How Does Geography Affect My College Search?
29 11 2007
Colleges and universities want to make their campuses more diverse. This means geographic diversity.
What you may not recognize in geographic diversity is how it affects college admissions. Getting into a college on the other side of the country is easier than getting admitted to the state school in your hometown. Going to school in-state has a lot of appeals. Students have the home comfort. You may already know the campus before you pay your official visit. The biggest part of your friends can also attend the college, and cheaper in-state tuition is the main thing. But if you live in Georgia and want to go to Georgia you are opposing with students from across the state. If you are standard student with good marks and typical high school activities your request will be almost identical from others.
Studying at the out-of-state school can mean more main tuition payments, but as an out-of-state student you may meet the criteria for more college scholarships. As a student from abroad you are a rarer gem.
Attending a school far from home has its own challenges beyond adjusting to a new setting. Climate and customs are different. The safety net of family will not be there if things get rough and a familiar ring of friends would not be nearby at the start of the first term. But adjust and challenge type opportunity for growth. Now is a good time to study how to do your own laundry. You could pick up the skills necessary to heat in the kitchen and clean in the bathroom. You will be a self-governing adult.
Of course, it is possible to do all of these things close to home, too. The most important thing in your search of college is weighing your options and trying to make a decision what situation is best for you.
