Take a virtual tour of any highly-selective college’s website, and you’re bound to encounter a statement proudly proclaiming the freshman class’s composition from “all 50 U.S. states and X number of countries.” If the number isn’t precisely 50, it’s likely hovering in the high 40s—after all, there are only so many North Dakota valedictorians to go around (194 to be exact). This phenomenon leads us to delve into the realm of “geographic diversity” and its significance in admissions decisions at prestigious colleges and universities.
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Student College Choices: How Far From Home Do They Go?
We often envision the transition to college as a moment of immense separation—a time when young individuals leave the familiarity of home, spread their wings, and embark on a journey into the unknown to carve out their futures. However, it appears that many students don’t stray too far from the nest. According to one study, a whopping 72% of college-bound students choose to attend schools within their home state. Furthermore, a 2019 poll revealed that 15% opt for institutions located within a mere 100-mile radius of their home. Historically, only 11% of students venture beyond a 500-mile radius, with a mere 2% daring enough to enroll in schools more than 2,000 miles away from their parental abode. It’s plausible that a significant portion of this adventurous 2% consists of individuals from bustling cities like Los Angeles or San Francisco venturing to elite schools on the opposite coast, or vice versa, making students like the one from Casper, Wyoming, attending Bowdoin College, quite the rarity.
In our ever-evolving society, this finding may come as a surprise, and perhaps even a bit disheartening. While opting to stay close to home for college can offer comfort and convenience, there are notable advantages to spreading one’s wings. Most notably, being open to attending colleges farther away can enhance one’s chances of admission and lead to more favorable financial aid offers. Why? Because colleges value geographic diversity—a student body composed of individuals from various regions across the country and even the world.
The Importance of Geographic Diversity in College Admissions
Just like high test scores and low acceptance rates, geographic diversity plays a significant role in shaping a school’s perceived selectivity and its ability to attract enrollment and revenue. When all other factors are equal, colleges often favor applicants from distant or exotic locales, and not just because they bring unique backgrounds and perspectives to campus—it’s also an effective marketing tool.
Consider this scenario: Denison University, a liberal arts college located in the heart of Ohio, is aiming to enhance its ranking. While admitting a highly accomplished student from Columbus or Cleveland could certainly contribute, luring an equally impressive student from a city like Seattle would likely have a more substantial impact. Why? Because a student from Seattle, known for its vibrant music scene and cultural diversity, can serve as a powerful marketing asset. Our fictional Seattle attendee could introduce the college to an entirely new network of potential applicants who may now consider Denison over other Ohio-based institutions like Kenyon or Oberlin, previously perceived as more attractive options.
Applying Geographic Advantage to State Schools: A New Reality
A few years back, the answer would have been a resounding “No!” Historically, being a local candidate often gave applicants a significant admissions advantage at state schools like the University of Michigan, the University of Alabama, or Louisiana Tech. However, in today’s challenging economic landscape, even top-notch state institutions are actively seeking out-of-state students who can afford to pay full tuition.
While the underlying motivations may differ from our previous example with Denison University, leveraging one’s location can still offer an edge in admissions at state schools. However, in this scenario, the university’s primary aim is financial, and as a result, applicants are less likely to receive substantial financial aid packages.
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The Advantage of Geographic Diversity in Elite College Admissions
While not every college prioritizes or requires an increase in geographic diversity within its student body—schools like Harvard and Yale already attract numerous qualified applicants from every corner of the country—being an Ivy League candidate from a less represented state, such as West Virginia or Montana, can undoubtedly make you stand out among the sea of applicants from Northeastern cities. This holds true for other prestigious colleges and universities nationwide. Institutions like Amherst College, Williams College, Middlebury College, Connecticut College, Vassar College, and Wesleyan University, among others, often receive a deluge of applications from students in East Coast metropolitan areas. Consequently, a prospective student with comparable credentials from a less commonly represented location, such as Casper, Wyoming, is sure to capture the attention of admissions officers.
Conclusion
Geographic diversity plays a significant role in college admissions, particularly at elite institutions. While some colleges may already boast a diverse student body, applicants from underrepresented regions can stand out and offer a fresh perspective to admissions committees. As demonstrated, being from a less commonly represented location can provide a distinct advantage in the highly competitive admissions process, making it essential for applicants to leverage their unique backgrounds and experiences to enhance their candidacy.