| Colleges and universities foam at the mouth to make | | | | Attending an out-of-state school may mean more |
| their campuses more diverse. This includes geographic | | | | base tuition payments, but as an out-of-state |
| diversity. On Web sites and in brochures many | | | | student you may qualify for more college |
| schools tout their campus includes students from all | | | | scholarships. As a student from far away you are a |
| 50 states and countries across the globe. | | | | rarer gem. |
| What you may not know about geographic diversity | | | | Attending a school far from home presents its own |
| is how it affects college admissions. Getting into a | | | | challenges beyond adjusting to a new setting. Climate |
| college on the other side of the country may be | | | | and customs may be different - it's hot down South |
| easier than getting admitted to the state school in | | | | and there's no sweet tea up north. The safety net |
| your hometown. | | | | of family will not be there if things get tough, and a |
| Going to school in-state has many appeals. Students | | | | familiar circle of friends won't be nearby at the start |
| are closer to the comforts of home. You may | | | | of the first term. |
| already be familiar with campus before you take your | | | | But change and challenge breed opportunity for |
| official visit. Many of your friends may also attend | | | | growth. Now is a good time to learn how to do your |
| the college, and cheaper in-state tuition is the icing on | | | | own laundry. You could pick up the skills needed to |
| the cake. | | | | cook in the kitchen and clean in the bathroom. You |
| But if you live in Georgia and want to attend Georgia | | | | will become an independent adult. |
| you are competing with students from across the | | | | Of course, you can do all of these things close to |
| state. If you're an average student with good grades | | | | home, too. What's important in your college search is |
| and typical high school activities (a sport, an art, | | | | weighing your options and trying to decide what |
| some community service) your application will be | | | | situation is best for you. During your college search |
| almost indistinguishable from others. | | | | keep this in mind: If the school in town isn't |
| If you live in Utah and want to attend the University | | | | interested in you another school, maybe on you've |
| of Georgia you are competing against all the other | | | | never heard of, may be kicking in doors to get |
| students in Utah that apply to UGA. Immediately, you | | | | students just like you. |
| have an edge. | | | | |