During an interview, if the interviewer asks what other schools you're applying to...

<p>i had my Brown interview today and was asked point blank "how many schools are you applying to in total?" I didn't want to lie about it, so I said "about 10". Then she went on to ask me to name them. =/ and as I was naming them, she wrote the names down.</p>

<p>damn. would she convey that information in her interviewer report?! regarding my list of schools, if I were in America i'd be seen as a prestige whore because all of them are reach schools, but here in Singapore half the schools on my list aren't typical top choices and are unknown to the average person. I mentioned that I'm applying to so many because I needed financial aid and it's hard to get as an international, but if I had a choice, I would attend Brown because of its curriculum.</p>

<p>anyway, i do feel like texting her to thank her for the interview whilst maybe casually asking if my list would affect my chances of admission. she seemed to like me alot though, and was apparently disappointed that she had to leave early.</p>

<p>DO NOT text your interviewer...too presumptuous/intrusive re access to her, although I realize this is a generational thing and people your age text without such concerns. </p>

<p>You may send her a well considered letter or email, if you think as an international snail mail makes no sense. Keep your email Formal, polite and earnest.<br>
You made a decision to tell the truth, and no one can criticize you for answering. You probably did yourself only good by being forthright. It is NOT fair that she asked, but as this thread attests, it is very very common. My son was also asked this question in a reach college interview, and then the alum asked him to Rank his choices, which was another complication. This college was NOT his first choice (frankly, he had little hope he was going to be admitted so he attached to his match colleges emotionally first), but since it was a desirable reach college, he simply said it would be an honor to be admitted to the alum's college, but one he could not count on of course do to the tremendous competition and unpredictability of who is selected.<br>
My son was admitted and is now attending the alum's school. I personally think you did the best thing by being frank. Your concerns re financial aid are obviously truthful, and you must convey both ambition, intiative and a certain kind of humility and realistic thinking to come across as a mentally fit, realistic 18 year old in an interview. I am sure the Brown alum only wishes you the very best, and will convey your preference for Brown and the bind you are in which requires you to be realistic and to also appreciate opportunities you might have in colleges that would want you and finance your education should you not get an admit to an Ivy swamped with qualified applicants.<br>
Write a great thank you note, and keep it positive. Tell her you appreciate that she understands the difficulties of a foreign student's application to a top reach colllege like Brown re finanacial aide, and thank her for whatever specific thing you learned in your interview. </p>

<p>Best of luck in your applications. You did fine!</p>