Anyone who has been through the college applications process will tell you it’s miserable. Stressing over grades and standardized test scores on top of five different clubs to boost your application in the eyes of an admissions counselor at your dream school leaves students wondering if it’s all really worth it. With so many options for school, however, it might not be.

 With the Common App, it is easier than ever to apply to as many schools as you want. Before, college applicants would have to fill out each individual application by hand for the schools they wanted to apply to. Now, you can send out as many applications as you wish with the click of a button.

 That isn’t to say it isn’t time consuming. Between the Common App itself and supplements, not to mention schools that refuse to use the Common App, the application process is a lengthy one.

 Senior Andrew Pham filled out eight applications. “Four went through the Common App, and with supplements, it took about two to three months to finish writing the supplements and personal essay.”

 But how much is too much? And what should you really be looking for in a college?

 English teacher Mr. Bowne, who’s gone through the application process twice as a parent, and who helps students with the college application essay, said that if you’re in the double digits, it may be a little much. “Applying to too many schools makes it tough on the teachers and guidance counselors who write letters,” he said. “It’s also expensive to apply to too many schools.”

Guidance Counselor Mrs. Freedner gave some of her statistics regarding her kids who applied to college this year.

“This year the average number of schools that my students applied to was 5,” said Mrs. Freedner, “I had a few students who only applied to one school because they were committed athletes, but on the opposite end, I had a few who applied to between 11 and 13 schools.”

The numbers on application fees were eye opening. “I would estimate between $300 – $500” said Mrs. Freedner on the average amount of money a student spends.

 There’s a lot of things to look for in a college. However, for parents, it is important that their kids understand that their dream school may not be attainable because of financial limitations.

 “As a parent, the top concern is money,” said Mr. Bowne. “Their school of choice might not be viable because of money. You want it to be your child’s choice, but you have to be the voice of reason.”

 At the end of the day, the most important thing you will get from a college is your degree. Attending a top school is great, but if it’s causing you an unearthly amount of stress just getting those applications out, it’s worth taking a step back and finding options that are more in reach.