Over the past several years, there has been a surge of interest in the most popular state schools. Students from all over the world – not just in-state – are applying in record numbers. (Southern schools are especially sought after at the moment.)
Despite increased demand for the most popular state schools, North Star clients have recently been admitted, out of state, to UCLA, Berkeley, Michigan, University of Texas at Austin, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, University of Virginia, Wisconsin, Georgia, Georgia Tech, University of Illinois Champaign Urbana, University of Washington Seattle, University of Florida, Penn State, William and Mary, and more.
If you want to follow in their footsteps, here are some tips to help you get in.
- Survey the landscape.
For a host of reasons, public schools are incredibly sought after. Historically, some of the most desirable ones were easier to get into than comparable private options – making them ideal target or safety schools for many applicants. Generally speaking, that is no longer the case – these schools are often as selective, especially for out-of-state candidates, as the Ivies and Ivy+ schools. (Sub 10% admit rate.) Before you get your heart set on any one option, understand the numbers.
- Analyze the statistics.
Be sure to look at the difference between in state and out-of-state student profiles. The average GPA and test score is likely to be MUCH higher for out-of-state admits.
Also, many of the most popular state schools have caps on out-of-state enrollment, which means that the competition is fierce for the relatively few available seats. UNC, for instance, is state mandated to bring in a freshman class that has at least 82% of students from North Carolina. UVA looks for an incoming class that is 2/3rds Virginian – but more than 2/3rds of their applicant pool is out-of-state.
However, other schools have parity, or more generous enrollment caps. Research can help you determine where you have the best shot.
- Look carefully at testing requirements.
Many of the most popular state schools now require students to submit test scores, including Texas, University of Florida, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Purdue, Auburn and Tennessee. Especially as an out-of-state applicant, it’s important to be realistic about whether or not your scores are competitive. If not, these schools don’t necessarily need to come off of your list – but make sure that you have a good range of options, including test optional choices.
- Heads up about your choice of major.
State schools are more likely to ask students to apply directly into a major, and/or to consider your intended major when making their admissions decision. If this is the case, do careful research into the selectivity of your potential choices. Engineering, Computer Science, Business, and Film are typically highly selective.
- Consider finances.
Public colleges, like their private counterparts, vary widely in terms of their financial aid process, and whether or not they award merit aid. Some, like College of Charleston, are need aware, which means that they consider your ability to pay when they evaluate your application. If you are a “full-pay” student, who isn’t applying for financial aid, you will have an advantage at these schools.
Also, some families are surprised to learn that the yearly out-of-state cost at schools like Michigan is over $80k. Depending on your finances, and whether or not your student is competitive for merit scholarships, comparable private options might well be cheaper.
- Cast a wide net – including thinking about private options.
It’s easy to understand why so many students want to go to these popular state schools. Sports culture, Greek life, great school spirit and tons of academic, social, and extracurricular options are all objectively appealing to lots of students. However, you can also find this at many private schools, where there is more of a level playing field.
