Interview Q: Where else are you applying?

[mechtel]

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I've read through the old threads, but was wondering if anyone could offer any insight into my situation. This is actually my least favorite question to be asked.

I am preparing in case I am asked at an upcoming top 20 school. Possible approaches:

1) Vague: I applied to the schools in X area, but out of all of them I like your school the most because Y...
2) Specific: I applied to schools in X area and interviews at A and B (schools higher ranked) as well as C and D (schools lower ranked)

If I chose the specific approach, I'm not sure whether to mention the higher ranked schools because the obvious thought is I might prefer them (not really the case). But, it might also increase my "market value" if some very top schools are interested in me.

If I mention the lower ranked schools, would that also make it seem like I have a lower "market value."

Lastly, if I interviewed at a very top school (arguably the best in US) that is near region but somewhat outside, should I mention this?

Thank you all for any help!

 

[not so calm now]

You are overthinking this 😀

....But since I understand where you're coming from, I'd go with the vague answer.

 

[JJMrK]

I just say I applied to ~some number, including all of my state schools and a few out of state. You can also mention that you didn't apply anywhere you aren't actually interested in.

 

[FlowRate]

I would take this opportunity to say WHY you like THEIR school in particular. Next cycle, I will answer like this:

I also applied to X school (lower ranked) Y school (higher ranked) and Z school (same area, if applicable) but I like YOUR school because blah blah blah blah. XYZ are all going to be at least somewhat similar to "YOUR" school because my selection criteria was based off of location and curriculum, almost all of which are pretty similar but have their own gems of awesomeness =)

 

[PinkIvy08]

Yeah...it's a tricky question. I try to select just a few schools that I applied to that share their mission statement to show that what they stand for really means something to me. Then, I try to take it a step further and say why their school stands out.

 

[DrYoda]

I said a bunch of schools in states X and Z plus a few in surrounding states.

I did have one school that asked me to specifically list every school I applied to and I complied while giving the interviewer this face.

It depends on the school, but for many the asessment of your "market value" after March 15th (the date where they see where else you are accepted) is what's more important for fin aid.

 

[AlanAlanine]

It depends on the school, but for many the asessment of your "market value" after March 15th (the date where they see where else you are accepted) is what's more important for fin aid.

I was under the impression that a school can see where else you are accepted as soon as it accepts you.

 

[DrYoda]

I was under the impression that a school can see where else you are accepted as soon as it accepts you.

Nope. Assuming it's stayed the same from last cycle they can't see until March 15th (I'm pretty sure that's the date, sometime in march regardless).

 

[mdeast]

I've tried to be vague...mainly stating the locations of schools I applied to and the type (research oriented with strong clinical training).