Grad schools asking for other programs we are applying to

[ghostar]

Apologies if this topic has been discussed already - I was just not able to find a thread about this in the Chemistry forum. 

 

When graduate programs ask us to list other programs that we're applying to (some even ask to rank them), what are they really asking for? And why? The only plausible reason I could think of was so that graduate programs can strategically plan their visit days, but given that the visit days for all my programs are confirmed already, I couldn't think of how else this information could be helpful/desirable. Any ideas? How did you guys approach this question?

Edited December 7, 2014 by ghostar

[Vene]

It gives them the ability to see how they compare to other programs as well as aids in knowing how many students to accept as it helps predict how many are likely to turn down the admission offer.

[gliaful]

I agree with Vene. I also think it that it shows something about the specificity of your interests, but I guess it depends on how much they read into it. If you apply to five programs that are all well known for their research in the area X, this might demonstrate the applicant's unequivocal commitment to studying X.   

[ghostar]

I agree with Vene. I also think it that it shows something about the specificity of your interests, but I guess it depends on how much they read into it. If you apply to five programs that are all well known for their research in the area X, this might demonstrate the applicant's unequivocal commitment to studying X.

Okay, that makes sense. In this case I guess my back-up school will know that it's my back-up. Oh well.

Edited December 8, 2014 by ghostar

[gliaful]

Okay, that makes sense. In this case I guess my back-up school will know that it's my back-up. Oh well.

If you don't want them to know, you could put a mix of schools both above and below them on your list...umm, this might get into dishonest territory, but the question asks what schools you are APPLYING to, right? Not already applied to? Because, you know, you could have started applications to lower schools but didn't submit them?

[ghostar]

If you don't want them to know, you could put a mix of schools both above and below them on your list...umm, this might get into dishonest territory, but the question asks what schools you are APPLYING to, right? Not already applied to? Because, you know, you could have started applications to lower schools but didn't submit them?

Eh, I suppose. I'll figure something out. Thanks guys

[Maxtini]

I just left the field blank~ although for some university asking for unofficial GRE, they can see where I sent my scores.

[St Andrews Lynx]

Okay, that makes sense. In this case I guess my back-up school will know that it's my back-up. Oh well.

For my PhD applications I wasn't asked to rank my list of the other schools, so I guess that no one will know for sure what your preferences are. Just order them alphabetically. 

 

Anyway, most schools know that you will be applying to places above & below them in the rankings, it ain't worth stressing over!

[ghostar]

I guess that no one will know for sure what your preferences are. Just order them alphabetically. 

Haha, for that matter, even I don't know what my preferences are at this point! I don't think I will know for sure until after visiting and meeting the faculty and students in the program.

Agreed that this is not worth stressing over. I just thought it was a little strange they asked that.

Edited December 9, 2014 by ghostar