<p>My s is finally finished with his applications :) However, here is my worry of the day. He applied to 7 really competitive schools and 1 'match' (unwise, I know but that's on the worry list for another day). On the match app, which was the last one he sent in, it asked for the names of the other schools he's applying to. I'm concerned that they are going to look at the list and think that s considers them a safety school and rate him down for that. Is this a realistic concern, or do adcoms not look at this information in this way?</p>
<p>Some background info: this college is a popular destination for kids from our hs. Four are already in ED1, and they also have an ED2. He would be applying RD. Even though he is probably more qualified stat-wise than the others it may be that they have had enough from our hs by the time they get to him and this could compound the potential 'safety school' issue.</p>
<p>If I were you, I'd do a worse case scenario analysis and send out a real safety safety app, ASAP, just in case. There's really no way to know how they'll read it.</p>
<p>Andi, in my experience, it does not SEEM to make a difference. But I too hesitate because though I truly believe that most adcoms are fair and try to follow guidelines and look at each application without trying to second guess the yield, there are peole out there that are not so scrupulous. I will tell you that if your child is applying to a safety or match school that tracks visits, not a large state type school, it is wise to visit the school, schedule an interview and make sure he shows a lot of interest in the school. I have been surprised this time around with my senior how many times this question came up. One of the schools he chose, came to visit and had a group session and the interviewer actually asked each kid around the table where else they applied. Some kids were really not interested in sharing the info with their classmates, and I do believe the counseling office concurred that this was an inappropriate question. But nearly all of the schools where he visited/auditioned asked where else he applied. The standard answer would be a few schools where the student did apply. A comprehensive list is not required. And if you want to look at some other safety schools and consider them as well, I don't feel dishonest listing them in the mix. </p>
<p>The official reason for this question is that they want to know their rival schools and this info is used in some guidebooks. But that holds no water for me. The percent of accurate answers is abysmal. Better you take a poll of accepted students who are more apt to answer truthfully once the process is over. Even that does not ensure honesty. The only good way to get usable data is to ask the gcs of each applicant at the year end where each of them applied. Most GCs do have to send final grades, and they just might fill in the data as a gesture of good will towards the college adcoms, but it is doubtful you will get every single applicant's info. What was nice about applying early in the season is that there were so many possibilities on S's list, that he could pick and choose what he felt like putting at the moment. Not so good when they reasked the question at the auditions and he had no idea what he put on the app!</p>
<p>Thanks. The question took us by surprise because it hadn't come up on any of the previous applications. I wish that he had listed some easier school as a hedge- but too late now. And yes, it is definitely a school that would pay attention to the interest shown by the student; another good point. That's interesting that you report that all of your son's schools asked this question too hmmm wonder why some do?? Asking your son where he applied to, at the auditions, was definitely a tough one. Hopefully with his acting talents he was good at ad libbing !</p>
<p>Andi-upon rereading my message, I feel it sounds too negative. I'm sure that your S has a good grasp on things and will get accepted to some of his competitive choices; I'm just a worrywart at heart. Best wishes.</p>
<p>garland- in point of fact I believe you're correct. Somehow we ended up playing Russian Roulette with these applications. :eek: He most likely won't file any more now because he/I have had enough at this point. No can do. If he doesn't get in he'll just have to take a year off! In the meantime I'll be hoping that those great college gods up in the sky look favorably upon him.
PS (remind me in April that I actually wrote this!)</p>
<p>andi,
it's really hard to be objective when its your own kid. I know my son's list is reasonable, and should generate at least 3 out of six acceptances (we have one already in hand, thank heavens) - but I still fret on a daily basis.</p>
<p>Thanks ohio_mom you're so right. It is hard to be objective. I do wish there were a more logical and sane approach to college admissions, but I suppose that will be as likely to happen as a solution to health care.</p>
<p>Oh, he's a smooth one allright, and it did not bother him a bit. But none of my other kids were upset with the question either. I would be, just the way I am. but to specifically ask if the student has applied ED somewhere, is really getting too invasive in my book.</p>
<p>Oh, that question would worry me too....especially given the fact that his "match" asked it. I'm really surprised that it was asked at all. I agree with a safety app submission.</p>
<p>I am not sure about your son's level, but there are safetys for a strong student that are piece-of-cake applications. Allegheny has a "Leadership" app with no essays, one rec. You get a reply in 2 weeks (supposedly).</p>
<p>If he did any common apps, they are easy-- same-- with usually just a small supplementary paragraph for each college; could do multiple common app safeties in one fell swoop this way.</p>
<p>I am a classic worrywart and my D probably overdid it but we did 3 reach, 2 reach/ match, 3 match, 3 match/safety & UCs! All were common apps except the UC. It just seemed to be tempting fate not to do a bunch. the $300 or so in "extra" apps seemed like a pittance considered against having some choices in April.</p>
<p>There is a thread for colleges with application deadlines not yet passed...</p>