How Stressful is SJSU Impaction?

I'm a little nervous here. I've been seeing a lot of talk about SJSU impaction - is it something I should be concerned about as a potential applicant? I'm considering CS as my major. Can somebody share more about this please?

Impaction at San Jose State University (SJSU) refers to the situation of the university having more eligible applicants than available spaces in a particular major. This makes admission to certain majors more competitive and this is particularly the case for popular programs such as Computer Science.

This does not necessarily mean you should be worried, but it does emphasize the need for a competitive application. SJSU uses a multi-faceted approach when considering applicants including high school GPA, rigor of high school coursework, and any additional factors that may demonstrate your suitability for your chosen major.

Having a good understanding of the prerequisites for your chosen major and demonstrating a strong interest through relevant extracurricular activities will certainly make your application stand out. It's crucial that you maintain a strong academic record and take advantage of any opportunities to illustrate your passion for computer science.

Moreover, while maintaining a focus on your preferred major, it is also important to consider backup options. Having a second-choice major in a less impacted field can be a good strategic move, both at SJSU and other institutions.

Finally, remember that the admission process can be unpredictable, and outcomes can sometimes be beyond your control. It's important to apply to a range of schools to ensure you have multiple potential paths after high school.