how many universities should i apply?

The more the better. There is no loss in choosing 16 but there is in 12. Choosing 12 limits you more than 16. 16 gives you more of a variety! :) Good luck and I hope you get into what you want. WORK HARD AND BE WILLING xx

Applying to 12 colleges isn't necessary. Narrow it down to 5 colleges that have most of what you look for in a school, apply to all 5, and go to the one you get into that you like best.

If you apply to 12 and get admitted into 10 of the 12 schools, it'll be more difficult to choose where to go.

In the UK via UCAS you can apply for up to 6 university courses.

Most apply to 5 or 6. with one school being a "reach" school anmd one being a safety school.

I recommend that you should apply to three colleges. One of them should be what you feel is the best, and two for back-up colleges in case the best one should reject you. Good luck, I was a college professor in education.

as many as you can