Hey guys! I'm starting the college search process and, given that I live in California, I'm especially drawn to the in-state tuition benefits of attending a state college. Can anyone tell me which California state colleges tend to be less impacted? I'm hoping to avoid the crazy competition if possible.
Sure, I can provide some insights into this. In California, the term "impacted" is used when the number of applications received in a major during the initial filing period greatly exceeds the number of students that can be accommodated in that major.
A few of the California state schools considered less impacted include CSU Bakersfield, CSU Dominguez Hills, CSU East Bay, and CSU Monterey Bay, among others. These are all part of the California State University (CSU) system, which has 23 campuses offering lower in-state tuition costs. You'll generally find it slightly easier to gain admission to these schools, compared to the more impacted CSUs like San Diego State and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.
Remember, though, even "non-impacted" schools have certain majors that might be impacted, so it's essential to check the specific program you're interested in.
Finally, keep in mind the term "less impacted" doesn't mean these colleges are any less valuable or offer lower quality education. Each school has its unique strengths, and finding the right fit often comes down to your personal interests, academic goals, and career aspirations. Use the less competitive nature of these schools as an opportunity to stand out and make the most of your college experience. They might even offer smaller class sizes, which can be an advantage in many ways!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.