Why are OOS flagships so popular these days?

[Anonymous]

It seems that many more DMV grads are choosing OOS state flagships ahead of their mid and top ranked in state options. What is the appeal? Is it because it’s far from home? The cost is so much higher, I am confused why this is now en vogue.

[Anonymous]

Both UVa and Maryland (not mid-ranked) are difficult to get into, while Penn State, Ohio State, Rutgers, UMass, Vermont, etc. are quite a bit less so, but they are strong schools that cost less than privates.

[Anonymous]

Relatively easy to get into, have solid reputations and they want geographic diversity so offer merit money/tuition discounts to make it affordable.

[Anonymous]

Usually the OOS publics are less expensive than privates

[Anonymous]

Not sure I would put UVA and UMD in same category. You are going to OOS public instead of in state UVA because you didn't get into UVA. Not many Michigan, UCLA and UNC admit cases. UMD, while a really good school and not that easy to get into instate -- it is not a highly ranked public, more middle of the road. So very likely the OOS is better and you may have even received some merit to make it comparable in price. Add in the allure of geographic diversity and some more interesting places to go to school than College Park and there is your answer. Still think UMD is great choice, great school but not the same declines as UVA......

[Anonymous]

We are in DC so DCTAG is big for us and most families we know.

[Anonymous]

They’re fun and have big sports programs

[Anonymous]

Also, remember, money isn’t an issue for everyone

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Not sure I would put UVA and UMD in same category. You are going to OOS public instead of in state UVA because you didn't get into UVA. Not many Michigan, UCLA and UNC admit cases. UMD, while a really good school and not that easy to get into instate -- it is not a highly ranked public, more middle of the road. So very likely the OOS is better and you may have even received some merit to make it comparable in price. Add in the allure of geographic diversity and some more interesting places to go to school than College Park and there is your answer. Still think UMD is great choice, great school but not the same declines as UVA......

UMDCP is Top 50, higher than the mentioned Penn State, Ohio State, etc.., and even higher than UVA for STEM majors.

[Anonymous]

Because the D in DMV stands for DC, so even the MD and VA school are OOS.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Not sure I would put UVA and UMD in same category. You are going to OOS public instead of in state UVA because you didn't get into UVA. Not many Michigan, UCLA and UNC admit cases. UMD, while a really good school and not that easy to get into instate -- it is not a highly ranked public, more middle of the road. So very likely the OOS is better and you may have even received some merit to make it comparable in price. Add in the allure of geographic diversity and some more interesting places to go to school than College Park and there is your answer. Still think UMD is great choice, great school but not the same declines as UVA......

what....?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not sure I would put UVA and UMD in same category. You are going to OOS public instead of in state UVA because you didn't get into UVA. Not many Michigan, UCLA and UNC admit cases. UMD, while a really good school and not that easy to get into instate -- it is not a highly ranked public, more middle of the road. So very likely the OOS is better and you may have even received some merit to make it comparable in price. Add in the allure of geographic diversity and some more interesting places to go to school than College Park and there is your answer. Still think UMD is great choice, great school but not the same declines as UVA......

UMDCP is Top 50, higher than the mentioned Penn State, Ohio State, etc.., and even higher than UVA for STEM majors.

+1
I was a bit surprised by that UMD comment. It is a very well-regarded school and it is highly ranked.

My DS is a rising senior. He has a high GPA, a rigorous course load, and a solid SAT score. We don’t assume he’s getting into UMD, so we encouraged him to apply to OOS schools.

[Anonymous]

My high stats DC really wanted UVA (in state), but was rejected. DC did not like any other VA schools. That is why DC attends a school ranked about the same as UVA but a plane ride away. Bummer that they couldn’t get into our own state school, but admissions are tough these days!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Not sure I would put UVA and UMD in same category. You are going to OOS public instead of in state UVA because you didn't get into UVA. Not many Michigan, UCLA and UNC admit cases. UMD, while a really good school and not that easy to get into instate -- it is not a highly ranked public, more middle of the road. So very likely the OOS is better and you may have even received some merit to make it comparable in price. Add in the allure of geographic diversity and some more interesting places to go to school than College Park and there is your answer. Still think UMD is great choice, great school but not the same declines as UVA......

or because you're not white or Asian and want a school with more diversity of black or Hispanic people.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It seems that many more DMV grads are choosing OOS state flagships ahead of their mid and top ranked in state options. What is the appeal? Is it because it’s far from home? The cost is so much higher, I am confused why this is now en vogue.

It’s never not be en vogue. It’s just more so now because sports have been amplified so much. Additionally instate acceptance is much more competitive now.