<p>I'm filling out a college's supplement, and they ask me to what other schools I'm applying to. This is bad, because my list makes them seem like a hardcore safety (which they are). What do you do when they ask that? If I answer truthfully, I'm afraid they'll reject me because they'll know they're a safety to me and I'll end up like that kid who wasn't accepted to any schools b/c the safeties he applied to thought he'd get into larger profile schools and rejected him. </p>
<p>I asked a friend this question - he responded that it may actually help me b/c they'll give me a bigger financial aid package to make me want to go there. Any thoughts?</p>
<p>I guess it would be a good idea, though i'm guessing that this school in question is the nearby state school which gives plenty of merit to in-state undergraduates to keep them there, but anyway, I personally wouldn't lie if you're signing it as a contract because you knowingly know where you're going to apply, but hmm, at the same time if you scare of this school, then that could potentially harm and then if you're rejected you can't use this financial aid package as a bargaining chip so it definitely goes both ways.</p>
<p>I really don't think it matters. When I was doing my applications, for the first couple applications I submitted, I listed a different set of colleges then the final applications.</p>
<p>If you don't feel comfortable lying (some people dont!) and you want to answer the question, tell them your list isn't finalized, but shcools like "so and so" but name 2 schools that you are planning to apply to.... your other safeties. LOL</p>
<p>Well, if they know they're a safety, would they be more likely to give me a larger scholarship (based on my high musical achievements) to try to get me to go there?</p>
<p>I plan on making every single school I apply to look like a "second-choice" school, except for a few that I will make clear are first choices.</p>
<p>Michigan is the one I'm worried about. They routinely deny overqualified instate students for fear they 'll end up going out of state for a private school. I'm going to list one competitive private college, then instate schools.</p>
<p>
[quote]
Well, if they know they're a safety, would they be more likely to give me a larger scholarship (based on my high musical achievements) to try to get me to go there?
[/quote]
The answer is -- it depends. Some schools will do exactly what people have said, which is give you better scholarships and access to honors programs to try to attract you. But others are really HURT when you try to use them as a safety (2 notable examples being WUSTL and Tufts) and if they sense you're using them as a safety they will <em>reject</em> you. </p>
<p>You should tell us what school is asking, then people can offer opinions.</p>
<p>What school is this? Is it your state school? If so, then you're not going to be rejected because you're applying to Harvard (or wherever). State schools don't do that stuff, only crazy adcoms at privates do. ;)</p>
<p>St. Olaf in Northfield MN - it's a small liberal arts private school. I have a really great music background (and good academics of course), so I'm pretty sure they'd be pretty happy to have me.</p>
<p>I've just heard horror stories about schools getting upset at being classified by safeties by applicants.</p>