College application asks for other colleges you're applying to

<p>If a college application asks you what other colleges you're applying to with 3 blank spaces available, what do you put on there? Will it hurt me if I put down other schools or should I leave it just blank? I think if I left it blank, it would look bad for some reason and if I put down other colleges, the college itself might think I'm using it as a safety school. I don't see why they need to know the other colleges I'm applying to...sooo what do I put?</p>

<p>While colleges like to track who their competition is, I can think of no advantages and several disadvantages to listing where you're applying.</p>

<p>Either put colleges that are similar to the school, or leave it blank. Some kids may list them in alphabetical order so no preference is implied. There is no harm in leaving it blank; it's not a required question.</p>

<p>If it's required, you should properly fill it out honestly.</p>

<p>However, RPI asked me to do it on my application (I'm done with the process now- just finished) and, since it wasn't bolded (required) on the Common App, I left it completely blank. I got in regular decision, so take it as you will.</p>

<p>Afterwards...many admitted student surveys asked me "Where did you apply? What happened (Accept, waitlist, deny)?" and I did those honestly out of courtesy.</p>

<p>Honestly, I would fill it in if the other schools you are applying to are about equal with or slightly worse than that school. Though it isn't required, and probably would be bad if you made it appear as though that school was your safety, a little honesty goes a long way. My sister used MSU as her safety, filled out the "where else are you applying?" question and listed UMich and Brown, and still got into the honors program with an enormous scholarship and a research assistant position as a freshmen.</p>