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Question about "dream schools"

Launched April 26, 2006
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by shaselai » Thu Jul 22, 2010 11:17 am
I am applying to quite a few schools and I guess getting into any one of them would be great for me. I have reasons in the essays for why school XYZ and it meshes with my goals etc. I guess I have 2 schools i really want to get into and I guess they would be considered my 'dream schools'. Would i have to articulate every school i apply for in interviews or essays as my 'dream schools' ? Like if the interviewer asks what school i am applying for and I tell him/her, then the follow up is why this school-is this your dream school?
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by Lisa Anderson » Fri Jul 23, 2010 8:02 am
Dear shaselai,

You do not have to refer to every school as your "dream school" or your first choice. It is important for you to have solid reasons for why a school is a good match for you, which it appears you do based on your post. If an interviewer is so bold as to ask if a school is your dream school or your first choice, then try to deflect a bit by saying that the school is certainly one you feel is a great match and you would not have applied if you were not serious about attending.

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by shaselai » Mon Jul 26, 2010 8:59 am
Lisa, as a follow up - what would be the "best way" to resolve a segment like below:

Interviewer: "So why do you want to go to this school?"
Me: "well, I love the XYZ program at this school, it fits my goals etc...."
Interviewer: "What about this other school you are applying to?(higher ranked and more prestigious and the program of interest is known to be "the best". That school seems to have a top notch program.

The scenario *might* not show up because the interviewer would be basically saying "yeah, that other school you are applying is better than this school" but if he/she does ask it puts me in a tough spot - should I point out secondary reasons - location, demographics etc. ?

thanks
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by Lisa Anderson » Mon Jul 26, 2010 2:04 pm
That is a pretty unlikely scenario as the interviewer would not know where else you applied unless you told him/her. If this situation does present itself, then you provide other evidence as to why the interviewer's program is the best match for you. Just because a program is ranked higher or regarded as more prestigious does not mean it is a good match for you. Be confident in your reasons and be ready to articulate why a school is a good fit for you, as well as why you are a good fit for the school--and avoid making comparisons between schools in an interview.

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Lisa
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