safety, target, and reach schools. This allows for strong, thoughtful applications and helps prevent burnout – both during application season and when decisions start rolling in.
Why Set a Limit?
There are several reasons we recommend keeping your list manageable:
Application fatigue is real.
Writing multiple supplemental essays, tailoring each application, and keeping track of different deadlines can be overwhelming. Spreading yourself too thin can lead to weaker applications overall.
It’s expensive.
Most colleges charge application fees (typically $50–$90), and while fee waivers are available, they aren’t always easy to access for every student. Plus, you’ll want to consider the cost of sending test scores (if you’re submitting them) and, later on, potentially traveling for admitted student visits.
Decision-making gets harder.
When you apply to 20+ schools and are admitted to a large number of them, it can be surprisingly stressful to sort through your choices. It’s a good problem to have, but it’s still a problem.
More is not always better.
In fact, it can often be worse. Applying to schools you’re not genuinely excited about just to “have options” can lead to more confusion and less clarity about what you really want.
In the End, You Can Only Pick One College
Remember, the goal isn’t to collect acceptances, it’s to find a college where you’ll thrive. That’s why we emphasize thoughtful research, intentional planning, and building a list that makes sense for you.
So, is there a limit to how many schools you can apply to? Technically, no. But practically? There’s a point where “more” doesn’t mean “better.” Focus your energy on creating the strongest, most authentic applications you can because ultimately, you can only enroll at one college.
Looking for help with the college search and application process? We help students and families through the entire college planning journey – from search, applications and essays to interview prep, financial aid consultation and final school selection.
Contact us at info@signaturecollegecounseling.com or by phone, 845.551.6946. We work with students through Zoom, over the phone and by email.
