Do other schools know to which schools one is applying?

[jc2]

And, on a similar note, if they do, will they have a negative perception if you are only applying to 1 school?

I want to attend HBS, but it's not do-or-die for me to get into an MBA program this year. I hope to only apply to HBS, and, if I am rejected, apply to a wider range of schools next go around (4-5 years down the line). I'm curious whether HBS will know that I am only applying to 1 school and think that I am not serious about getting an MBA. I have considered also applying to Stanford to mitigate this problem, but I don't want to do up an extra 4 essays if it's a non-issue.

Thanks!

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear jc2,

I apologize for the delay in responding to your question. Schools do not generally know where you apply unless you disclose the information in your application or a conversation/email. Admissions folks do talk to each other quite a bit, but it would be rare for them to discuss individual applicants.

Regards,
Lisa