Exploring Santa Clara University

So I've been looking at a lot of colleges and Santa Clara University has caught my eye. Dear seniors or alumni, what should I know about this school before applying? What sets it apart from other institutions? Any sort of insider knowledge would be super helpful for my decision-making process.

Santa Clara University (SCU) is a private Jesuit university located in Santa Clara, California. Its campus is nestled in the heart of Silicon Valley, which not only gives it a beautiful setting, but also provides ample opportunities for internships and jobs in tech, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

SCU is known for its strong programs in business, engineering, and the arts and sciences. The Leavey School of Business and the School of Engineering often rank among the nation's top programs. If you're interested in these fields or even if you plan to major in something else but want to add a tech-savvy edge to your degree, SCU offers a unique interdisciplinary program where you can couple your major with a minor in Entrepreneurship.

One thing that really sets SCU apart is its commitment to social justice and serving the community, values that are deeply ingrained in its Jesuit heritage. SCU places a large emphasis on the personal and ethical growth of its students, encouraging them to become leaders who will make ethical and social contributions to the world. As a result, SCU students often engage in service-learning projects, community service, and other kinds of social activism.

SCU is also known for its collaborative and close-knit community. With a student to faculty ratio of 11:1, you can expect smaller class sizes and direct access to faculty. This becomes really handy when seeking academic guidance, research opportunities, or even letters of recommendation.

The campus itself is very attractive, with historic mission-style buildings, modern facilities, and stunning views of the surrounding area. There's a strong sense of campus community, with many students living on campus all four years.

The culture at SCU tends to be quite competitive but also collaborative. Students are motivated and driven, but they're also known to be supportive of one another.

Keep in mind that SCU is a Jesuit institution, which means it incorporates religious traditions in its campus life. However, students of all faiths (or no faith) are welcome, and the environment is inclusive and supportive. Note that the Jesuit aspect of the university ties into a broader commitment to personal growth and service to others.

Before you apply, it might be beneficial to come up with a clear understanding of why SCU stands out to you. Maybe it's the blend of liberal arts and Silicon Valley exposure, or the Jesuit values, or the intimacy of classroom discussions. You can then convey these points in your application to effectively demonstrate your student-university fit, which will bolster your application's strength.

I hope this gives you a better sense of what sets SCU apart from many other universities! One piece of advice would be to reach out to current students or alumni directly, even just over social media – they can be a great source of firsthand information when you're researching colleges.