It may make sense to apply to a number of colleges instead of just two or three.
If you apply to the school of your dreams and one safety school that you're not thrilled about, and you are not accepted in your first-choice college, what are you going to do? Attend the safety college that was just a backup in your mind? If you're not sure where you stand academically (maybe you earn good grades but attend a large high school where it's difficult to figure out where you truly rank), applying to six or seven colleges with varying entrance criteria and different student body numbers may give you multiple options to determine best fit, which may even surprise you. But, also keep in mind that most college applications come with fees. Applying to schools you know you don't meet basic entrance criteria can cost you unnecessary cash. Save that money and put it toward costs at a college where you can get accepted.
Costs may play a big role in your final choice.
If you apply only to schools you think you can afford based on the “sticker price,” you may miss out on colleges that offer great financial aid packages. Be sure to review the overall costs and factor in financial aid packages and scholarship options. You can use tools like a net price calculator online to figure your actual costs.