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Even if college is several months or a few years away, high school can be a great time to start saving for future college expenses. This is especially true as the cost of higher education continues to climb.

Just making a few simple moves, like picking up a part-time or summer job and signing up for AP classes (which may allow you to skip some college classes and save on tuition), can go a long way once you get to campus.

Read on for more tips on how to start saving up money for college while you are still in high school.

Advancing Yourself With AP Classes

Achieving an AP Exam score of 3 or higher may allow incoming freshmen to skip introductory college courses or gain credit toward graduation. The College Board reports that nearly all colleges and universities in the U.S. offer credit, advanced placement, or both based on your AP scores.

Most colleges have a policy outlining the minimum scores needed to earn credit for specific AP Exams, plus how much credit will be awarded and how it applies to your degree or graduation requirements. The College Board offers an AP credit policy search online, but it’s wise to double check with your individual school.

Earning college credit before you even step foot on campus freshman year can be a great way to save money on future college classes in the long run. You might even be able to graduate early, which could mean thousands of dollars in savings depending on which university you attend. Of course, there are fees to take the AP Exams, but that amount may be offset by the amount of credit hours you’re able to gain if you score well.

Picking Up a Part-Time or Summer Job

Working in high school and setting aside at least a portion of your earnings in a savings account earmarked for college can definitely come in handy when it comes time to cover expenses like books, meals, entertainment, or off-campus rent.

Recently, some companies with part-time and entry-level jobs — perfect for high school students — have started offering tuition support or reimbursement for eligible employees. At Starbucks, for instance, part- and full-time employees are able to get 100% of their tuition reimbursed for a first-time bachelor’s degree through Arizona State University’s online program. Working at Chipotle, you may also be able to receive some tuition assistance every year.

Managing Expenses by Budgeting

It’s never too early to start good money habits, such as maintaining a balanced budget. You might start with a simple spreadsheet that tracks your monthly income (like allowance or any paychecks you earn) as well as your monthly spending, separating your expenses into essential and nonessential. You may be able to free up more money for college savings by cutting back on nonessential expenses. The popular 50/30/20 budget rule suggests putting 20% of your income toward savings for long-term money goals, like saving for school.

Starting to save in high school could potentially help minimize the financial burdens you face during college. Maintaining a budget in high school could also help prepare you for keeping your expenses in line as a college student.

When making a college budget, make sure you research what things like books, transportation, rent, and groceries are going to cost in the area. You can then look at what you might be able to cut in order to save more, like smaller meal plans, off-campus housing, renting used textbooks, or taking the bus rather than bringing your car.

Recommended: 33 Ideas for Saving Money While Dorm Shopping

Switching Up Your Savings Account

A high-yield checking or savings account could earn you significantly more money by paying a higher-than-average interest rate. This could help your college savings fund grow more quickly.

If you earn a regular paycheck, one easy way to save is to split up your direct deposit between your checking and savings account. This way, you guarantee some money automatically ends up in savings, making it a little harder to spend. You could also set up an automatic transfer within your account so that you don’t have to constantly remind yourself to save.

Researching Scholarships and Grants

Scholarships and grants are both forms of aid that don’t need to be repaid, essentially making them free money. Getting a scholarship, or a few, can go a long way in lessening the financial burden you face in college. Some scholarships are awarded to incoming freshmen so spending some time researching scholarships and grants could pay off in the long run.

There are online databases, like FastWeb or Scholarships.com, that aggregate information about different scholarships and what their application process looks like. Each scholarship is likely to have their own eligibility criteria and application requirements so pay attention to the details when you are applying.

Different Ways to Pay for College

The U.S. government offers aid in the form of federal student loans, but also grants and some scholarships, which can significantly reduce the cost of college. It’s important when applying to schools to consider all of the costs involved. You can estimate your financial aid online ahead of time, so you can make an educated decision about where to attend school.

Filling out the FAFSA form every year is an important step toward securing federal aid, including merit-based scholarships and federal student loans.

If savings, financial aid, and federal student loans aren’t enough to pay for college, private student loans are another option to consider. These loans are made by private lenders and aren’t required to follow the same regulations as federal student loans. Because of this, they lack the borrower protections afforded to federal student loans and are generally considered an option only after all other sources of funding have been reviewed.

The Takeaway

High school is the perfect time to start preparing for college and how you’ll pay for it. Taking on a summer or part-time job can boost your income and allow you to start socking away money for future college expenses. Other ways to make the cost of college more manageable include taking AP classes, researching scholarship options, applying for federal financial aid, and taking out federal or private student loans.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

FAQ

How much should a high school student save for college?

There is no one set amount that a high school student should save for college. Much depends upon individual circumstances. However, the rule of thumb is that it can be wise for families (parents, relatives, and the student) to save up one-third of the costs and finance the rest. College tours are a good way to gain insights into a campus and how it operates. You can also hear from a student guide about important insider topics and ask questions from a current student.

What are good ways for a student to save for college?

Getting a job, whether part-time or full-time over the summer, is one good way for a student to accumulate funds for college. Taking AP classes can also be helpful, as a good score on the AP Exam can help a student place out of introductory courses and potentially graduate early. This can result in significant tuition savings.

What if I don’t use up 529 funds for tuition?

If 529 funds aren’t used by a student, they can likely be transferred for use by another family member on qualifying expenses, used to pay down student loans, or withdrawn for nonqualifying expenses (which can trigger taxes and penalties), among other options.

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

Terms and conditions apply. SOFI RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. SoFi Private Student loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, such as completion of a loan application and self-certification form, verification of application information, the student's at least half-time enrollment in a degree program at a SoFi-participating school, and, if applicable, a co-signer. In addition, borrowers must be U.S. citizens or other eligible status, be residing in the U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, or American Samoa, and must meet SoFi’s underwriting requirements, including verification of sufficient income to support your ability to repay. Minimum loan amount is $1,000. See SoFi.com/eligibility for more information. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change. This information is current as of 4/22/2025 and is subject to change. SoFi Private Student loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

*Awards or rankings from NerdWallet are not indicative of future success or results. This award and its ratings are independently determined and awarded by their respective publications.

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SOISL-Q325-139

Whether you’re leaving home for the first time or enrolling in your local community college, you might have a lot of misconceptions about the college experience.

So, what is college really like? Keep reading to learn about some of the myths and realities of being a college student.

Common College Myths

Pop culture has altered how we view the quintessential college experience, and though some of these myths are rooted in some level of truth, many don’t hold up nowadays.

College myths can stoke anxiety for incoming students. So let’s look for truths.

Myth 1: A Bachelor’s Degree Takes 4 Years

Although traditionally students head to college for a “four-year degree,” many of them take longer to graduate. In fact, a little over 22% of bachelor’s degree-earners take more than four years to complete their program, according to the Education Data Initiative.

There are lots of legitimate reasons it can take students more than four years to get a degree. Some may change their major and need extra classes to meet their new major requirements. Others may take on a minor or a double major that requires extra classes. Adventurous students might take time to study abroad, which could potentially slow their progress.

Others may decide to transfer schools or might have to work to pay their way through school, which could lead to finishing required classes at a slower pace.

A student may simply need more time to master the coursework. Taking your time to make sure you get the most value from your education and accomplish everything you want matters more than following a strict timeline.


💡 Quick Tip: Some lenders help you pay down your student loans sooner with reward points you earn along the way.

Myth 2: Your Major Will Determine Your Career Path

Some students know exactly what career path they want to take and choose a major accordingly. Others may need more time to discover their passions and interests.

There is a misconception that you have to major in a subject that relates to your career path. Many degrees teach skills that can transfer to a variety of fields.

Philosophy and history degrees can teach perspective. English literature degrees can enhance the art of critical thinking. Majoring in graphic design may lead to a career in marketing.

The bottom line is, if you focus on the skills you learn while earning your degree more than the specific subject matter, you can apply those skills to many different career paths.

Myth 3: You Have to Live on Campus to Have the Full Experience

Here’s a fun fact for students who are debating whether or not they have to live on campus to get the full college experience: Only around 22% of university students live in on-campus dormitories. Living on campus can be convenient, but can also be expensive and a big step for students fresh out of high school.

Even if students don’t live on campus, they will still have access to on-campus resources and perks such as clubs, events, libraries, and gyms.

Choosing to live on campus is a personal decision and needs to be one made based on a student’s particular financial, social, and educational needs.

Recommended: University of Florida Tuition

Myth 4: No One Transfers From Community College

Around one-third of community college students end up transferring to a four-year school. Attending community college has multiple benefits worth considering. Students can receive a high-quality education for a fraction of the price by taking their general education classes at a community college. Taking these classes at a cheaper tuition price can give students more time and leeway to experiment with subject matter they are interested in.

For those who have their hearts set on prestigious universities, it can often be easier to transfer to one of those schools from community college than it is to be accepted straight out of high school.

Some community colleges have deals with local universities that can guarantee admission to your dream school if you meet certain qualifications. It’s known as a transfer admission guarantee, or TAG.

In California, six University of California campuses offer guaranteed admission to students from all California community colleges who have completed at least 60 semester units of UC-transferable credit.

And in Florida, state community college graduates with an associate degree are generally guaranteed admission to one of the 12 state universities.

Major College Realities

If you’re looking for a dose of reality before you start college, consider these tidbits. Knowledge is power, after all, so it can’t hurt to know what to expect.

Reality 1: Anyone Can Get Help Paying for School

Let’s start with some good news. Almost any student can find help paying for college, no matter what their financial background is.

While students from more privileged economic backgrounds may qualify for less federal student aid such as grants, both colleges and private businesses offer a variety of merit-based scholarships and grants that students can apply for.

Students can also access unsubsidized federal student loans, regardless of income. These loans come with relatively low fixed rates, income-based repayment, and borrower protections like forbearance.

If financial aid and federal loans aren’t enough to cover your full costs, you can also explore private student loans, which are offered by banks, credit unions, and other lenders. Rates can be fixed or variable and depend on the lender and your (or your cosigner’s) credit profile. Private loans don’t offer the same protections as federal loans, but can cover up to the full cost of attendance, giving you more borrowing power than you can get with the federal government.


💡 Quick Tip: Would-be borrowers will want to understand the different types of student loans that are available: private student loans, federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized loans, Direct PLUS loans, and more.

Reality 2: Follow Your Passions

You’ve heard it from your teachers, you’ve heard it from your parents, and chances are you’ve heard it from countless other adults who like to reminisce about the good ol’ days: Your time spent in college will be some of the best years of your life.

College is a unique time when young adults can follow their passions. Even if you choose a major that doesn’t align with all of your interests, there are many elective classes you can take and clubs you can join that will help you foster your passions.

Learn Portuguese, take a class in 3D printing, hit the stage for some dramatic arts, or simply explore the library archives. Take advantage of this special time in your life to learn more about what interests you.

Recommended: How to Get Involved on Campus in College

Reality 3: You Can Change Your Mind

You’ve known your whole life that you want to be a doctor. Or a lawyer. Or a beekeeper. Or so you thought. One of the many joys of college is that you have the time and space to learn and grow.

You may discover after two years of being a psychology major that the statistics classes you had to take were more interesting than your clinical psychology classes.

It’s never too late to switch majors (that extra year of sticking around campus will be worth it) or start interning in a new career field.

Some students may find that the college they chose while they were still in high school isn’t a good fit. Guess what? You can transfer to a new school if you wish. You can change your mind about what you want to study and what career path you want to take, too.

Reality 4: Partying Can Take a Toll

For some, college parties are a rite of passage. For others, they are stressful and distracting. If the party lifestyle is something you’re not interested in or is something you know you’ll get swept up in, it’s OK to stay home on a Friday night.

Focusing on your studies is why you’re at college, so don’t let peer pressure or societal expectations make you feel bad for prioritizing that.

The Takeaway

College isn’t a one-size-fits-all experience. It’s a mix of opportunities, challenges, and choices that look different for everyone. Whether you take four years or six, live on campus or commute, start at a community college or head straight to a university, your path is valid. What matters most is that you use your college years to learn, grow, and set yourself up for the future in a way that works for you.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

FAQ

What is life like at college?

Life at college is a mix of independence, learning, and new experiences. Students manage classes, assignments, exams, while also exploring friendships, clubs, and activities. It’s often the first time many students live away from home, which can feel exciting and challenging. Balancing academics with social life teaches responsibility and time management. While routines vary, college offers opportunities for growth, self-discovery, and building future skills, making it a unique and often transformative chapter in life.

Is college fun or stressful?

College can be both fun and stressful, depending on how students handle the balance. The fun comes from making friends, joining activities, attending events, and enjoying newfound freedom. At the same time, academic demands, deadlines, and financial pressures can bring stress. Many students feel a mix daily. The key is finding balance — managing responsibilities while still finding time for relaxation, hobbies, and social life.

What is the hardest year at college?

The hardest year in college varies, but many students find junior year to be the most challenging. Junior year can be daunting with internships, heavier workloads, and sometimes research projects. That said, some find that freshman year is the toughest due to the adjustment to college life, while others find senior year to be hardest due to completing a capstone project and preparing for post-graduation. Each year has unique pressure, and the hardest one varies by individual.

About the author

Jacqueline DeMarco

Jacqueline DeMarco is a freelance writer who specializes in financial topics. Her first job out of college was in the financial industry, and it was there she gained a passion for helping others understand tricky financial topics. Read full bio.

SOISL-Q325-085

As you’re exploring the job market after college, you may be at a crossroads, wondering whether a master’s would be beneficial in increasing your salary potential or if a certificate program could make sense.

A certificate program typically requires the completion of three to five graduate-level courses and can cost thousands of dollars. However, it can prove highly specialized competency in certain areas and open doors to further professional opportunities.

Read on for more information on post-grad certificate programs so you can assess whether one fits with your financial goals.

What Is the Value of a Post-Grad Certificate Program?

A post-grad certificate program is a program that provides specialization in a field. While the program may not take as long to complete as a master’s degree and may be less expensive, it can also be intense, requiring a significant amount of time set aside to study.

Post-grad certificate programs can be found in all fields, from medicine to economics to marketing. These programs may cost anywhere from several thousand to tens of thousands of dollars. People may complete these certificates because they may be quicker and less expensive than a degree, and may either boost income or boost your competitive value as a job candidate. Post-grad certificate courses may be done online, in-person, or a combination of both, and often, people balance managing a certificate program with working full time.

Because a post-grad certificate can be beneficial, you may find that employers may potentially be willing to subsidize the cost of training. It may be worthwhile to ask your manager or your HR department to do so.

It can also be beneficial to talk to people who have done the certificate program to hear about any pros and cons. Understanding the level of commitment required in the program and how people have managed to set aside time to study for any testing can be valuable intel. You likely want to hear that the certificate can lead to expanded career prospects versus just accruing more knowledge for its own sake.

Graduate Certificate vs Master’s Degree

If you’re right out of college, you may be wondering what the next step is, professionally. While that depends on your career goals, many post-grads find it helpful to explore the professional lay of the land by getting some work experience right after their bachelor’s degree. Also, if the labor market is tight when you get out of college, there can be advantages to looking for a job immediately after graduation, before you get any higher degrees or pursue certification. In some cases, employers may subsidize or help pay for higher education.

A certificate program tends to be in a niche area, so it may be good to explore your field and decide whether that certification is right for you. A master’s program may be more intense, but of course, can be a requirement if you want to pursue a job in a certain field, such as law.

Bottom line: No certificate or graduate degree can “guarantee” that you’ll make a certain amount of money or get a certain kind of job. Every career path is different. That’s why it can be helpful to speak to alums of certain programs or people who have received certain certifications, to hear their experience and advice.

Recommended: How to Pay for Grad School

Is a Graduate Certificate Worth It?

Whether a graduate certificate is equal to a master’s degree depends on how you define “equality.” The two are different paths that help you achieve certain goals. In general:

•   A certificate is less expensive than a graduate degree.

•   A certificate takes less time to complete than a graduate degree.

•   A certificate provides targeted knowledge and a specific skill set about a certain subject area. Generally, a certificate may be about 10 to 15 hours of coursework compared to the 30+ required for graduate programs. Requirements vary based on school and program.

•   A certificate generally requires a less comprehensive application process.

•   A graduate certificate may or may not be affiliated with an accredited degree program. In some cases, certificate coursework can count toward degree hours for a higher-ed degree.

•   Not all graduate certificate programs qualify for federal student loans. You may be able to use a private graduate student loan for a certificate program.

Is a Graduate Certificate Worth It?

A graduate certificate can be worth it, especially if you’re passionate about the field. It can be helpful to get some “real world” knowledge under your belt and understand exactly how the certificate will benefit you and your career goals.

Because a graduate certificate can be a lot of work, it’s also important to make sure you carve out time to be able to do coursework, study, and complete the certificate exam. Asking any questions prior to applying for the certificate program, or asking to speak to people who have completed the program, can be helpful.

Because graduate certificates can be expensive, and may not be covered by federal aid, you may be wondering how to pay for it. Some financing options include:

•   Subsidization through your current employer

•   Saving up to pay for the program

•   Applying for scholarships or financial aid through the certifying organization

•   Exploring other scholarship programs that may be available for you (such as graduate scholarships for military veterans)

•   Considering federal or private student loans for a certification program

Some certification programs may be eligible for federal student aid, including federal student loans and work-study. If this is the case, students can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see what types of aid they qualify for.

Private student loans may be another option for students to consider. These loans don’t always offer the same borrower protections (such as deferment or forbearance options) that come with federal loans. But some private lenders do offer student loans for graduate certificate programs.

Recommended: FAFSA 101: How to Complete the FAFSA

Estimating the Value of a Certificate Program

You may wonder how much a certificate will increase your market value as an employee. And of course, that answer depends on your field and the certificate program you are pursuing. To estimate the value of a certificate program, it can be helpful to:

•   Read review sites and salary ranges on employers you’re interested in.

•   Talk to people who have done the certificate program.

•   Talk about your career trajectory with your current manager or HR department.

•   Speak with the career development office at your alma mater for their perspectives on potential certificate programs.

But in addition to financial value, there’s also the educational value. Is this a topic you find interesting and feel you can lean into? Does the material inspire you and excite you? Because you’ll be spending a significant amount of time working on the material, it can be important to have some motivation to do so.

Costs Associated With a Certificate Program

It can also be important to carve out associated costs with the degree program. In addition to the certificate program itself, you also may need to pay:

•   Application fee

•   Exam fee

•   Certification fee, which may be several hundred dollars and may be required that you renew your certification annually

•   Fee for any materials, including textbooks

Making sure you know exactly what is required of you financially before you enroll can be helpful in planning how you’ll cover the degree.

Recommended: How to Pay for a Grad Certificate Program

How to Decide on a Certificate or Grad Degree

So how do you know which path to take? The answer depends on, you guessed it, your individual goals. But answering these questions may help you decide:

•   What do I want out of my studies?

•   What do I want my work-life balance to look like as I study?

•   What do I hope to gain out of my degree/certificate? What would be the best/worst-case scenario?

•   What are my short-term professional goals?

•   What are my long-term professional goals?

•   What do I like about my work right now? Is there anything I want to dive into more deeply?

•   What is the lack of a degree holding me back from?

•   How will I pay for it? Am I already juggling student loans from undergrad and how comfortable would I feel adding to my debt?

These can be some big questions, and it can be helpful to get perspective by speaking with a mentor, career coach, or someone from your school’s career development office.

You could also consider a certificate program that could go toward credits for a master’s degree. This can be helpful in allowing you to lean into the material and have a head start if you do decide you’d like to pursue a full master’s degree.

The Takeaway

A post-grad certificate can involve challenging coursework and an investment of time and money, but it could potentially set you up on the path to success and can help you further define your career goals.

Because certificates can be expensive, consider having a discussion with your employer and see if they would be amenable to paying for part or all of your certificate. Also, depending on the certificate program, students may potentially qualify for federal aid, including federal student loans. If that aid isn’t enough, however, some students may look into private student loans for qualifying certificate programs.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

FAQ

Are post-graduate certificates worth it?

The answer is, it depends. In some cases, a postgraduate certificate can be a valuable investment for career advancement and greater earnings, especially when targeted to a specific field or skill set. It’s wise to research how certificate holders have benefited in their chosen fields.

Do employers look at graduate certificates?

An employer might indeed focus on your educational credentials to determine whether you’re well-qualified for a job. If a position requires certain degrees, certificates, and diplomas, having those listed on your resume could help you secure a job.

What are the cons of a post-graduate certificate?

A post-graduate certificate can require the investment of time and money, which may be a negative. Also, not all post-graduate certificates will open doors career-wise; some are more impactful than others, depending on your profession.

Photo credit: iStock/PeopleImages

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

Terms and conditions apply. SOFI RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. SoFi Private Student loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, such as completion of a loan application and self-certification form, verification of application information, the student's at least half-time enrollment in a degree program at a SoFi-participating school, and, if applicable, a co-signer. In addition, borrowers must be U.S. citizens or other eligible status, be residing in the U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, or American Samoa, and must meet SoFi’s underwriting requirements, including verification of sufficient income to support your ability to repay. Minimum loan amount is $1,000. See SoFi.com/eligibility for more information. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change. This information is current as of 4/22/2025 and is subject to change. SoFi Private Student loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

SOISL-Q325-134

How many colleges a student applies to is a highly personal decision. One student might just apply to a couple of schools during the early action period; another might wait for the later, regular decision deadline and apply to well over a dozen.

For most students, though, the number of applications they send out (each of which takes time and money) is somewhere between those two extremes. There’s no one ideal number but, as a general guideline, the College Board recommends applying to five to eight colleges, and to include a mix of reach, target, and safety schools.

Read on for a closer look at how to pick the right number — and the right mix — of applications to set yourself up for college success.

How to Decide How Many Colleges You’re Going to Apply to

Like many things in life, there isn’t one simple answer. However, a common rule of thumb is to apply to between five and eight colleges. As you make your list, it can be a good idea to include one to two schools in each of these three categories: safety, target, and reach schools.

•   A reach school is one where acceptance may be a stretch based on your academic profile, but it also shouldn’t be entirely unrealistic.

•   A target school is one where you stand a relatively good chance of admission.

•   A safety school is one that you are fairly confident that you’ll be accepted to.

This way, you can create a balance of dream schools that you’d be thrilled to attend and schools that would be a good fit if some of the other, loftier options don’t work out.

Determining Reach, Target, and Safety Schools

To determine which schools are a reach, target, and safety, you’ll want to compare your grades, GPA, and SAT or ACT scores to the average academic profile of recently admitted students at each school. This should give you an idea of how you line up when compared to students currently enrolled at the school.

Most colleges and universities have admissions profiles where they include information like the average GPA, SAT, and/or ACT scores of current classes. Another option is to take a look at the College Board’s Big
Future , where you can create a profile and compare yourself to the academic profile of the schools you’re interested in attending. This isn’t a guarantee, but it can give you a good idea of what types of schools you can realistically expect to get into.

Recommended: Do Your SAT Scores Really Matter for College?

Is More Better?

If you are extremely passionate about attending a highly selective college, you may have to increase the number of applications you submit. Generally, the more selective a school is, the greater the chance you won’t be accepted. So it could be worth sending out a few extra applications to be sure you get admitted into a school that you are excited about attending.

Is Less Best?

Applying to colleges requires both time and money. While some students may qualify for fee waivers, students can generally expect to pay an application fee for each application. College application fees currently average $48 and, in some cases, run significantly higher. It could be worth setting up an application budget so you have an idea of how many schools you can reasonably afford to apply to.

Each college application will also require your time and attention. Students may not realistically have the time to fill out 20 applications. Another reason some students may consider applying to fewer colleges is if they have specific needs or are interested in a particular major or field of study that is only offered at a few schools.

Planning Your Applications

With that in mind, you’ll want to take some time to review which schools you are actively interested in applying to. Before applying to a school, try to get a good sense of the types of programs offered and what life on campus may be like.

You can take this time to think honestly about what you want out of your college experience and craft a list of schools that could fit the bill. Try to avoid applying to any schools you wouldn’t realistically want to attend or get into. As you compare schools, it can be a good idea to rank your choices. This can help you determine when you may want to apply early decision or early action to a top school.

Early action and early decision are application routes that allow students to get a jump on the usual application season and decision timetable and possibly indicate interest in a specific school as their top choice. If a student applies for early decision, they are committing to attending that school should they be admitted. Early action usually allows students to receive a decision earlier than traditional applications, but admission is not binding.

Note that some schools may only offer either early action or early decision or may not offer either.

The college applications process can be a lot to handle. If you are ever feeling overwhelmed by the scope of it all, consider talking to your guidance counselor or another confidante who has experience with college applications. They can help you navigate the ins and outs of the process and may be able to provide some insightful advice.

Recommended: Ultimate College Application Checklist

Planning for the Future

Part of the college planning process also involves figuring out how you’ll pay for your education. So in addition to your college applications, you’ll want to be sure you fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This provides access to federal financial aid, including grants, scholarships, work-study, and federal student loans.

There are, however, different sorts of student loans to consider as you determine how to finance your college education.

If you find that savings and federal aid, including federal student loans, aren’t enough to pay for school, you might then explore getting a private student loan. These are available through banks, credit unions, and online lenders. Loan limits vary from lender to lender, but you can often get up to the total cost of attendance (which is more than you can borrow from the federal government). Interest rates vary depending on the lender. Generally, borrowers (or cosigners) who have strong credit qualify for the lowest rates.

Keep in mind, though, that private loans may not offer the borrower protections — like income-based repayment and deferment or forbearance or public service loan forgiveness — that automatically come with federal student loans.

The Takeaway

The college application process will look slightly different for everyone. But a general guidelines to apply to five to eight schools and to include a mix of reach, safety, and target schools. To come with a balanced list, it’s a good idea to compare your academic profile to that of the average accepted student at your desired schools.

As you plan for college, it’s important to also think about financing your education. That may involve a mix of savings, scholarships, grants, and federal and/or private student loans.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

FAQ

Is 20 college applications too many?

While there’s no limit on how many colleges you can apply to, 20 is a high number that can require a lot of time, energy, and cash. Most experts suggest applying to five to eight schools. However, those who are applying to highly selective schools may want to increase that since the admission rates can be very low.

Can applying to too many colleges hurt your chances?

The answer to whether applying to too many colleges can hurt your chances is, “It depends.” If you wind up rushing through the applications since you have so many to complete by the deadline, then yes, it might reduce your admission odds.

Is it a good idea to apply to multiple colleges?

Yes, it’s generally considered a good idea to apply to more than just one or two colleges. The College Board suggests applying to between five and eight schools. By applying to multiple schools, ranging from safety to reach institutions, you may help increase your odds of having options for your college career.

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