Application Form Questions

[Quantfinguy]

I noticed that some schools in their application form ask you to list all other schools/programs where you are applying. What is the purpose of this question? Just for data collection purpose to see which other programs are the competitors to the one I am applying? Or this school is trying to judge me by checking if I am focused and applying to only certain type of programs?
My next question is do I have to provide my entire list? Does it even matter? Why should school A know which other schools I am applying? I heard this question is also asked in the interviews? I would like to hear your opinion and suggestions.

 

[IntoDarkness]

this sounds stupid. i wont give any damn info to the application

 

[Quantfinguy]

Exactly! That is my first reaction to this question.

 

[aaronhotchner]

You don't "have to" do anything, as the list is self-reported with no other verification. The hostility is a little surprising, though -- I gave the complete list on every application.

 

[Quantfinguy]

ok..what about when this question is asked during interview? I mean during admission interview.

 

[aaronhotchner]

Whatever answer you give should be both convincing and helpful. Ideally it would also be the truth. It's very easy to start saying inconsistent things when you craft the "perfect" response to each question.

 

[ygmwy]

I was asked this question during CMU interview. This is an excerpt of my answer: "I actually already have an offer from Columbia MSFE, and have also interviewed with MIT, Stanford, and Princeton. However, one compelling reason for me to choose CMU is its emphasis on programming, which I feel is important, yet somewhat lacking in other programs like Columbia's. I really admire the strong technology tradition of the school, and given my background in computer science, I feel that CMU would be the program to best prepare me for my desired role as a quant developer."

I was not a comp Sci major and only knew java and C at the time of the interview. In the end, I got accepted to CMU, but decided to go to Columbia instead. I'm now working a quant developer internship at a top tier bank.

Never lie, but make sure you know some non generic reasons why you want to go to that school. If you can replace the name of your school in your argument with any school, then it is too generic. The reason I was able to answer this was because I knew the different personalities of each school,and the differences between them very well.

Don't see this as hostile. Just be honest and truthful. It is a common myth that you will be rejected if you say you are applying to many other schools. Just be able to articulate your reasons for choosing each school on your list.