<p>Is it necessary to answer this? I do not see what use it could be other than giving them a chance to "peg" you and develop opinions if you would actually accept a spot at their school if offered. I feel as though it is none of their business.</p>
<p>What do you think? </p>
<p>Maybe only list comparable school ... like if it is your reach .. then just list the reaches etc.</p>
<p>There have been many threads on this, and many different opinions. The general consensus is to either leave the question blank or be honest and list every school you're applying to. Chances are, colleges will know where they stand, and they'll see right through it if you only list peer colleges.</p>
<p>My Princeton and Middlebury interviewers both asked me this.</p>
<p>It's a casual question, don't think too much about it.
They're trying to help you, to convince you that their school is the superior choice.</p>
<p>Pardon the rehash ... I will search. But I feel it is one of those innocent sounding Qs that has many undercurrents. I think I will suggest D leave it blank and in the interview I think a student should decline to be specific. I feel like it is showing your cards.</p>
<p>Most school's purpose for asking other schools is to get an assessment of what their peers are. It usually has little to do with your admission and more to do with the school trying to figure out where they stand among other universities -- they want to know whether they are the 'safety' school for more elite unis, or where they stand with other schools.</p>
<p>
[quote]
I think a student should decline to be specific.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Er... tried that.</p>
<p>"Oh... a few other top LACs, a few Ivy League schools"</p>
<p>"You don't have to be afraid, you can tell me."</p>
<p>At that point, I felt pressured to say so.</p>
<p>one time at an interview for a very, very competitive full ride scholarship to a particular school one person on the interviewing panel asked me:</p>
<p>"Which schools have you been accepted to, and what are your thought processes in choosing between them?"</p>
<p>That was a very, very awkward question. So maybe I can accept having to answer the first question, but the second question struck me as a highly inappropriate question.</p>
<p>How about saying undecided on the application?</p>
<p>I was asked that at an interview. I think they're just curious. After I told him the schools, he asked about why and then tried to give me advice regarding my interests.</p>
<p>I think they are passing judgment. They know who their peers are ... they want to know if you do. They can also tell if they are a safety or a reach on your list. Your choices tell lots about you and if what you have been saying about yourself tracks with your choices. </p>
<p>I guess it depends who you are talking to ...</p>
<p>I kinda feel like answering the question allow schools to think you're overqualified and just using their school as a safety, because of the other schools on your list.</p>
<p>Hmmm, I think only two of the schools I'm applying to asked this (except the app for UMich isn't out yet, so who knows). I'm putting down all the schools I'm applying to. I think people overthink questions like this.</p>
<p>Or I could just be really naive.</p>
<p>I don't think it would be very smart to tell George Washington that you are applying to Georgetown....just idk...not the best of ideas i dont think
but I am into honesty. so I would probably just tell them the truth
and I would just be like...well honestly i am applying to X Y and Z...</p>
<p>THX DCforMe for the links ... very helpful ... </p>
<p>To all ... follow the links above ... great lengthy discussion already in action.</p>
<p>I think a lot of people are being a little paranoid here. All the college admissions officers say they really want to know who you are as a person. At the stage of your life when you're applying to college, one of the things that will tell them the most about you is where else you're applying. So if you have good math SATs and you say you're interested in math & science and you're applying to a bunch of math/science-heavy schools, that last bit of information is strong confirmation of what you told them your interests are; they'll feel they know you a little better for knowing that. But if you're also applying to some really artsy schools because you also have an interest in the performing arts, let's say, that will tell them something very different. I really think it's as simple as that. </p>
<p>Though I do think there's also something to the idea that they want to know whether they're your safety, or a match, or a reach, and who their competition is. I don't think this latter information is going to affect your chances very much in most cases, though.</p>
<p>I was not asked but told my interviewers the top 3 schools I had
applied to and then proceeded to identify why I thought their
school was a good place for me specifically.</p>
<p>MIT ... perfect. Take control ... at least in the interview. Top three is a great idea.</p>
<p>I think it comes down to being strategic and make sure you do not make the school look like your safety.</p>
<p>This has kind of been mentioned before, but if I got asked that question, depending if I could get away with it (based on judgment of person if on interview, would do it for an application) I would say 'I'm looking at schools that have <strong><em>, _</em></strong>, __ and that's why I think your school is the best for me because it has <em>_, _</em><em>, _</em> (same traits, just go into more detail- like looking for community feeling- yale/rice residential colleges).' Why the school is a great fit for you, distract them, and show that you have done your research.
For peers- check out the <a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parents-forum/487335-10th-grade-college-talk-begins-peers.html?highlight=10th%5B/url%5D">http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parents-forum/487335-10th-grade-college-talk-begins-peers.html?highlight=10th</a> .</p>