<p>Ok, so I know for Stanford that approximately 46 percent of students are from in state (California). This is a lot higher than at most other schools. So I was wondering, does the fact that I'm from the east cost help me with admissions there? Because from the data provided, I can interpret the scenario in two ways:</p>
<p>A)-Stanford favors California students and as a result I'm disadvantaged for being east coast</p>
<p>or</p>
<p>B) Stanford has an overabundance of applicants from California which is what is causing this almost majority of instate students. Therefore an east coast applicant would provide a breath of fresh air and might be more likely to be admitted.</p>
<p>What do you guys think? Is it just a coincidence that California is overly represented at Stanford or are there underlying reasons? Does me being east coast hurt or help me?</p>
<p>Seems like neither but I may lean toward A. Stanford attracts applicants from all around the globe and California kids do not overwhelmingly apply to Stanford. </p>
<p>I'm hoping its A for my sake. It's a private college and they could admit anyone they want... hopefully its a Californian.</p>
<p>Being from the East Coast will never help you at top schools because there are always thousands of highly qualified applicants from the same area. The same goes for California. The only way geography helps for top schools is from underrepresented and/or rural areas. Think Wyoming, Mississippi, Arkansas, etc.</p>
<p>I don't think Stanford weighs in which state you are from too heavily. The reason they have such a high acceptance rate from Cali is because they have a very high applicant pool from Cali.</p>
<p>^ Yeah, I agree. I think that unless you're from a very poor, rural area your application will be viewed the same no matter what. When top colleges want "geographic diversity," it's more from underrepresented areas where few, if any, applications are sent (perhaps even a poorer area in upstate New York would be classified as this). I doubt even Stanford would view someone applying from Long Island as providing "geographic diversity."</p>
<p>I think that being from the east coast (I am myself) might help. However, since Stanford wants students from all 50 states, you are competing against people in your own state; so don't slack off on your app. Try to make yourself one of the best applicants from your state (unless you're from Montana or something).</p>