<p>So, some colleges want me to tell them where else I am applying. What should I do? Should I just skip that part (it's optional) or list lower ranked colleges to which I am applying to make the college feel like it isn't my safety school?</p>
<p>I would list lower ranked colleges.</p>
<p>I think this is for their own information and is not part of the application that gets reviewed…but that being said if I put down anything I’d probably list at least one the same level so they don’t think their school is your big reach and a couple of lower ranked schools.</p>
<p>Give them the list they expect to see from a kid they may be able to get, but that isn’t a slam-dunk. If they think they are your safety it may affect your odds of admission (ie. “Tufts syndrome”) and if they think they’re your best choice they may give you a worse FA package. So list one school slightly better regarded (your “reach”), a few peer schools, and an obvious safety.</p>
<p>Also its come up that colleges can see where else you are applying if you fill out a FAFSA form, so if you fill that out be sure to list the colleges alphabetically. See <a href=“https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2013/10/28/colleges-use-fafsa-information-reject-students-and-potentially-lower-financial-aid”>https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2013/10/28/colleges-use-fafsa-information-reject-students-and-potentially-lower-financial-aid</a> </p>