Applying to graduate school is a significant commitment—both in terms of time and financial investment. If you’re wondering, “How many grad schools should I apply to?” the answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. Your approach should be strategic, balancing quality applications with a realistic selection of programs.
In this guide, we’ll explore the ideal number of applications, key factors to consider, and real-life experiences from successful applicants.
How Many Grad Schools Should You Apply To?
A general rule of thumb suggests applying to 4 to 6 graduate programs. However, the exact number depends on factors like competitiveness, available funding, and your career aspirations.
Unlike undergraduate applications, where students often apply to a broad range of institutions, graduate school applications require a more tailored approach. Quality outweighs quantity—submitting three exceptional applications is far better than ten rushed ones.
How Many Ph.D. Programs Should You Apply To?
For Ph.D. applicants, the number may be even lower. Since Ph.D. admissions depend heavily on faculty fit, funding availability, and research alignment, applying to 3 to 8 carefully chosen programs is often sufficient. Unlike master’s programs, Ph.D. candidates must consider professor availability and funding opportunities, which significantly narrow the field of potential schools.
For example, Jessica, a Ph.D. applicant in political science, applied to just three universities—all with faculty members whose research closely aligned with her own. She was accepted into two of them, emphasizing that “it’s not about applying everywhere but applying to the right places.”
Key Strategies for Choosing the Right Number of Schools
1. Categorize Your Choices: Dream, Target, and Safety Schools
To create a balanced application list, divide your choices into three categories:
- Dream Schools: Highly prestigious programs with competitive admissions. Your chances of acceptance are uncertain but not impossible. (Example: Harvard, Stanford, Princeton)
- Target Schools: Programs where your qualifications align with the average admitted student. You have a solid chance of being accepted. (Example: UPennHigher, UCLA, NYU)
- Safety Schools: Programs where your academic credentials exceed the typical admitted student profile, making acceptance highly likely. (Example: State universities, less competitive private schools)
Example: Rahul, a computer science applicant, applied to 6 schools—2 dream, 3 target, and 1 safety. He was admitted to his target schools and ultimately chose the University of Wisconsin, which offered him the best funding package.
2. Consider Application Costs and Financial Feasibility
Application fees range from $50 to $125 per school, and additional costs include GRE/GMAT scores, transcripts, and recommendation letters. While some schools offer fee waivers, the cost factor should influence your decision.
Example: Maria, a sociology applicant, initially planned to apply to 10 programs but reduced her list to 5 after factoring in expenses. She secured a fee waiver for 2 applications, saving $200.
3. Research Faculty and Funding Opportunities
For Ph.D. applicants, faculty mentorship and funding availability are crucial. Investigate:PhD,
- Which professors are taking new students?
- Is the program fully funded?
- What research projects align with your interests?
Example: Ben, a physics Ph.D. applicant, applied only to fully funded programs and checked faculty research areas in advance. His targeted approach led to two acceptance offers with full funding.
4. Location and Program Fit Matter
Consider factors such as:
- Urban vs. rural setting
- Cost of living
- Research facilities and internship opportunities
- Campus culture
Example: Lina, an environmental studies student, prioritized programs near national parks and conservation centers. She applied to schools in Oregon, Colorado, and California, aligning with her career interests.
5. Prioritize Program Strength Over Prestige
While an Ivy League name looks impressive, the program’s strength in your specific field is what truly matters. Look at:
- Faculty expertise
- Employment outcomes
- Student support and funding availability
Example: David, an economics student, chose the University of Minnesota over Harvard because of its renowned faculty in behavioral economics. His decision led to better networking opportunities in his niche area.
FAQs: Common Concerns About Grad School Applications
1. Is Applying to Three Graduate Schools Enough?
Yes, if they are well-researched and aligned with your goals. A targeted application approach can yield better results than applying to multiple schools without focus.
2. Is Applying to Two Grad Schools Too Few?
It depends on your confidence level and risk tolerance. If you have strong connections with faculty or match perfectly with the programs, two applications might be sufficient.
3. Should I List Other Schools I’m Applying To?
Some applications ask for this information to gauge competitiveness and your level of interest. You’re not obligated to disclose all choices—only mention those relevant to your application strategy.
Final Thoughts: Make Your Applications Count
Ultimately, the number of grad schools you apply to should reflect careful planning. Rather than spreading yourself too thin, focus on submitting high-quality applications to a manageable number of schools where you have a realistic chance of acceptance.
If you don’t get into your dream school, remember: you can always gain experience, improve your qualifications, and reapply in the future. Good luck with your graduate school journey!
