Final answer:
A student should generally apply to around 5 to 8 colleges, including a mix of reach, match, and safety schools. This number can vary based on the student's individual circumstances and goals.
Step-by-step explanation:
The number of colleges a student should apply to can vary based on individual circumstances and goals. However, a common recommendation is to apply to around 5 to 8 colleges. This typically includes a mix of reach, match, and safety schools.
A 'reach' school is one where a student's grades and test scores fall below the school's average. It's not impossible to get into these schools, but it's a bit of a long shot. A 'match' school is one where a student's academic credentials are very similar to those of the average admitted student. They have a good shot of getting in. A 'safety' school is one where a student's grades and test scores are notably above those of the typical admitted student. Barring any major issues, they should be admitted.
However, this is just a general guideline. Some students may choose to apply to more colleges, particularly if they're aiming for highly competitive schools.
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