Recommended: 10-15 total applications with a balanced list of safety, match, and reach schools.
Recommended Application Strategy
| Type | Count | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Safety | 2-3 | Schools with 60%+ admit rate where you're above average |
| Match | 4-6 | Schools where your stats are at the median |
| Reach | 4-6 | Top schools including 2-4 Ivies maximum |
Why Not All 8 Ivies?
- Each has different culture and strengths
- Quality over quantity in applications
- Better to write great essays for fewer schools
Last updated: January 15, 2026 | RightWay AI