Colleges always tout their geographic diversity, so applicants and families naturally think that being remote gives them a better shot at getting in. So if you hope to get into Williams, is it better to be from Dubuque or Williamstown? All things equal, probably the latter.

As this Boston Globe article suggests, many colleges favor students from their own town or neighborhood. Accepting the locals, assuming they're qualified, aids town-gown relations and generates good publicity. In some cases, students may qualify for certain scholarships earmarked for graduates of nearby schools.

So if you're living in New Haven or Amherst or Hanover, don't presume you have to seek elsewhere.

Did you enjoy this article?

AddThis Social Bookmark Button