Suggested "5 Steps to Choose How Many College applications to send" - US News

Suggested 5 steps to determine how many US college applications to send

1.Know your Admissions budget -  It can be costly to apply to universities. Costs include:
ACT or SAT tests
Application fees - anywhere from $30 - 90 per application
Possible campus visits

There is also the investment of time.  You may be required to write essays for each application and submit financial documents etc. to each university

2.Consider the rarity of the major you are considering.  Think about factors such as the option to double major?  Are there research opportunities available?  Do the universities offer a 4 + 1 option which allows you to get your Masters in an additional year?  Is the option to pursue your Masters covered by your university?

3.Gauge the selectivity of your Major - Is it very competitive to get into the field you have selected?  You may have to apply to a larger selection of schools

4. Review Your Own Needs:  What type of school do you wish to attend? Large or small?  Rural, Urban, Suburban?  Which factors are important to you.

5. Ensure you are comfortable with the number of schools and the variety of school - target school, reach and safety schools. 

For the full article
http://www.usnews.com/education/blogs/college-admissions-playbook/2015/06/01/5-steps-to-choose-how-many-college-applications-to-send