<p>On several other threads I have seen references to forms asking for a list of other colleges being applied to. Exactly what forms contain this question? And I have read advice suggesting one leave this question blank or only answer it listing the colleges close in ranking to the one being applied to. And I'm hearing there is no penalty for doing this? What are people's opinions on this subject? Thank you.</p>
<p>I don’t know which (if any) require this info. My kids’ apps didn’t REQUIRE this info, so we left it blank. I really feel that it’s none of their business. It’s like applying for a job, the interviewer shouldn’t be asking where else are you interviewing.</p>
<p>I think when my D was applying, George Washington and Boston University asked this question. She answered it, and was accepted to both those schools. The schools say they ask because they want to know what other schools are their competition. Some students don’t want to list out of fear of rejection if it appears the school is their safety. I really don’t know if it affects admission generally; it didn’t in our family’s case.</p>
<p>If I recall correctly, this question was on all of my son’s Common App supplements. In addition, at least half of the coaches and admissions reps we met with asked the question in person. </p>
<p>One could drive oneself crazy by trying to figure out the best answer. List only non-competitive schools? List direct competitors? List reach schools? Ignore the question completely? I think my son did all of the above at various times. We have no idea how this information will be used.</p>
<p>There have been other threads on this topic. I don’t recall a consensus. The question appeared on a couple of Common App Supplements and one school-specific app. In our case we needed merit money, so D only listed competing schools. YMMV.</p>
<p>Thanks all, thats very helpful!</p>
<p>I told my son to say “First tell me the names of all the other students who are applying.” I’m not sure if he did that :)</p>