<p>State schools have to cater to the leftover top students after a majority of them have fled to top private institutions. Geographic diversity brings a different perspective to campus, and it is limited at such institutions, even at UVA.</p>
<p>If a Virginia resident had to choose between an OOS top university and UVA–family and student contributions held equal–the OOS university would be a better choice because attending school in an unfamiliar place with unfamiliar people is a personally enriching experience.</p>
<p>OOSers competitive for admission to UVA might have arguably superior state schools and private universities to consider, so the Honors Program would be a necessary lure.</p>