One of my safeties asks this question on its application, but its optional. Do I answer it? Im leaning towards yes because they might offer more merit aid if they see the other colleges I am applying to.
You can cite one more safety and one or two matches. Most safeties do NOT like to “feel like a safety” so listing all kinds of higher-ranked universities will backfire by indicating clearly they’re far from your far choice and are unlikely to attend. In some cases, you may even be denied (this is known as “Tufts syndrome”).
As you said, it is not obligatory. It’s fine to skip. You may, however, come across this on other forms and/or it may come up in an interview, so it’s wise to have a plan of how to answer. For me, when the question came up before 12/31 (i.e. when my final applications were due), my answer was, “I’m still finalizing the list, but the schools to which I will apply offer X, Y, and Z.” My answer after all applications was submitted was, “I’m applying to schools that offer X, Y, and Z, such as AA, AB, and AC,” where two of the schools are at the same level as the school asking the question, and the third is a step below. I would not list all the schools, and I would list them in random (or alphabetical) order.
I agree with answering the question with a small number of comparable universities. For example, if your safety is a Big Ten university, then list a couple of other Big Ten universities or state universities you are applying to, or maybe another public university within your state. List your other safeties. If you get the same question on a reach university application, then list some other reaches.
Sometimes comparable universities in the same conference or in-state universities competing for the same students will want to win over a student from their competition, and they can be more motivated to award scholarships. My daughter had this experience – one university specifically told her they especially didn’t want to lose her to another Big Ten university she was applying to, and they offered her a big scholarship trying to lure her away from their rival.
The school is not a safety.
so only reply with colleges that are a tad bit better, equal, or worst?
I feel like just say: “I am still in the process of finalizing my college list, but I do know that your institution remains one of my top choices.”
@rdeng2614 it says list so writing that would not be following the instructions
yes mostly safeties and matches, and for state universities you can name rivals.
Find a different safety. It is obvious that this school does not want to be your “safety”.