How can I tell if a college is impacted?

I'm trying to avoid heavily impacted colleges because I want smaller classes. Is there a way to find out which colleges have impacted majors before I apply?

You can find the information about impacted colleges and specific majors often directly on the university's website. If a university has impacted programs, it will usually be mentioned in its admissions or specific department sections. The term "impacted" is typically used for public universities with restricted enrollment due to high demand and limited resources, particularly in states like California.

Another approach would be to look at historical admission rates for different majors. If you notice that a certain major has a significantly lower admission rate than the university's average, that might be a sign that the major is heavily impacted.

Another great resource can be speaking with university admissions representatives directly either during college fairs, school visits, or by reaching out to them via email. They can discuss the current state of their campus' changes and capacity.

However, keep in mind that an impacted major at a large university could still offer small class sizes, particularly at the upper-division level. Many universities strive to maintain small student-to-faculty ratios and use a variety of methods to achieve this goal.

Finally, keep in mind that at some colleges and universities, enrollment in a particular major does not guarantee you a spot in specific classes, which can be particularly problematic if those classes are required for graduation. This is something you might also want to investigate when considering schools with impacted majors.

Remember, while it's important to consider the size and potential impacts of a program, it's also crucial to consider other factors like leadership opportunities, faculty mentors, internship and career placement services, and the overall culture and campus community.