GiJoe said:
Is there any benefit to doing this? I have an interview with my #1 next week and feel like I should tell them...is there anything wrong about this? Has anyone done this and does it make any difference?
I'm not in EM but I was faced with this when I was applying to programs last year.
I don't have a problem with people telling their #1 program that they will be ranked #1. I do recommend that you back it up with concrete reasons. For instance, you can mention what you want in a program and how you discussed this with your adviser.
I did the same with my #1 program. During the interview day, I would tell interviewers that before the application process began, my initial research and the recommendations from my advisers had led me to look at this program as a pre-emptive #1. I would then tell them that "so far, my visit today has convinced me not to think otherwise." At the end of the day, I told the PD that I really enjoyed the day and my expectations were met. In addition, I told her reasons why my expectations were exceeded.
In my followup correspondence with the program, I basically told this program in so many words that they would be at the top of my rank list.
So, in summary, I think there is nothing wrong with communicating with your top choice program that you will rank them #1. But give them reasons. Make it sound legitimate. PD's frequently come across people who tell them "you're my #1" but end up somewhere else after the match. And PD's really do get frustrated with these antics because they were expecting to match these folks.
