"So where are you applying... Harvard?"

<p>I can't tell you how many times people have asked me this question, and each times it never fails to be awkward. I'm a generally really outgoing person, but whenever people say this to me I kind of tense up, give a nervous giggle, and try to get out of the situation as quickly as possible (usually by saying that I haven't even decided where I'm applying - which is total BS because apps are due so soon).</p>

<p>Then, when I actually do tell them about how I'm applying to HYP, etc the conversation only gets more awkward... so it's lose-lose :(</p>

<p>Does anyone else know my plight?</p>

<p>I've been there...</p>

<p>I usually just say something like "Oh...too many.." I usually don't get pressed for specifics, but if I am, I say as few as I can, starting with my state school and going up from there.</p>

<p>Why don't you just say schools on your list that wouldn't cause that reaction? I'm sure you can't only be thinking about applying to HYP even if you are applying to Yale early. Say a couple of your safeties and matches if it's that awkward for you.
But I do know what you mean--that happens to me often as well and it is awkward. You just have to be ready for it.</p>

<p>is it because you're afraid they'll remember you said that if you didn't get in?</p>

<p>i don't think that's anything to be afraid of. If it's something you want then why care what people think?</p>

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<p>Yeah, just say "I'm applying to (Flagship State U.) and (Safety College) and I'm also looking at some private schools back east. And you know, (Flagship State U.) looks like they have a decent football team this year...."</p>

<p>Take this approach and you'll never have to mention Harvard by name.</p>

<p>PS: This approach will not work if you are wearing a HARVARD T-shirt or hoodie when you use it.</p>

<p>
[quote]
is it because you're afraid they'll remember you said that if you didn't get in?

[/quote]
</p>

<p>no... it's more like I don't want to be show-offy. 9 times out of 10 the people who ask me are parents of my less achievement-oriented classmates. :/</p>

<p>If I could get into Harvard, I would be proud to say "hey, I'm applying to Harvard, yea it'd be awesome if I get accepted!"</p>

<p>There are ways of saying it so it doesn't come off as boastful or arrogant; you should be proud of your accomplishments</p>

<p>less achievement oriented classmates. lol. nice.</p>

<p>
[quote]
I can't tell you how many times people have asked me this question, and each times it never fails to be awkward. I'm a generally really outgoing person, but whenever people say this to me I kind of tense up, give a nervous giggle, and try to get out of the situation as quickly as possible (usually by saying that I haven't even decided where I'm applying - which is total BS because apps are due so soon).</p>

<p>Then, when I actually do tell them about how I'm applying to HYP, etc the conversation only gets more awkward... so it's lose-lose </p>

<p>Does anyone else know my plight?

[/quote]

Please swallow a frisbee.</p>

<p>I just tell them I'm applying to several top state schools and a few privates. Then I change the conversation.</p>

<p>I can't tell you how many times everyone around me has popped the "So where are you applying to this fall?" As a Southern student who is interested in Northern liberal arts colleges, I face some awkward situations. Rattling off "Amherst, Bowdoin, Williams, Haverford, etc.", I get some very odd faces. I have found that the best approach is to mention my state flagship (University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill) and Duke. Mentioning Bowdoin as my #1 choice just leaves me in awkward positions.</p>

<p>I get this every day...I think it's a very big compliment...I feel good that somebody outside of the normal academic world (teachers, parents, etc) have noticed how much I've worked!</p>

<p>I don't think it's ever bad. I just say..."well one school is very selective"...to my good friends, I will tell them every school BUT the toppest.</p>

<p>you guys can't be serious. you must have zero social skills</p>

<p>^^lolol.
yeah...obviously they already know you are applying to top tier schools. why don't you just tell them to put tem out of their misery?</p>

<p>i'll be honest whenever i've said that i'm not applying to my state school i get a look of genuine disappointment and shame from the other person. :(</p>

<p>plus if u offend someone, they probably wont be going to school with you nxt year anyways...</p>

<p>"is it because you're afraid they'll remember you said that if you didn't get in?</p>

<p>i don't think that's anything to be afraid of. If it's something you want then why care what people think?"</p>

<p>It's not so easy all the time. If you go to a small school or a very cliquey one, you can't just escape what you perceive to be a failure that everyone knows about.</p>

<p>My answer is simple: "I don't know yet." It's a complete lie. And it's not unreasonable to not have lists yet. I am one of five or six at my school that actually has a full list. We get into excellent schools in large numbers. It's not "obviously BS" for you not to know everywhere where you're applying. Once the deadline has passed, I'll probably just say that I'm not sharing anything until I get in. It's none of anyone else's business (except my parents).</p>

<p>I say I don't know too. Obviously that's not true, but I think it's no one's business but my own.</p>

<p>I usually tell them "I'm applying early to Stanford, but who knows if I'll get in?" Then mention the others (only applying to 5 total), including state school, say I'd be happy at any of them, and besides the skiing in Colorado is better than the ivies...
Then it usually goes off on a tangent about skiing and winter and snow</p>

<p>Don't disappoint the people. If you are a top student they will expect you to apply to Harvard.
Many adults feel pride by association (like when your baseball team makes it to the playoffs even though they are not baseball fans).</p>

<p>It annoys me how often this question comes up on the forums. I'm applying to Harvard, and yeah, it can be awkward, but hopefully, if you're applying to Harvard, you're smart enough to figure out a suitable response....</p>