How Many Graduate Programs Should I Apply To? Expert Advice for Grad School

Welcome to Victors in Grad School, where we have conversations with students, alumni, and experts about what it takes to find success in graduate school. Welcome back to Victors in Grad School. I'm your host, Dr. Christopher Lewis, Director of Graduate Programs at the University of Michigan, Flint. Really excited that you're back again this week. And today I don't have a guest. I am talking to you about some of the questions that I have gotten from over the time that we've been doing this podcast and over the years to try and help to answer some of your questions. And today, the question that we're going to be answering is, how many graduate programs should you apply to? 

If you’ve started researching graduate school, there’s a moment that almost always happens.

At first, it’s exciting — you’re exploring programs, imagining the possibilities, picturing yourself in a new career or stepping into a leadership role. You start bookmarking program pages, saving “how to apply” checklists, and telling yourself, Okay… I’m really doing this.

And then… reality hits.

You realize there are a lot of graduate programs out there.

A LOT.

You might find yourself asking:

• “Should I apply to just one program?”
• “What if I only apply to two and don’t get in?”
• “What if I apply to ten and burn out halfway through?”
• “What’s the smart number?”
• “What do people normally do?”

If that’s you — first, take a deep breath.

You’re not behind. You’re not doing it wrong. And you’re definitely not the only person trying to solve this puzzle.

Today we’re going to walk through this question together:
How many graduate programs should you apply to?

And I’ll give you a clear recommendation — but even more importantly, I’ll help you choose the right number for you.

---

The honest answer: it depends… but not as much as you think

I know “it depends” can be the most annoying answer ever, so let me say this upfront:

Most prospective graduate students should apply to between 3 and 6 programs.

That’s not just a random number — it’s the sweet spot where you:

• give yourself strong options,
• reduce risk of not getting in anywhere,
• and avoid overwhelming yourself with too many applications.

But of course, there are reasons to apply to fewer… or more.

So instead of giving you a number and sending you on your way, I want to help you decide:

• What’s realistic for your time and energy
• What’s appropriate for your field
• What’s strategic for your goals
• What gives you the best chance at admission and the best chance at success once you’re in

Because here’s what I tell students all the time:

Getting accepted matters… but choosing the right program matters more.

---

Start with this: What kind of graduate applicant are you?

Before we get into numbers, I want to ask you a question.

When you picture applying to grad school, are you someone who:

1) Wants a clear, simple plan

You want 2–3 strong options, you want to focus, and you want to avoid the stress of “too many choices.”

2) Wants options and flexibility

You want to be strategic, apply broadly, compare offers, and decide later.

3) Is feeling uncertain and trying to “make sure”

You’re not totally confident yet — and applying to more programs feels like a way to protect yourself.

There’s no wrong answer here. But knowing which one you are helps you choose your best number.

---

A helpful framework: Dream, Fit, and Safe

One of the best ways to build your graduate school list is to include three categories:

• Dream Programs

These are highly competitive or highly selective.
You would LOVE to get in — but you know it’s not guaranteed.

• Fit Programs

These are strong matches.
Your academic background, experience, and goals align well.

• Safe Programs

These are programs where you have a strong likelihood of admission.
You’d still be happy attending — and they reduce anxiety.

Now here’s the magic:

A strong grad application plan includes a mix of all three.
That way you avoid the two biggest mistakes applicants make:

1. applying only to the most competitive programs
2. applying randomly without a strategy

---

So… how many programs should you apply to?

Let’s break it into realistic options.

---

Option 1: Apply to 1–2 programs

This is okay if…

• You are geographically limited (family, job, caregiver responsibilities)
• You are applying to a very specific program that only a few schools offer
• You are already connected to a faculty member or advisor
• You are 100% sure this is the right program for you
• You have a backup plan if you don’t get in

This can work.

But I’ll be honest — the risk is higher.
Because even strong applicants get denied sometimes for reasons that have nothing to do with them.

Examples include:

• limited cohort size
• funding availability
• faculty capacity
• too many qualified applicants

So if you’re applying to only one program, I encourage you to ask:

“If I don’t get in this cycle… what’s my plan B?”

If you have a good answer, applying to 1–2 programs can absolutely be a smart choice.

---

Option 2: Apply to 3–4 programs (recommended for most people)

This is the “balanced” plan.

It works well when:

• You have limited time to apply
• You are working full-time
• You want to submit strong applications instead of rushing
• You want options, but you don’t want overload

A 3–4 program plan typically looks like this:

• 1 Dream
• 2 Fit
• 1 Safe

If you want a straightforward, smart plan — this is it.

---

Option 3: Apply to 5–6 programs (great if you want more options)

This is also a strong approach — especially if:

• You’re applying in a competitive field
• You’re hoping for assistantships or funding
• You want flexibility in program format (online, hybrid, in-person)
• You want multiple choices for location or faculty

A 5–6 program plan might look like:

• 2 Dream
• 2–3 Fit
• 1 Safe

This gives you a strong chance of acceptance and the ability to compare offers.

---

Option 4: Apply to 7+ programs

This may be necessary if:

• You’re applying to highly competitive programs (like clinical psych, funded PhDs, top-tier research programs)
• You’re chasing assistantships and want to maximize funding chances
• You’re applying nationally with flexible location

But I’ll warn you: applying to 7+ programs can quickly become too much.

Here’s why:

Graduate applications aren’t like undergrad applications.

They usually require:

• detailed personal statements
• program-specific essays
• recommendation letters
• writing samples
• resumes/CVs
• sometimes interviews

And each application needs to feel personal and intentional.

If you apply to too many programs, the quality can drop — and that can cost you admission.

So if you’re going beyond 6 programs, be sure you have:

• a clear timeline
• support (like a mentor, advisor, coach)
• and enough bandwidth to write well

---

Here’s what most people forget: applications cost money and energy

Let’s talk about the “invisible cost.”

Yes — graduate apps can have fees.

But the bigger cost is time and emotional energy.

Because every program you apply to requires you to:

• imagine yourself there
• research faculty and curriculum
• write about your goals
• craft your future into words
• feel the hope and anxiety of “what if?”

And that adds up.

If you apply to 10 programs and burn out, you may end up submitting 10 weaker applications instead of 4 strong ones.

I’d rather see you submit 3 applications you feel proud of than 8 rushed applications you dread.

---

A Director’s perspective: what matters more than the number

Let me give you the most important advice I can offer as someone who reads applications and supports graduate students every day.

The best number of programs to apply to is the number you can apply to WELL.

That’s it.

A strong application feels like:

• clear goals
• a strong “why this program?”
• alignment with curriculum and faculty
• maturity and readiness
• polished writing

And those things take time.

So instead of asking:

“How many programs should I apply to?”

Try asking:

“How many strong applications can I realistically submit in the next 6–10 weeks?”

That will guide you to the right number almost every time.

---

My recommendation (and a simple takeaway)

If you’re still unsure, here’s the clearest guidance I can give:

Apply to 4 programs if:

• you’re working full-time
• you want to avoid burnout
• you want a focused approach

Apply to 5–6 programs if:

• your field is competitive
• you want to maximize scholarship/assistantship possibilities
• you want options across format and location

Apply to 2–3 programs if:

• your options are limited by location or lifestyle
• you’re already highly confident and prepared
• you have a backup plan

And if you’re applying to 7+ programs, you’re not wrong — just make sure you’re set up to do it sustainably.

---

One final encouragement

If you’re listening to this and feeling overwhelmed, I want you to know this:

You don’t have to have the perfect number.

You just need a plan that protects your energy, increases your chances, and keeps you moving forward.

Grad school isn’t about chasing prestige — it’s about choosing a program that fits your life and supports your goals.

So yes, apply strategically.

But also apply with hope.

Because you’re not just applying to programs.

You’re applying to a future you’re building on purpose.

And that’s something to be proud of.