Hey! I'm thinking about applying to ASU and I'm curious about the student body size on campus. I'm worried about the school being too big or too small. Can anyone share how the size impacts student life and experiences?
Arizona State University (ASU) has one of the largest undergraduate populations in the United States, with over 45,000 students at its Tempe campus alone and approximately 79,000 students across its multiple campuses. This large size brings a certain energy to campus life, with a wide array of extracurriculars, research opportunities, clubs, and organizations on offer.
With such a size comes diversity, as you'll be learning alongside students from a multitude of backgrounds and majors across ASU's 17 colleges. This means you'll have the chance to meet people with different interests and perspectives, which can be enriching on a personal and academic level.
The large size of ASU does not negate the availability of smaller, intimate learning experiences. There are many ways to create a smaller community within the wider university. You might join clubs or organizations that interest you, or take advantage of ASU's many specific residential housing options, where you can live with students who share your major or interests.
In terms of academics, while some introductory classes may be quite large, as you specialize into your major, class sizes tend to decrease. This means your experience can become more personalized and connected.
As with most things in life, the impact of a school's size is subjective. It ultimately depends on what you are looking for in a university experience. If you value a broad range of experiences, opportunities, and diverse opinions, a larger school like ASU could be a great fit. But if you prefer smaller and more intimate learning environments, you might need to create that for yourself at ASU or explore smaller colleges.
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