when they ask you how many schools you're applying to

[LapisLazuli]

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do you lie? i got this in an interview, but it was going well so i decided to just tell the truth, which isn't even so shameful (b/w 10 and 15 schools). what's an acceptable number for these adcom ppl? AMCAS supposedly doesn't release that info to schools, but is it really that hard for them to find out?

we should all agree to tell interviewers that we're applying to 5 schools. all of us. and make a list of set responses to any other dumb-a$$ questions we might be asked.

 

[Gleevec]

Originally posted by LapisLazuli
do you lie? i got this in an interview, but it was going well so i decided to just tell the truth, which isn't even so shameful (b/w 10 and 15 schools). what's an acceptable number for these adcom ppl? AMCAS supposedly doesn't release that info to schools, but is it really that hard for them to find out?

we should all agree to tell interviewers that we're applying to 5 schools. all of us. and make a list of set responses to any other dumb-a$$ questions we might be asked.

No reason to lie I think. They know ppl wont get acceptances everywhere and that theirs isnt the only school you are applying to.

They really have no right to ask the question of where else, but if asked, I think I will just tell them straight up my mental grouping of schools.

 

[tkim]

There is no reason to lie about it. Simply explain that the admissions process is anything but cut-n-dried, and one must maximize one's chances. It's an honest response, and they would understand why people apply to many schools.

It is, however, a perfect time to segue into the reasons why *insert school being interviewed at* would be the best of places to attend.

- Tae

 

[rCubed]

tkim6599,
is your avatar your kid? the picture is really adorable

 

[tkim]

Originally posted by rCubed
tkim6599,
is your avatar your kid? the picture is really adorable

Yes, that's my son - at three days. And thanks! He is, if I do say so, pretty cute. So much so that I am beginning to doubt I am his biological father ... 😉

Eh, he gets it all from his mother.

- Tae

 

[MNgrrl]

I was asked that very question at an interview last year - I didn't lie, but I wish I would have - I only applied to 4 schools last year - my interviewer thought that was a very poor choice (perhaps he was right, but it didn't make it any better that he grilled me about my choices and then told me why he didn't agree right there in the interview). Anyhow, my point is, that you just need to be ready to defend your choices - ultimately I was waitlisted, but I interiewed very late (in mid April). I don't think most interviewers really care how many other schools you apply to - they know you are applying to other schools besides theirs. This year I applied to 16, but I won't lie about it even if I do get asked again, because I have reasons for picking each of those schools. Good luck!

 

[Amy B]

Hi,

Don't ever lie about anything they ask. What if they somehow saw how many schools you applied to because AMCAS let them know. AMCAS does have a way of screwing up sometimes. (Wow, that's a shocker).

Just tell them in a manner of fact voice. Don't say it in an aplologetic, wimpy voice. And don't try to justify why you applied to so many more schools other than theirs. they know unless you are an early decision person, you applied to more than one school.