<p>Many of the application supplements ask what other schools my s is applying to. Do you think it's more beneficial to list or not?</p>
<p>This question has been asked here before, but I don't remember where. I can't imagine ignoring a part of an application--I think that would look bad. Listing schools is a legitimate request. It lets a place know what you are looking for. I don't think it can hurt your child, and if you have only applied to one or two other schools, it is my belief (maybe naive) that the school would take care with you, understanding that you have placed your hopes with their school.</p>
<p>My son answered this question honestly. A lot of the teachers know each other, particularly within a certain group of schools, and we saw a lot of the same kids at different auditions. Do the teachers talk? Who knows, but they might. Applying to conservatories is a pretty "intimate" experience that way, so I'd just be up front from the start.</p>
<p>I'm showing my age once again. Does anyone else remember a "scandal" 10 - 15 -20 years ago among select admissions to certain programs (I'm pretty sure of some MBA programs) in which the admissions teams met and discussed applicants. As I recall, they considered who was admitting whom and how much merit aid they were being offered. Anyway, obviously a No-no, whole scheme discovered and killed quickly. </p>
<p>My memories are vague, but I know something of this nature hit the papers. (I knew one admissions man involved.) The above posting reminded me of the potential.</p>
<p>In any case, I'm doubting that there are official conversations about music candidates. After the fact when those admitted bargain for more aid between schools, yes. But before admit letters go out???</p>
<p>I doubt that many music teachers are talking about the vast majority of applicants - at least at the more desirable schools. Faculty listen to hundreds of kids year after year. To the extent they "recruit", it will be directly with the kid. (My view shaped by violin experience - lots of students applying each year! May be different with other disciplines.)</p>
<p>I always assumed the question was more for the Admisssions Dept. Gives them an idea of who their insitutional competitors are. Where do the "top" kids apply, what school attracts the "best" clarintetists, any "safeties" taking away kids do to $$$, etc.</p>
<p>At the more select conservatories/schools with the largest number of applicants, the faculties may not even see the kid's application. They just hear auditions.</p>
<p>I'd love to hear if someone actually has better knowledge than my speculations....</p>
<p>In any case, it's not a question I'd slave over. Put down a few schools, indicate "undecided" or TBD, or leave blank. Isn't the question sometimes noted as "Optional"?</p>
<p>I don't if it was beneficial per se, but it definitely did not hurt my son to put down the names of all the places he was applying. I would imagine it could be helpful if schools think they are competing for you, but I have no experience to prove this. Much luck!</p>
<p>There is a whole thread called "What other schools are you applying to" in the College Admissions section of CC. I am sure you can find it if you search. Sorry, I don't know how to place a link here. It provides a very interesting discussion and food for thought. Also an enlightening view of what others are thinking about this question.</p>
<p>Usually colleges ask this information for their own information. They track statistics to know what colleges are their chief competitors.</p>
<p>My S ignored this request on a couple of applications, but answered honestly when interviewing w/music staff during campus visit. That said, he did not mention all schools applying, just those that the asking school may have been familiar with. </p>
<p>I don't think it hurts, but I also don't think it helps in the app process. Where else you are accepted is a more appropriate query, as it identifies the direct competition, and can help secure additional scholarship $$ if school really wants the student.</p>
<p>There was a suggestion to mention the schools that are similar to the one you are applying for, ie: large universities, smaller conservatories, mid size private schools... This showed that you knew what type of school you were truly interested in. Some of the applications ask you to list schools you've applied to (but not specifically ALL the schools) and others don't ask at all. There is a concern if your list is too long you aren't really excited about any one of them-but with these specialized programs being so competitive it is hard not to put your eggs in many baskets. I don't think I would leave it blank since that seems like you are either not paying attention to the question or have something to hide.</p>
<p>One school asked my D to rank the schools she was applying to. She did it honestly because, at the time, that school was her first choice. That ended up changing and she chose another school. Only one school commented on her "interesting" mix of schools. "Interesting" is not always a good thing though.</p>