@ChoatieMom, the questions are asked in the AO-to-child interview. A great heads-up to those who have not yet interviewed to be prepared with an answer! I can’t see where disclosing other schools would necessarily be very detrimental, but I do agree there is no benefit to the student.
And, as for the quote, I hesitated with putting a “conventional wisdom” out there with no back up. I am referring to the psychic effect of passing through an initiation rite and winning the trophy that you want (it works better if others also strive for it and are denied it). Having chosen and been chosen sometimes provides that extra morale to push through tough situations, or overlook perceived slights, to a higher level of performance than if there were no selectivity and it was not one’s choice.
I am sure it is not always true. Sometimes we are lucky when we avoid the thing we thought we wanted.