How Many Universities Should you Apply to? Quality vs Quantity

The right number of universities to apply to is certainly not standardised and depends heavily on a student’s profile, application destination(s) and target universities. My professional approach focuses on discarding less favourable options during the Orientation process, allowing myself and the student to focus our energies strategically into producing the highest quality applications possible, from writing compelling essays to excelling in the interview. Thus, in my professional experience, a focused, well-researched shortlist of universities is far more effective than a long list of poorly matched options. 

Below I outline some of the main considerations which should inform your decision of how many universities to submit applications for, also explaining my rationale behind recommending fewer over more university applications. 

1. Clarify your Objectives

Most often than not, the students that suggest we apply to 10+ universities have an underlying concern which they are avoiding to face. This is very often related to doubts about their future career, fear of rejection or overthinking.

One of the main reasons I recommend Orientation to these students is because it offers significant insight through exposing them to potential professional paths in a structured yet dynamic manner.

Sooner or later, you will have to pinpoint your exact goals and refine your strategy on how to achieve them. The way I see it, it is much better to identify which universities and courses best serve your purpose beforehand, saving you the time and energy of  preparing and submitting extensive applications. 

2. Consider the Workload Required for Each Application Type

Depending on the destination, course type and study level, entry requirements vary greatly and can therefore impact the projected time investment for a student.

For example, undergraduate courses in the UK are submitted through a streamlined platform named UCAS, allowing you to apply to a maximum of 5 universities or courses with a single personal statement to accompany your application. Direct applications to single courses at renowned business schools such as IE University, on the other hand, often entail a lengthy process for application which can require prompt-based essays, an entrance exam, and video & live interviews.

During a period in which you are balancing extracurriculars and studying, it is pivotal to manage your time effectively and strategically combine the options that are right for you. 

3. Quality Applications Yield Better Results

At the heart of a successful application is the ability to clearly and convincingly present your profile. A strong application highlights not only academic achievements, but also your personal strengths, ambitions, and unique qualities. These should be communicated in a way that feels both authentic and strategic.

Equally important is the alignment between what you bring as a student and what the university offers. Your experiences and goals should connect meaningfully with the academic structure of the programme, as well as with the wider student community and values of the institution. Universities are not only selecting strong candidates—they are selecting candidates who are a good fit.

Creating this cohesive narrative takes time and research. It involves a detailed understanding of both the courses you are applying to and your own academic profile. When done well, this alignment can significantly increase your chances of being admitted.

4. A Balanced Shortlist Is Key

The ideal number of applications depends on the study destination and level, but in most cases, four to six applications is a reasonable benchmark. This allows you to build a balanced list including:

• One or two safety options: Universities where you are confident you meet or exceed the entry criteria

• Two to three target options: Strong matches based on your academic record and profile

• One or two ambitious options: Highly competitive universities that may be a stretch*

This approach ensures that you are not limiting yourself, but also not relying on unrealistic outcomes.

Note: If you are applying exclusively to highly competitive universities (e.g. Ivy League in the USA) , you can increase the overall number of applications, but never forget to include at least two contingency options.

*Unless verified independently, I advise against applying to universities for which you do not have the formal requirements, as in most cases your application will be automatically rejected.

Final Thoughts

There is no perfect number of applications that works for everyone. However, a strategy focused on quality, balance, and realistic goals will almost always lead to better outcomes than one based on quantity alone.

If you need help structuring your shortlist or want some support in managing and optimising multiple applications to one or more destinations, UniGuru’s services offer bespoke support to accompany you every step of the university decision-making and application process.