I noticed on the common application, the list for other colleges you are applying too. Do most people fill this in? It doesn’t seem like it should be their concern unless it’s a school like Tufts that thinks it’s “2nd choice”. I’m sure there are a lot of variables, but I know one senior that thought she was WL to her favorite “match” school because her parents had her put down 2 reach schools. Her stats and URM status would of given her a chance, but she feels they didn’t take her interest seriously. Any one have thoughts on how to approach it?
<p>Where is this list on the common app? I don't see it.</p>
<p>Sorry, it was on the required supplement that a few colleges I was looking at requested. Its on the common app site. I thought I had clicked back to the regular one. They ask for the college and their codes. It said it was for research purposes, but I'm sure they use it to see your interests in other institutions.</p>
<p>I wouldn't list your reaches. Just put down your safeties and your lower matches. You're technically not lying, just strategically ommiting some things, just like on the SAT! :) lol</p>
<p>I see it the same way as you do. Leaving it blank would look suspicious to some and I doubt they check. My friend was also asked on a post-application interview which took her off guard, but she said she really wanted to go to that school.</p>
<p>also, put them in alpha order, not your priority order</p>
<p>Good tip bluebayou</p>
<p>My concerns were: the school would think you were indecisive if you listed too many, or arrogant if you listed too few; if you had several more selective schools listed, the school would think they were just a back-up; if you listed several less selective schools, they would think you were either not a competitive applicant or else willing to settle for less.
I don't know if any of these types of things happen, it's just what i worried about when i was applying to school!</p>