What does "impacted" really mean?

Can someone explain what “impacted” really means and how it affects the average student? In talking with others, everyone is worried about impacted majors, but I can’t get a good explanation other than it might be hard to get classes you want.

My ds is interested in SDSU because of the ROTC program, and will most likely aim for engineering. He will have 20-30 credits from community college before he graduates high school. For ROTC, he says he NEEDS to graduate in 4 years. Is that doable?

It means that there are more qualified students than spots for each major. For the average student, that means they need to be “above average” in stats to have a good chance at an acceptance. CSU’s admit by major, so if you get into your major then you have priority in your major classes. SDSU is a large campus, so students will have large classes especially for the required GE’s but if a student is flexible on class times and professors, they can get their classes.

Having community college credits will put him ahead (depending upon which classes he took at the CC) and graduating in 4 years is very doable. My son had 38 units of AP credit coming in as a Freshman and should graduate on time with no problem.

Thank you, Gumbymom! Does SDSU require (or strongly recommend) SAT subject tests for admission for engineering like the UCs do?

No, Subject tests are neither recommended or required. SDSU admits by CSU GPA, test scores and major. If you plan to apply to some UC’s along with CSU’s for Engineering, then definitely take the recommended SAT subject tests. If you get a good score, it could show your expertise in that subject and definitely could not hurt.