<p>Ok, I was wondering whether to leave this blank or not. Does it have any bearing on the admissions decision? I was thinking that if i mention the more prestigious universities (Ivy, etc.) they might chuck me thinking that Grinnell wasn't one of my top choices and if i mention the less prestigious ones they'll chuck me thinking I didn't really expect to go to Grinnell and they'd give my place to a 'more worthy' candidate. What's your take?</p>
<p>i dont think it will matter a lot. they are prob asking for stats or this kinda purposes</p>
<p>Hopefully. Thanks. I’m applying to like 12 other colleges, should I mention all?</p>
<p>I mentioned all other colleges I applied to. Most of them were superior or inferior to Grinnell, none of them were on par with grinnell. I still got in, I don’t it matters for admission purposes.</p>
<p>Can anybody help me with the mascot question? I have got the things in mind that are associated with the community and culture and grinnell but i cant find a good “nickname” to describe it!! any suggestions??</p>
<p>Thanks a lot Silence, I guess i’ll do the same.</p>
<p>OP–my son refused to game this question. He listed all the schools he applied to in alphabetical order. He was accepted at all 10 schools.</p>
<p>The NACAC (National Association for College Admission Counseling) Statement of Principles of Good Practice - Mandatory Practices states that “Postsecondary members agree that they will not require candidates or the secondary schools to indicate the order of the candidates’ college or university preferences, except under Early Decision plans.” Following from this, should colleges even be asking this question? For this reason, my daughter left it blank on all of her applications. This information is confidential and should only be shared should the student choose to do so.</p>
<p>I left the “other colleges” question blank
on all of my apps. It’s optional and should not affect admissions.</p>
<p>I think you should be honest and list all the colleges that you are truly going to apply to. That is what my s did. I do not think it hurts you to list them and actually can show them the kinds of schools where you think you will fit in.</p>
<p>If a student chooses to leave this question blank, I don’t see that as being less than honest. The college should be able to evaluate a student’s “fit” using the required admission materials. Sharing this information may add to a college’s overlap data but should not impact a specific admission decision.</p>
<p>^I was not implying that at all. I meant honest in that it would not hurt you by listing them. I never said it would or would not impact a colleges admission decision, but they do ask the question. You never know if it does or does not affect the decision thought process even if they tell you it doesn’t. Although they say it’s optional, I personally think it is a good idea to answer the question, that is just my opinion. I do agree that it should be left up to the applicant to disclose this information if he/she choses. I happen to think it’s a good thing to disclose and do not think it hurts you by doing so. In fact, I think it can help. Again, just my opinion.</p>
<p>d’smom - I agree that it is really up to each student/family whether they want to share this info. My concern is that some students might feel compelled to answer this question during the application process when they would prefer to be more discrete. Also, even though this discussion appears under Grinnell, it applies to all colleges asking this question. If colleges are using this question to add to their overlap data, I would prefer to see them ask it as students matriculate.</p>
<p>I also was not implying that my views should be shared by all - just don’t want students to feel forced into sharing something personal.</p>
<p>I encountered this question a couple of times while applying. Every time, I listed all the schools which I was sure about applying to at the time, in alphabetical order. I’m applying to ~13 colleges, from one which accepts 90% to a top LAC accepting maybe 25%. I was under the impression that the question was mostly for seeing who their primary competitors are, not about judging the student based off their other applications.</p>