Advice Needed: Overcrowding at Colleges

Just curious - how much of an issue is overcrowding at colleges? I've read articles about overcrowded majors, but is the entire campus life affected? Does it play into things like accommodation, course availability, personal attention from professors, etc? Would love to hear experiences.

Overcrowding can indeed be a concern at some colleges, particularly larger public universities or colleges that have seen a significant increase in enrollment in recent years. However, the degree to which this impacts your college experience can vary greatly depending on the institution and your chosen field of study.

When it comes to academics, a significantly high student-to-faculty ratio might be an indicator of potential overcrowding. This could potentially impact your access to courses, particularly highly-desirable ones which may fill up quickly. Overpopulated majors specifically, could lead to competitive situations, where more students are trying to get into a specific course than there are seats available. However, many colleges have mechanisms in place to ensure that students within a specific major have priority enrollment for required courses.

In terms of accommodation, residential colleges often guarantee housing for first-year students, but not necessarily for all four years. In response to increases in enrollment, some institutions may convert double rooms into triples, or use nearby off-campus housing to accommodate all students.

Professors at larger institutions often have many demands on their time including research and administrative duties, which could reduce their availability to meet with students individually. However, teaching assistants and graduate students are often available to fill this gap in undergraduate courses.

Finally, campus life can also be influenced by overcrowding. You might find longer lines at dining halls, busier student gyms, and potentially more competition for spots in clubs or recreational sports teams.

That being said, overcrowding isn't universally bad and could potentially contribute to a bustling, vibrant campus environment. It ultimately comes down to personal preference, and what aspects of campus life are most important to you. You might also consider reaching out to current students at your colleges of interest to get their perspective. This can provide firsthand insights that can help you make an informed decision.