<p>Ok, I'll be honest here -- GW is not my top choice, it's a safety for me. In their supplement to the Common App I am thinking of being honest and listed all of the other colleges I am applying to, including the 5 Ivies I'm applying to and quite a few other Ivy-caliber schools, though I have several other schools around GW's level or lower.</p>
<p>Will I get rejected because of Tufts syndrome if I do this? Should I not list any of my Ivy-like schools? This is going to sound totally obnoxious and arrogant, and I'm not trying to be, but I figure that they should know I'm applying to higher-ranked schools than GW after looking at my app, so I don't want to seem like I'm rying to hide something...though I'm not sure what I should do.</p>
<p>well, do you plan to have an interview? if you dont make it look like its just a safety, i think it should be fine (like having an interview, showing interest) </p>
<p>otherwise, i dunno, maybe u wanna list one or two of those ivies so it doesnt look so obvious? i mean, schools do understand that sometimes they are safeties, so i dont think if they saw higher ranked schools it would rule you out, but you definitely have to show some interest at least</p>
<p>I visited for an info session and tour this summer to show interest, but I haven't scheduled an interview yet -- the way I understand it, aren't you supposed to "apply" for an interview after you submit your application if you're using Common App?</p>
<p>yea, im pretty sure you just apply after you submit the application</p>
<p>im not saying an interview is necessary, but i remember on another post someone said that they got into a lot of higher ranked schools but NOT gwu cause he/she didnt show enough interest ...but its definitely good that u visited ...u can always do an alumni interview in your area since it would probably be a waste to go back there</p>
<p>For what I remember when applying, the rule was if for ex, GW looks to them as your safety, when you list the other schools, you are not likely to get accepted, but if you list your matches, you should be ok. Good luck</p>
<p>Quite honestly Spazzity, I think the admissions people at GW may pick up on your rankings-obsessed attitude. Past history has shown the admissions people have an uncanny knack for ascertaining who really is a good match for GW and who really will utilize all GW has to offer. From your description above, I don't get the sense you appreciate any of GW's unique qualities. In addition, you look at the admissions process as just a game to be played. My S is applying to 12 schools, every one of which was carefully picked because he appreciated some program or aspect of the school. He likes the "lower-ranked" ones as much as the others. I think you should probably take GW off your list.</p>
<p>^researchmaven- He can still appreciate GWU without making it his top choice, or even putting on par with his other choices. Admissions IS a game, the OP simply wanted to maximize his chances of being accepted to a college that he liked, I'm sure your son does the same.</p>
<p>Realistically, GWU is probably something like my 3rd choice, but I would still love to attend, and I do indeed care whether I get accepted or not. In fact, I would be more concerned if the poster DIDN'T care whether he was accepted, the fact that he's asking for help on this forum shows he does indeed put thought and care into his application, and isn't flippantly throwing it around like you so eagerly suggested.</p>
<p>I don't think you need to have an interview and you have visited, if it is not that high on your list. Put more focus and energy on your top few choices.</p>
<p>does this work the opposite way? What if gw is my reach?
I did an interview and I've visited but will they think its bad if the other schools im applying to arent as highly ranked?</p>
<p>Spazzity- You may want to check out the class of 2012 acceptance thread from last year. Many top scoring (both GPA and SAT) students were quite surprised when they were WAIT LISTED or rejected from GW. Thus, accusing the school of Tufts Syndrome.
I do agree with researchmaven, admissions officers seem to know based on essay, interview and all whether GW is a good match. Do not worry so much about what other schools you list, instead show real interest if you are at all interested in attending.</p>