Summer 2012 Employment

A few quick questions...

I am a 23 year old junior at the University of Louisiana-Monroe and originally from Shreveport, LA. It has always been on my "do it before I die list" to work at a park such as Cedar Point. The closest thing we have here is Six Flags over Texas, and while it is a great park, it would be logistically impossible to move to Dallas for a summer and try to live there (knowing there is housing available at CP at least makes the dream possible...). So here are my questions:

-Are there usually many out-of-state applicants, and are the in-state applicants preferred?
-When is it advisable to begin the application process to maximize the chance of getting a job?
-What is the application/hiring process like (any special tips, info., etc.)?
-I am, as I'm sure most people are, interested in ride operations...as such an in-demand job, what is the likelihood of obtaining this coveted position assuming I apply as early as possible?

-Lots of people come from out of state (and out of country) so I'm not sure that one is preferred over the other.

-I believe applications go online in January usually.

-Pretty much like any other job, although your interview would be over the phone instead of in person.

-Plenty of first year people get into rides, so you probably have a decent chance.

In the 5 years I worked there I worked with more out of state and out of country employees than I did people from Ohio so where you are from has nothing to do with getting hired in. I myself came from Indiana every year to work.

If I were to guess, I'd probably say they prefer out-of-state (and out-of-country) applicants. I think they enjoy showing that people come from all over to work at CP, and it does say a lot about an employer when they attract people from a huge geographical area.

I'm originally from out of state (until I officially moved here and now have a house in the area) but there's people from all over, including locals who work here. As far as apps, I second that January or so is when they went live online this year, and as far as the desired ride ops positions, just apply early and cross your fingers! State your interest for certain rides, but know you'll be put where you're needed :)