Every junior has a laundry list of schools they want to apply to in the beginning of their senior year, including schools ranging from Montgomery College to Harvard “just to see if you can get in.”

Before you waste your time applying to every school on the east coast (and a few on the west coast too for giggles), let me give you some solid advice: DON’T!

I don’t mean to break your spirit; if you really want to apply to a million schools, go ahead. But first, I want to tell why I only applied to one school.

Pros:

1. Saves time and money

Think before you apply to a school; “If I was to be accepted, could I see myself going?” If the answer is no, you should not apply. Why would you pay the application fee to apply to a school you would not go to? Some schools also require you to write an original essay when applying. Don’t waste your time writing an essay just for the gratification of being accepted.

2. Makes one of the most complicated times of your senior year less hectic.

When you are applying to schools, odds are that you are already neck-deep in senior year work with a sprinkle of senioritis. Do not over-complicate your life with unnecessary applications and an increased workload.

Of course, applying to only one school is not the option for everyone, so here are a few cons.

Cons:

1. All your eggs are in one basket

If you only apply to one school you risk being rejected. MC is always a good back up plan, but it is not always for everyone.

2. Limited in your final decision

Some students dream about elaborate “school choice reveal parties” where they share with their family and friends where they choose to go to school. If you only apply to one school, the revealing of your school choice will be much more anti-climactic.

3. You need to know exactly what you want

This goes without saying; The only way to justify applying to only one school is that if you don’t get into that school, you would still not go anywhere else.

Only applying to one school will save you time and save you from stress. If you know exactly what you want, go for it.