<p>OK, I am applying to Grinnell, and I have a question.
They asked me to put all colleges I've applied so far.
What am I supposed to do? </p>
<p>I've applied Emory, Vandy, and other non lac colleges + some lac schools, such as Swarthmore and Haverford so far, and they are either in the big city, or close to city. Grinnell has nothing in common with those schools.
What am I supposed to do? Do I have to be naive and put all schools that I am applying to? or put more lacs which have something in common with Grinnell?</p>
<p>its none of grinnell's business where else you've applied; they should judge you on your application, no?</p>
<p>But here's why they ask. Schools are worried about being used as a safety, and can infer that by looking at where else you've applied. Also schools will use this info to sweeten their financial aid package (although they always deny they do this). If you've applied to several competitors, especially ones that are slightly preferred, they may give you a better package so you'll choose them.</p>
<p>Here's my advice. Answer this question in your own best interests. List the LACs which are similar, especially the ones they see as competitors. Add in an obvious safety such as your state school.</p>