Key takeaways
- In general, colleges don’t know what other schools you’ve applied to.
- A school could know where you’ve applied to if you tell them, it’s noted on your transcripts, or you were accepted to two early decision schools.
- Colleges don’t care how many you apply to, but you should still aim to send in six to 12 applications.
Colleges don’t share applicant lists, so your schools won’t know where you’ve applied to unless you tell them. However, there are some situations where colleges may see the information, such as if you’re accepted to an early decision school. We cover these cases below and explain why you should still narrow down your college list.
Do colleges know what other schools I’ve applied to?
Flickr user Howard County Library System
No, colleges will generally not know what other schools you’ve applied to, especially before you’re accepted. Even if you use the Common App or Coalition App to apply to multiple colleges at the same time, the other schools cannot view your My Colleges list or view your other applications.
In most situations, the only time your colleges will know is if you tell them. Some even ask on their applications. It’s up to you if you want to share that information.
In rare cases, colleges may see notations on your official transcripts from your high school guidance counselor, such as where the transcripts were sent previously.
Do schools share early decision lists?
A group of highly selective colleges and universities share lists of early decision students, but only after the students are accepted.
Early decision is binding. If you’re accepted, you’re expected to attend unless you have an acceptable reason. You can only apply to a single school under early decision. These schools share the accepted list to make sure their students weren’t accepted elsewhere.
If you applied to two schools under early decision and were discovered on two lists, you could find both offers rescinded. You might also have trouble applying to other colleges who can view this information.
Does it matter how many colleges you apply to?
Colleges don’t care how many schools their potential students apply to, even if they applied to 50. However, applying to too many schools is time-consuming and expensive, even if you use the Common App. They often charge an application fee, and you may need to pay for each SAT/ACT report and high school transcript submission, especially if the college doesn’t allow you to self-report.
Between the essays, applications, and everything else you need to tackle during your senior year, you’ll be stretched thin. You could hurt your admission chances if you’re not giving your applications your all due to the amount of work you’ve given yourself.
In general, you should aim to apply to between six and 12 colleges, with a mix of reach, match, and safety schools. You can apply to more or less but be sure that they’re colleges that fit you, or you’re wasting your time and money.
College Raptor can help you with your search. College Match, using your preferences and information, can return with schools that fit what you’re looking for. Started now for free.
