<p>In applications, such as Rice University, they ask you to list other schools you will be applying to. Being a staunch follower of 'Honesty is the best policy', I dutifully filled in other colleges where I was applying with some big names like Cornell and Stanford too.</p>
<p>Now, will this hurt me? I do not regret filling it so, as I cant bear the dishonsety of lying unnecessarily. But, is this used to see whether X college is a backup or is it otherwise.</p>
<p>What it occurs to me presently is:
1. It shows that X college is a backup if the listed is a real rocking one
2. It shows what the students estimation and self-confidence is. If I list some biggies, I may estimate myeslf to me a cpapble student of getting it so, or if I list some Tier - III schools, I may be applying to X college just for kicks.</p>
<p>Does anyone know what the answer is? Is Honesty not the best policy?</p>
<p>Personally, I think it would be appropriate to respond with, "I respectfully decline to answer this question," which is a polite way of saying, "None of your business!" but of course when you are filling out an application you want very much to not offend, so I defer to other responders.</p>
<p>I don't think naming Stanford or Cornell on a Rice application would hurt you at all. They could be considered peer institutions. </p>
<p>I wish colleges wouldn't ask that question at all since, as you say, it could look suspicious if the schools you list are all far-and-above more selective than the one in question. Given how competitive the top tier has become, even well qualified candidates need safety schools. It's fair to assess an applicant's level of interest, but it's not fair to indirectly ask if the applicant is using you as a safety.</p>
<p>In Rice's case, however, I bet this question is more geared to see if you have a good idea of the type of school you are looking for. Rice attracts a certain type of well-informed student. If your list spans the entire college spectrum, it might look like you haven't focused your search very well.</p>