Why do universities want to know what other uni I'm applying

[a fragrant plant]

Can someone tell me? Why do universities want to know what other universities I'm apply to? I'm sure you all have to answer that question in the application form. Why? Should I be honest? The thing is that I'm applying to 10 and there is only space for 4-5!

Thanks in advance!

[cheesethunder]

i was wondering this too!

im like do i put my.........safety schools in? or do they wanna see who theyre competing against haha

[acup313]

I have heard that this is due to a number of reasons. First they want to make sure you are serious about getting a PhD. If you are only applying to one school then they may think that you are just seeing if you can get in, as opposed to doing whatever you can to get a PhD. Second it is for comparison reasons. If they make you an offer and you go somewhere else, they will probably want to know what the other school could offer that they didn't. Finally, you are probably somewhat right about them wanting to know who their competition is. If they see you are an outstanding candidate and you are applying at better schools they may be more apt to make you an offer quicker to try and snatch you up. I think the first two reasons carry more weight than this one though.

[socialcomm]

I've heard the same as acup. Don't worry too much if there's not room for all the schools you're applying to.

[acup313]

Yeah to add to the previous poster, only 2 of my 7 applications asked for the other schools I was applying to, and as you said there wasn't room to list them all. I decided to list my top school, my ultimate safety school, and one or two in between to give a good mix as to where I was applying.

[alexis]

Will the fact that I'm applying to schools in the same area hurt me? I was just going to leave this question blank (most of my apps ask for it, but they don't require an answer), but now I'm worried that might hurt me more based on what you all have said. Yet, if it's clear I'm applying to schools within the same city, maybe they won't take me as seriously? Not sure which is worse.

[acup313]

It probably won't hurt too bad. If you are applying to any schools that are further away, I would be sure to list those. I think I would list them to at least show that you are trying to get in to multiple schools, and they will probably be understanding if you have to stay in a small geographic area. They may be curious as to why you are trying to stay in the area, but I don't think it is something they will definitely ask about.

[alexis]

It probably won't hurt too bad. If you are applying to any schools that are further away, I would be sure to list those. I think I would list them to at least show that you are trying to get in to multiple schools, and they will probably be understanding if you have to stay in a small geographic area. They may be curious as to why you are trying to stay in the area, but I don't think it is something they will definitely ask about.

Thanks...I will do that then. I'm applying to 5 programs but only 3 schools...do you think for the programs I'm applying to within the same school, I should leave off the other school's program? (I've heard this could hurt you. The programs are within completely different colleges though--business school vs. arts and sciences--so hopefully otherwise, they won't know about each other).

[acup313]

I don't know if it would hurt or not, but I probably just wouldn't list the other programs, just the other schools. This question is usually a higher up question as in the Graduate School wants to know the answer as opposed to the individual department. I am applying to business schools too, and it really seems as if the people in the department don't really care too much where else you are applying.

[NervousNellie]

I was just wondering about the same thing! I am applying to four schools, and all four ask and leave four open spots for answers. I guess I should just totally expose myself and put all four?

I am applying to two prestigious school, one small school for reasons that may be clear to them (I'm applying for divinity school and one school is a denominationally associated one for me), and one very historic but not quite as prestigious school.

What would you do?

[acup313]

I would probably do exactly what you said. It is highly unlikely that they will look down upon any of the schools you are applying to. They will probably appreciate the fact that you did some research in to the places you were going to apply.