Hello all,
I have a PhD interview soon. My M.A. advisor told me to prepare for the question "Would you come here if we accept you?" The interview is at my second choice school, but by a very narrow margin. If I was accepted to both my top two schools, I would have a lot of trouble choosing. If I am asked this question would it be better to be honest ("I would need to hear from one other school to make an informed decision"), or to "commit" earlier. Keeping in mind that competing offers are becoming quite rare in this economy, I am unsure of if it is wise to be vague. Realistically, would it be a serious offense to "commit" in an interview, but end up choosing a different school (on the off chance that my top two schools give offers)? Or are faculty used to the fact that they might accept students who are entertaining other offers?