Should I tell interviewers that I only have one interview?

[dbsl0725]

I applied to 8 programs, 7 of which were top programs and 1 was a "safety school." Unfortunately, I only got an interview at the safety school. From what I can tell so far, I like this program enough that I would be pretty happy to enroll if they accepted me. However, I don't know how to answer if they asked me what other programs I have interviewed at/am considering. I was planning on being honest, but I was advised to keep it as vague as possible because it might make me look bad to admit the truth. 

Should I just be honest? And if it would be better for me to be vague, what do I say? If I just say "this is my first interview," the interviewers are likely to follow up with "where else will you be interviewing at?" and I would have no idea what to say. And I'm afraid that if I keep it too vague, they'll question why I'm not providing the information. If I'm asked specifically about what other programs I applied to (not interviewed at), I could tell them my list of programs and they would realize that their school is significantly lower ranked, and I don't want them to think I'd choose the other programs over theirs. 

This might seem like an insignificant thing to worry about, but I would really like to be accepted and I want to minimize my chances of ruining the opportunity. Thanks so much in advance for your help! 

[TakeruK]

I think you should be honest. As you said, if you keep it too vague, the followup questions could be awkward and make you look bad for evading the question. But honesty won't hurt you here.

Of course, no need to share extra information. For example, you would not say that you applied 7 better programs and didn't get any interviews!! If they ask you "Are you interviewing anywhere else?", just say "No, this is my only interview!" or whatever variant suits you best. Then, you should follow up with some statement about how you are excited for this chance or that you're interested in this program.

For a safety school, I think it is fine that you don't have other interviews. One of the big concerns of a safety school is determining whether the candidate is really interested in their program or if they are just going through the motions of applying/interviewing because this is a safety school and they already have offers elsewhere they are considering more strongly. Again, no need to emphasize how you don't have offers. Instead, just focus on this program and how you look forward to the opportunity etc.

[works_on_paper]

If asked, I would say, "I'm sorry, but I prefer not to share that information right now. However, I can tell you that I only applied to programs where I felt confident I would fit in well and can do the work I'm interested in doing. If I didn't honestly think this program was a good fit for me, and didn't want to be here, I never would have applied in the first place." And I'd be prepared with some specific things about that program that appealed to me that I could drop into the conversation (including the geographic location, or lower cost of living, or some other thing not program-related).

I think what interviewers want to hear is reassurance that you genuinely want to be there, and if they make a firm admissions offer, you're likely to take it. But you're not under any obligation to tell them where else you applied, or are interviewing, and firmly but graciously keeping that information to yourself could work in your favor. 

 

Edited February 12, 2016 by works_on_paper