<p>I live in RI, so is it easier for me to get into a university near me or on the west coast? (not including state schools)? I feel like if I apply nearby i'd be more likely to go so that would be an appeal... but I'd be more unusual/diverse at a school far away. Is there any advantage? thanks.</p>
<p>Yes, there is sometimes a geographic diversity bump for lesser known but selective schools. Note that this generally does not apply to the Ivy world or Stanford or MIT. It’s especially applicable to schools that were/are regional powerhouses but seek national or a higher national status.</p>
<p>For you, anything in New England is likely already full of RI people. But you can probably look to Midwest schools like Carleton or Macalester and get a bump, or to Southern schools like Emory or Tulane and get a bump. You’ll need to look at each school’s geographic representation of its freshman class to get an idea if this will fly at any particular school.</p>
<p>It’s easier to get into your state school (URI) and to private colleges that are 400+ miles away. It’s more relevant for schools that practice holistic admissions, LACs, and the Midwest+the South as MrMom mentioned above. The bump may be for admissions and/or financial aid, and may be big or just a nudge.</p>