Just getting an interview there is a big plus. If you can get in, it is really a great school to go to. The faculty are, at least for the most part, really nice and helpful. That being said, if you are from out of state it is quite difficult to get in, but it does happen.
i am too applying to oregon state. and have same questions. I'm out of state though, how competitive of an applicant does an out of state person nneed to be? is it good to send in our LORs asap? Are they on rolling admissions does anyone know?