<p>It looks like elite colleges are trying to diversify their student body geographically but are only willing or able to go so far. One of the reasons is that there are just too many highly qualified applicants in their own state and own region who so want to be in. All sorts of connections including their alumni and other types of hard-to-turn-down’s are concentrated in the east too. California is doing well in Ivies, but other parts of country not so much. Apparently only some of the best students from other areas would even try, and that’s just the reality. It seems though, the reality works out just fine. Elite colleges are still enjoying their ‘highly desirable’ status, and people from other parts of country who don’t give a **** to them are living a good life too. I see this thread went off topic a long time ago, and still keeps running off the track. :)</p>