Applying to college can feel overwhelming, especially when students begin navigating the Common Application (Common App). One of the most frequent questions students and families ask is how many colleges they can apply to using the platform and what limits, fees, and strategies they should consider. Understanding the rules and making thoughtful decisions can help applicants maximize their opportunities while keeping stress and costs under control.
TLDR: Students can apply to up to 20 colleges using the Common App. Each college may charge its own application fee, typically ranging from $30 to $90, though fee waivers are available. Applying to more schools increases costs and workload, so students should balance reach, match, and safety schools carefully. A focused, strategic list of 8–12 well-researched colleges is often more effective than applying to the maximum.
What Is the Common App?
The Common Application is an online platform that allows students to apply to multiple colleges using one shared application form. More than 1,000 colleges and universities participate, including public universities, private colleges, and even some international institutions.
Instead of filling out separate applications for each school, students complete:
- One main application (personal details, activities, coursework)
- One personal essay
- Letters of recommendation
- School report and transcript
However, most colleges also require their own supplemental essays or questions in addition to the core Common App components.
Image not found in postmetaHow Many Colleges Can You Apply to Using the Common App?
The Common App allows students to apply to a maximum of 20 colleges.
This is a firm cap. Once an applicant has added and submitted applications to 20 schools, they cannot add more during that application cycle.
While 20 may sound generous, it is important to understand what this really means in practical terms:
- You can add up to 20 colleges to your list.
- You can submit applications to all 20 if desired.
- You cannot exceed this limit within one academic year.
For most students, applying to 20 colleges is not necessary. In fact, doing so can significantly increase workload and stress.
Are There Exceptions to the 20-College Limit?
The 20-school cap applies strictly within the Common App system. However, students may still apply to additional colleges outside of the platform.
For example:
- Schools that use the Coalition Application
- Universities with their own institutional applications
- Schools with state-specific systems (e.g., the University of California system)
This means a student could technically apply to more than 20 colleges overall, but only 20 through the Common App itself.
Understanding Application Fees
Each college sets its own application fee. Submitting through the Common App does not mean you pay just one fee.
Typical application fees range from:
- $30 to $50 for many public universities
- $50 to $75 for mid-sized private colleges
- $75 to $90 for highly selective institutions
If a student applies to 15 colleges with an average fee of $65, the total cost would be nearly $1,000. Applying to 20 schools could easily exceed $1,200 in fees alone.
Fee Waivers
Students with financial need may qualify for Common App fee waivers. To receive one:
- A school counselor must verify eligibility.
- The student must meet certain income-based or hardship criteria.
Colleges generally honor approved fee waivers, allowing eligible students to apply without paying application fees.
How Many Colleges Should You Actually Apply To?
Although 20 is the maximum, most experts recommend applying to between 8 and 12 colleges. This range typically offers a strong balance between opportunity and manageability.
A strategic college list often includes:
- 2–3 Safety Schools – Where admission is very likely
- 4–6 Match Schools – Where academic profile aligns closely
- 2–3 Reach Schools – Highly competitive options
Applying to too few schools may limit options. Applying to too many can:
- Reduce essay quality
- Increase stress
- Drain financial resources
- Make decision-making more difficult in spring
The Hidden Workload: Supplemental Essays
One major factor students often underestimate is the supplemental essay requirement. While the main Common App essay is submitted to all colleges, most institutions require additional writing.
Supplemental essays may include:
- “Why This College?” essays
- Community or diversity prompts
- Major-specific statements
- Short-answer responses
If each college requires two supplemental essays, applying to 15 colleges could mean writing 30 additional essays. This workload makes thoughtful school selection critical.
Early Action and Early Decision Considerations
Application strategy also depends on whether a student applies:
- Early Action (EA) – Non-binding early applications
- Early Decision (ED) – Binding agreement to enroll if accepted
- Regular Decision (RD) – Standard deadlines
Students who apply Early Decision often reduce the number of regular decision applications if admitted. Conversely, those deferred or denied may need a broader regular decision list.
Applying early can sometimes improve admission chances, but it does not change the 20-college limit within the Common App.
Best Strategies for Using the Common App Effectively
1. Start with Research, Not the Number 20
Instead of aiming to fill all 20 slots, students should research:
- Academic programs
- Campus culture
- Financial aid policies
- Graduation rates
- Career outcomes
Quality research often narrows the list naturally.
2. Prioritize Fit Over Prestige
Applying to many highly selective institutions may feel ambitious, but admission rates are unpredictable. Students benefit more from identifying schools that align with their academic profile and personal preferences.
3. Budget for Application Costs
Families should calculate:
- Total estimated fees
- Standardized score reporting costs
- CSS Profile fees (if required)
Planning ahead prevents financial surprises.
4. Reuse and Adapt Essays Strategically
Many supplemental prompts overlap in theme. Students can often adapt existing essays for multiple colleges, though customization is essential.
Strong organization and early drafting are key.
5. Keep Track of Deadlines
Different colleges have varying deadlines, even within the same application system. Missing a deadline removes that school as an option, regardless of how many slots remain available.
Using a spreadsheet or calendar system can help manage submissions effectively.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying to 20 colleges just because you can
- Ignoring financial fit
- Rushing essays to meet multiple deadlines
- Failing to demonstrate genuine interest
- Choosing colleges based solely on rankings
A carefully curated list is almost always more powerful than a maximum-sized one.
Is Applying to More Colleges Better?
There is a common belief that submitting as many applications as possible increases the odds of success. While applying to a reasonable number of schools improves the likelihood of at least one acceptance, diminishing returns appear quickly.
Beyond 10–12 schools, the admissions advantage often becomes marginal compared to the additional workload and cost. Admissions officers also value thoughtful, well-prepared applications over rushed ones submitted in bulk.
Ultimately, balance is key.
FAQ: How Many Colleges Can You Apply to Using the Common App?
1. What is the maximum number of colleges allowed on the Common App?
Students can apply to up to 20 colleges using the Common Application in one academic year.
2. Can I apply to more than 20 colleges total?
Yes. While the Common App limits you to 20 schools on its platform, you can apply to additional colleges through other application systems or direct institutional applications.
3. Do I pay one fee or multiple fees?
You must pay separate application fees for each college, unless you qualify for approved fee waivers.
4. Is it smart to apply to all 20 colleges?
Not necessarily. Most students benefit from applying to 8–12 well-researched colleges that include safety, match, and reach options.
5. Can I remove a college and add a new one after submission?
You can remove a college from your list before submission and add another, but once you submit applications to 20 schools, you cannot exceed that number during the cycle.
6. Does applying to more colleges improve admission chances?
Applying to a reasonable number of schools increases the chance of acceptance somewhere, but excessive applications can reduce quality and increase stress.
7. Are fee waivers available?
Yes. Eligible students can receive Common App fee waivers verified by their school counselor.
By understanding the 20-college limit, managing costs wisely, and building a strategic list, students can use the Common App as a powerful tool rather than an overwhelming obstacle. Thoughtful planning, careful research, and balanced ambition remain the most effective strategies for college application success.
