<p>I am under the impression that state colleges give preference to in state applicants. At the same time they want to diversify their campus. Lets use Georgia Tech as an example. If I am from a neighboring state, say Florida, my chances would obviously be lower. If I am from a distant state, NJ, NY, CT, MA, CA, etc. wouldn't it make sense that my chances would be significantly higher because there are far fewer applicants from my state. Correct me if I am wrong, but doesn't being from a distant state actually increase your chances?
Thoughts?</p>
<p>I have the feeling that the University of California schools are trying to attract more out-of-state applicants, and so in that case, yes, being OOS can increase your chances of admission into the UC schools.</p>
<p>As for other state school systems: I haven’t a clue.</p>
<p>While diversity is nice, the biggest reason that publics like OOS students is that they pay significantly more in tuition. Only 2 publics treat OOS students like IS for FA, at all others expect to be close to full pay no matter what your financial situation. A few publics do offer substantial merit awards to high achieving OOS applicants.</p>
<p>I know for UNC and UVA IS students have a huge, and I mean HUGE, advantage over OOS students. Not sure about others.</p>
<p>@dfree124 - that may be the case if you are from SC, NJ, WV or other close by states, but I’d think an applicant from say New Mexico would be preferred because it is rare to get an applicant.</p>
<p>yeah it helps. colleges want diversity.</p>
<p>@caruso - Actually, the state constitutions of VA and NC require that a certain amount of students are in state (66% for UVA, around 80% for UNC). UVA’s in state admission rate is around 40% while it’s around 25% for OOS students… which sucks cause I really liked UVA and I live in CT!</p>
<p>Oh, didn’t know that, good thing I am not applying to either of them.</p>
<p>Lucky you. Other schools might have similar regulations (requiring a certain % in-state) so look out for that when you are applying to public schools.</p>
<p>I will, but that won’t stop me from applying somewhere. Maybe it is a good thing that all good engineering schools (well all that I like and can get into) are a solid 10 hours away. I am from NJ and will apply to Purdue, UIUC and Georgia Tech.</p>
<p>The big question is can your parents afford to pay the OOS rates?</p>
<p>The UC schools are accepting more OOS students, but the enrollment is still pretty low [University</a> of California Seeking Out-Of-State Students](<a href=“HuffPost - Breaking News, U.S. and World News | HuffPost”>HuffPost - Breaking News, U.S. and World News | HuffPost)</p>