Should we limit the number of schools you can apply to?

[Anonymous]

Of course there shouldn’t be a limit. As long as college admissions decisions at the top are arbitrary and random, then no one would rationally limit their opportunities or else they may end up without a seat *anywhere*.

If we had a system where you had 100% guaranteed admission to quality universities for meeting an objective metric (e.g. applying the Texas guaranteed admissions policy to all public universities), then maybe people can entertain whether it’s worth limiting applications at a certain level. However, that’s not the reality in the US system. When admissions at elite schools are literally called “lottery tickets” and “crap shoots”, then you can expect that people will try to buy as many lottery tickets or rolls at the craps table to get a single hit as they can.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yes. It is a zero sum game (well, actually a negative sum game for the parents that have to pay per application). The UK limits it to five and the system works so much better than here.

My DC recently graduated from a UK uni and I agree that the UCAS system worked really well. I think two major impediments to offering it here include: 1) UK programs set baseline minimum qualifications (i.e., you need to have X in order to even be considered) which allows for an automatic winnowing of the field; and 2) university will cost the same for all UK students regardless of where they attend. Given the opaque nature of US admissions and the vast price differentials of US institutions of higher education, it makes implementing the UK system difficult.

[Anonymous]

Who is "we"? Does anyone or any entity have the authority to do that on a broad basis?

[Anonymous]

That sounds like an antitrust violation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid's HS limited it to 10 applications. I was very happy about that. He applied to places he knew he could get into and we had 10 schools to compare FA packages.

Wow -- what kind of school is this? How is the policy enforced? Once the reports/ letters are all up on the Common App, can the school prevent a student from applying to additional places?

I'm sure they can apply but the school will only send out 10 transcripts.

[Anonymous]

The way to do this is to eliminate common app - if you want to apply to individual schools and fill out individual applications then do it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am truly amazed how many schools some kids are applying to - from my perspective it just creates more complication for admissions offices to have so many applications from kids that probably aren't going to attend. My child applied to 10 schools and honestly that seems like overkill.

You do, you, boo. Why did you indulge DD?

[Anonymous]

Doesn't common app limit how many applications?

[Anonymous]

One and done. Happy Holidays!

[Anonymous]

Not until when the admissions are based on merits. My very high stats DC is applying to 25+ because of the randomness and BS the current system encourages.
It's a system where all applicants lose.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:i think most kids ED to 1 school and several EA schools. If the kid doesn't get into ED, then they scramble and apply to many more RD. I think if they are able to, apply to as many as they want. its their future and choice.

Not true. You must be at a private where the school encourages this and parents know they can pay. Most colleges do not even have early decision.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am truly amazed how many schools some kids are applying to - from my perspective it just creates more complication for admissions offices to have so many applications from kids that probably aren't going to attend. My child applied to 10 schools and honestly that seems like overkill.

So your reason for limiting is your concern for AOs?