1of2 wrote:
When you did interviews with some of the lower ranked schools on your list, how did you answer the "where else are you applying" question? I know many schools want to know that they're the #1 choice. I'm afraid to mention some of the higher ranking schools and sound like I prefer those schools during an interview.
Great question. My approach was to be honest about applying to some higher-ranked schools -- for example, when Florida asked, I said that my top four included them plus Cornell, Michigan and Yale -- but to express in the clearest terms possible what the UF program had to offer that the higher-ranked schools did not. For me, that was the smallest program size by far and the opportunity to live close to family. In response, they offered a full-tuition scholarship plus cash.
It's just my opinion, but if you can, I think you want to strike a balance between making an adcom member feel confident that their school is a top choice for you and making them a little worried they'll lose you to a competing school. Not an easy thing to do, but I think it's the right mix to motivate a scholarship offer. And above all else, remain humble during these kinds of conversations. An admissions rep at one school told me that the biggest mistake its applicants make is coming off as too cocky or entitled to special consideration.