How does geography affect my college search?

Colleges and universities foam at the mouth to make their campuses more diverse. This includes geographic diversity. On Web sites and in brochures many schools tout their campus includes students from all 50 states and countries across the globe.

What you may not know about geographic diversity is how it affects college admissions. Getting into a college on the other side of the country may be easier than getting admitted to the state school in your hometown.

Going to school in-state has many appeals. Students are closer to the comforts of home. You may already be familiar with campus before you take your official visit. Many of your friends may also attend the college, and cheaper in-state tuition is the icing on the cake.

But if you live in Georgia and want to attend Georgia you are competing with students from across the state. If you’re an average student with good grades and typical high school activities (a sport, an art, some community service) your application will be almost indistinguishable from others.

If you live in Utah and want to attend the University of Georgia you are competing against all the other students in Utah that apply to UGA. Immediately, you have an edge.

Attending an out-of-state school may mean more base tuition payments, but as an out-of-state student you may qualify for more college scholarships. As a student from far away you are a rarer gem.

Attending a school far from home presents its own challenges beyond adjusting to a new setting. Climate and customs may be different – it’s hot down South and there’s no sweet tea up north. The safety net of family will not be there if things get tough, and a familiar circle of friends won’t be nearby at the start of the first term.

But change and challenge breed opportunity for growth. Now is a good time to learn how to do your own laundry. You could pick up the skills needed to cook in the kitchen and clean in the bathroom. You will become an independent adult.

Of course, you can do all of these things close to home, too. What’s important in your college search is weighing your options and trying to decide what situation is best for you. During your college search keep this in mind: If the school in town isn’t interested in you another school, maybe on you’ve never heard of, may be kicking in doors to get students just like you.