Listing other schools

[Timshel]

So far, it seems like all of the applications ask you to list the other schools you are applying to, but it doesn't seem to be required for any of the apps. So far, I haven't put any down, but I'm wondering, are you guys?

[MrBrooklyn]

For schools that were a particularly good fit for my focuses, I put the few other schools that were the strongest fit, to show that I wasn't applying haphazardly. Don't know if that's the best strategy, but that's what I did. Ultimately, I don't suspect it makes much difference.

[Mistral]

Some schools that I am applying to require an answer to that question. For those schools, I follow MrBrooklyn's strategy. I'm leaning towards not listing schools for applications that don't require a response.

[Enzian]

I haven't had one required yet so I haven't put anything. If I get one that requires it, I'll probably just name two or three other programs which fit me very well a la MyBrooklyn.

I don't know why I'm suspicious of that question in particular - I filled out all the other non-required information...

[yank in the M20]

I've chosen to list schools that are of a similar or maybe a bit higher ranking so they don't think they're either my reach school or my last choice. I'm not going to list Virginia as one of my schools on the application for an unranked university, for instance, and vice-versa.

[xfgdfrmgpo332]

I was also puzzled when I saw this question on apps. I am sending my Berkeley app today, which is my first one due...I am listing n/a for the "what other schools have you applied to" question, because, technically, I have not applied to anywhere else (yet). heh heh.

[Timshel]

I was also puzzled when I saw this question on apps. I am sending my Berkeley app today, which is my first one due...I am listing n/a for the "what other schools have you applied to" question, because, technically, I have not applied to anywhere else (yet). heh heh.

Yeah, so far all of mine have been optional, so I just haven't answered.

[R Deckard]

I've chosen to list schools that are of a similar or maybe a bit higher ranking so they don't think they're either my reach school or my last choice. I'm not going to list Virginia as one of my schools on the application for an unranked university, for instance, and vice-versa.

I did the same thing and reported similar schools that were, on average, slightly stronger than the school I was applying to.

[lolopixie]

My applications are not requesting this; however, they all want self-reporting GRE scores. Since I took the test in December, I am still waiting for the score report to be mailed. Ergo, I had to send the print out from the online ETS site, which lists the other schools I sent the scores to.

[Venti White Choc. Mocha]

I put the four most spread out schools on my app list so that they would be able to see my willingness to go anywhere for a program. I have no idea if this is the right mentality though.

[indalomena]

ah.. didn't even consider strategy here, I just listed them all! I don't think there's all that much variation in ranking of places I applied to though.