Reviews

The faculty offer much more than what textbooks can do. Not only that, but just seeing all different types of people from different backgrounds builds the social aspect as well as the classroom aspect. It's also very easy to get to know people since the campus and size isn't obscenely huge. With that said, class sizes are also small, so there's many chances to, you know, get to remember people?

Work hard, play hard. That age-old saying applies very heavily here, since it's so easy to get sucked into all kinds of activities on campus. The classrooms and multiple buildings are all in great condition, and there's enough time and space to have an enjoyable social life and a stimulating classroom life. Campus is also very clean, so it's always a nice day.

As they say, you get what you pay for. As a private university it assures high quality service, and Santa Clara does not disappoint at all. If you can afford it, or if you're riding on merit money (kinda like me), then I would definitely put this college on your list.

Whether you're a commuter or a resident of the dorms, try to get involved on campus. The people are nice and interesting enough to get to know you, and there's literally something for everybody.

Outgoing
Social
Desire an active college experience
Desire smaller classes

I am currently going into my second year of college here at Santa Clara and we are on a quarter system so classes go by fast and therefore I have already taken about 12 different classes. You can take up to 18 units per semester and most classes are 4 - 5 units each. The best thing about Santa Clara's educational management system is that once you apply in a direction of a certain major, it is required for some upperclassmen to volunteer to guide all freshmen in picking all these classes and organizing what you will be doing for the year. So, the stress of picking classes is greatly decreased.

I love the Santa Clara College experience. I have friends that go to colleges all over the country and I have visited them and am glad that I go to such a great school. First, I am in California, the state with the best weather. Second, because it is a smaller school I see my friends all over campus all the time and do things such as meet for lunch before or after class at the local cafeteria, Benson, which serves pretty good food and is in the center of campus. Lastly, although it is a smaller school, I surprisingly still meet new people everyday.

Santa Clara University is quite expensive but I believe that the whole experience makes up for every single penny. Also, the financial aid department is quite giving even in these times of economic downfall.

The best tip for prospective students is to visit the school for yourself and see what all the fuss is about.

This school is great if you love having a core group of friends and want to slowly burst out of your comfort zone and meet new people. I came to this school not knowing anyone but really quickly made best friends that I know I will keep in touch with for the rest of my life. The size of the school allowed me to easily stay connected with my core group of friends as well as make new friends when I am feeling adventurous.

The professors really do go the extra mile to make sure that I know the material and am comfortable demonstrating my knowledge on tests, in essays, and in presentations. Classes here are intense, fast-paced, and professors ask a lot of you, but that's all because the professors know that the students can put out as much as they're asked for and more.

The dorm life is amazing. Living away from home is an eye-opening experience; it really helps to learn how I can live better with other people my own age and diplomatically work out problems without argument. The only downside is that in some dorms (luckily not mine) there's a bit of a party life during the weekdays. I'm not a drinker and don't attend parties, and don't mind or look down on those that do, and for the most part people are responsible and respectful. We work hard, and we play hard, but we do work hard. On the weekends, the loud parties and students are normally off campus, so campus is quiet, peaceful, and beautiful on the weekends just as it is during the weekdays. The food is absolutely amazing, with a wide variety of choices for all preferences and needs. My fellow students are, while occasionally low on sleep from studying, very happy, friendly, and accepting of anyone and everyone

Santa Clara University is on the pricier side of California schools, due to its Jesuit history and status as a private university. However, it's worth every dollar. San Jose State is cheaper, it's true; with about $7000 to $10000 a year, the price tag looks quite attractive. But, what they won't tell you is that at SJSU your engineering lectures can have up to 600 students (I kid you not, I attended some of them while looking for colleges), and SCU lectures are generally capped at 50. I've never had a class larger than 40 students here, and most of my classes have less than 30 students. The quality of education is so much higher than other less expensive schools that I know I'm going to be well prepared after graduation thanks to the direct, personal style of teaching encouraged here.

Santa Clara, while not a party school, still does have a bit of a party life. Greek life is very present; while it's a great way to get to know people, don't get too caught up in it. Form a support network of close friends so that you have the freedom to explore, but still stay within the bounds of reason. Find someone (hopefully many someones) that you can depend on, and make sure that they can depend on you as well. Form personal relationships with your teachers, and most importantly, use office hours. They're invaluable. I speak from past experience. And, although I do advise being careful and making sure you leave time for school and good friends, it's also okay to take some time for you, enjoy yourself, and be a college student. That's what it's all about, after all; just don't overdo it and don't lose sight of that diploma. SCU and other colleges provides exemplary services to help you out for all four years, and regardless of what college you go to, you should use those to their fullest capacity.

If you work hard, you do well in your classes by virtue of effort, and you understand the meaning of patience and learning, then you'd do well here. SCU is not the right place for antisocial people; the community here is too close-knit at just over 5000 students. Everyone knows everyone, so if you're a moderately social person who knows how to work but also how to play and enjoy yourself, you'll succeed.

We have amazing professors who put the time and effort into all of their students not only just learning their names but meeting with them one on one. We are also not impacted, so there is no problem getting the classes needed and being in control of your schedule!

Great weather, awesome people, I love my residence hall! There is so much to do on and off campus! And everyone can find a place where they can fit in!

Santa Clara is expensive, but it is worth the money. I have friends at state schools who just aren't getting the same attention from professors or the school. We get great academic and career guidance. Also, having a Santa Clara degree will help in finding a job because of Santa Clara's great reputation!

Apply early! that is the best tip I can give! it shows santa clara that you want to come here! i know people who had higher GPAs then me, but applied after I did and did not get it! Let Santa Clara know you are interested and apply early!

stay on top of deadlines and requirements!

All the teachers that I have had so far put in relavent personal experiences into the lectures to make them more interesting. But the limit on units makes it hard to take more classes. Very unpredictable grading system. I think the learning experience differs depending on the major.

There's so many opportunities here and because the university is so small it's easier to find out about them. The weather is nice, maybe a little bit chilly sometimes, but never too cold and hardly ever too hot. People are accepting and nice. Going to mass for the first time was cool and it didn't matter what religion you are.

There's been renovation going on for a few years and it's continuing. The new business building has U shaped classrooms with really comfortable chairs. The gym is fantastic and there's a salt water pool. The library is new with PC/Mac computers. The campus is gorgeous: gardens with roses, fountains, and perfect green grass are everywhere. The teachers are professionals and can be reached by the students easily. There's also so many resources that are easily available.

The most popular way to getting around, after walking, is skateboarding so if you can bring a long board. If you want to save money take AP Test and Community College classes before your first fall quater, if you do your research it can save you up to a year. Fill the Fafsa and Cal Grant too if it applies, the 10 hours pay off. Join ALPHA it's the best RLC : ).

All students that want to succeed in general.

Santa Clara University is committed to educating their students in great depth, and it is apparent that they want to ensure that we gain a very well-rounded education. All of my professors so far seem extensively trained and knowledgeable in their areas of expertise, and as a result of their high qualifications and their effective teaching techniques, I feel that I have already learned quite a lot. Because each of my professors is so good at passing down their own knowledge, I feel that I take away worthwhile information from each one of my classes. Thus, I'm overall gaining a very well-rounded education, whether in my science classes, in English, or even in my dance class. I feel that in high school, I was able to really learn how to learn and utilize my time, and since I came to Santa Clara knowing how to manage my time and how to study, I was able to really focus on learning as much as possible. All the ideas that I was exposed to in high school have been solidified at Santa Clara thus far, and both of my science professors helped me understand the material in greater depth, as well as helping me relate what I learned to the rest of the surrounding world.

Santa Clara University has an absolutely beautiful campus, and the environment is really suitable for anyone who wants to make the most of their college experience. While there are many social events happening both on and off campus, during the day, one can really focus on their studies. Whether it is on a quiet bench found all throughout campus, on the huge green lawn, or in the large library, it is guaranteed that one will find a quiet place to focus and work. In addition, everyone is open and friendly and the staff is most helpful. The workers at both the bookstore and in the Benson Center, where all the delicious food is, are always ready to assist students, as are the multiple library workers. If you get tired of sitting in your dorm room between classes, you can take a walk along campus under the warm California sun and enjoy all the tall palm trees that you are bound to come across. If you are hungry, you have several food choices, as well as several accessible stores across the street. And if you just need a place to sit and relax if it is cold outside, grab a hot chocolate from Benson and head into the Alumni Science Building and find yourself amidst several comfy couches. In short, no matter what you are looking for, whether it is a social environment, a nice place to study, an enjoyable and hospitable environment, or a beautiful and cozy campus, Santa Clara will have it for you. I am enjoying all SCU has to offer without a doubt.

While Santa Clara University is a private university and thus has a higher cost of attendance than state schools and other colleges, I believe its worth the money we are paying. Aside from the beautifully maintained campus, Santa Clara allows for its students to really make the most of their educational experience. They do so by providing relatively small class sizes, so that students are given more attention than classes with hundreds of kids. In this way, it is also much easier to communicate with professors, as one does not have to compete with 300 other kids to have their questions answered. The professors are always available, whether it is in person or by email, and they are extremely happy to help and in fact urge us to ask them questions. In addition, it is much easier to sign up for classes at Santa Clara than at bigger state schools because it is a private school, and thus has much more flexibility in opening up new classes. The university does all it can to ensure the students get the classes they need, though it can't always guarantee they will get the desired times. But overall, Santa Clara University provides its students with numerous resources, top quality professors, easily accessible facilities and various food choices that make it well worth the money.

I would say that a big tip for prospective students is to be sure that they balance everything out, especially in the beginning. The thrill of a new environment, new friends, lots of parties, etc. often leads students to pay less attention to school than is necessary to really make a smooth transition from high school classes to college classes. I recommend that they still get involved in different activities, but that they do not get so caught up in the social frenzy that they neglect the main reason they are at Santa Clara, their education. In addition, I would suggest that they pay attention to deadlines and especially when ordering books. do it early, because the best deals go really fast. So sign up with the bookstore and get books early, because they are not cheap!

Santa Clara is a great school for anyone that likes a calm, small campus to focus on their studies, while also getting the benefit of a busy social scene by night. Because it is a Jesuit school, Santa Clara also has a strong foundation of compassionate values that will help make the world a better place. Thus, SCU is a great place for students looking to help make the world a better place.

Wonderful school! I would not attend any other university. Santa Clara offers a plethora of resources, making it the best school around.

The best piece of advice I received as a high school senior touring colleges actually came from an SCU tour guide. He said to me really what it comes down to is choosing the best fit for you. I can talk to you all day about how much I love Santa Clara, but if you cannot imagine yourself here, walking the campus grounds, in our cafeteria, and spending four years of your life here, than it is not for you. However, if you can imagine yourself as a student here, then we welcome you to become a Bronco. This advice has stuck with me, today, I too offer this advice to students. Choose what makes you happy. But surely, it is going to be Santa Clara University.

Teachers are so helpful, so eager to assist their students. If you are confused, go to their office hours, get to know them. They are there to help. That is the difference between going to a big state school, and going to a wonderful school like SCU; here your teachers are ready and willing to educate you, to give you the best experience and education that is possible. Yes SCU is difficult, but it is so much better when you turn to the resources that are offered to you (student tutoring, office hours,. writing center).

Absolutely amazing experience. You meet your best friends here!

Wonderful salad bar! Fresh food! Yes, it may be redundant, but this is the best food on a college campus I have experienced. Sandwich bar is great too!

So many extracurriculars! Dorm activities! Get involved! Each dorm has a social once a week to gather the community together!

Very expensive, but it is worth it.

Library is the most advanced and wonderful one around! New dorms are great! Gym! RLC tradition is so great for new students

ALL students! Anyone can find their place here!

Leadership, intramurals, honors program, a club for EVERYONE'S interests, if you cannot find one you like, create your own!

Although the Greek Life at SCU is not officially tied to the school, we still have 5 wonderful sororities and 4 great fraternities. Wonderful way to find your place, make friends and get involved!

So many great programs in place to protect our students. Safety lights all around campus, protecting students when they are out at night. Program now in place that will walk with a student baqck from the library or across campus at night to keep them safe. Over 75% of campus is covered by cameras keeping our students protected

santa clara university is a school where staff and faculty care about you. the school focuses on enriching both the mind and spirit. in any class you take, you will learn the course material along with the impact that ethical decision-making has in the field.

take advantage of the office hours that your professors offer you. they can be a great help and, should you need them, can be a system of support. they are there to help you as a student and as a person.

as with everything, you can choose how much effort to put into your studies and that will reflect your performance. if you want to do well in your courses, learn quickly to manage your time properly.

at scu, we don't have dorms, we have residential learning communities (rlcs) because each building is a community in itself. every rlc has its own values, special events, and atmosphere when you enter. no matter what, there is an rlc where you will feel most comfortably fits your personality.

the dining commons offers plenty of options, and rotates their menus often. scu strives to make responsible choices even when making food. they choose ingredients from reliable sources that promote sustainabe and ethical eating. of course, eating at the same place can get boring. santa clara has many restaurants located just outside of scu within walking distance.

whether it's attending a social hosted by an rlc, or a lecture by esteemed professors, there is always something to do at santa clara university. scu is located across from a vta bus station, and is nearby a train station, making any recreational destination possible.

-social
-desire small class sizes
-want to build relationships both with peers and faculty
-like teamwork

scu promotes diversity, and so has a multitude of ethnic clubs that are open to all. they even have a multi-cultural center (commonly known as the mcc) built specifically for these clubs to meet.
sccap (santa clara community action program) is a student-run volunteer organization that regularly works with over 20 different community service programs within the bay area.
you can also find major-specific clubs that provide resources such as internship and job fairs just for your major.

I can't imagine myself anywhere other than Santa Clara. Kind people, beautiful weather, and an amazing education make me realize I landed at my dream school. If Santa Clara isn't on your radar it should be, and if you see yourself as a perspective Bronco do yourself a favor and apply.

Don't be put off by the cost of Santa Clara. It may seem out of your price range but I truly believe in the long run it will be well worth your investment. Developing connections in the heart of Silicon Valley presents an incredible springboard to a successful career.

As an engineering student Santa Clara presents me with a challenging course load, but with supportive staff, abundant tutors, and a good work ethic any class can be handled.

Dorm life is what you make of it. There are dorms for those that are more outgoing, dorms for those that prefer a quiet environment, and dorms for those that like a good mix of social and studious. I for one have found myself lifelong friends living on campus.

The food served on campus is not great, but it is pretty good. There is a decent amount of variety in the form of customizable stir fry dishes, classic cafeteria food, fresh salad bar, brick oven pizza, Mexican food, Italian food, and bakery. Nightly dinner lunch and dinner specials keep your choices open.

Santa Clara has something for everyone. Parties can be found off campus throughout the week and weekend. For those that prefer not to party there exists a club for nearly any interest you can think of, and a wide variety of intramural sports make Santa Clara a place almost anyone can find things they are passionate about.

The only reason I gave four stars and not five is because Santa Clara is a very expensive university. However, for schools in a comparable price range Santa Clara is unmatched in location and job opportunities for students and graduates.

Fountain hopping is a popular way to relieve stress the Friday night before finals week. Find a group of friends and run from fountain to fountain and take a dip!

Santa Clara presents a perfect fit for students that like a mid sized school with a strong sense of community. Santa Clara falls on the small side of medium as far as student population and I find this presents the best of both worlds in terms of a sense of community and the opportunity to always have new people to meet.

The amount of clubs at Santa Clara is off the charts. From robotics to hiking there really is something for everyone. Each dorm provides regular activities to foster a sense of community. For example, in Casa Italiana every Tuesday night there are free desserts in the common room which brings people together from throughout the building.

There is an active Greek life at Santa Clara with both chartered fraternities and sororities.

Even when walking through Santa Clara at night I have never felt unsafe on campus. Campus safety is constantly active to ensure the safest campus possible.

SCU has a beautiful campus with beautiful people. Go here if you're looking for a casual school with good academics and a decent social scene. Don't go here if you're looking for top tier academics or cannot deal with a diverse group of students.

Visit the school beforehand to get a feel of it. There are a lot of shadowing and overnight stay options where you can understand the lifestyle of an SCU student so make use of that.

There's a spectrum of amazing, life changing teachers and why were you hired teachers. It really just depends on what department and even what section of class you're in. It's always good to look your teachers up on ratemyprofessors when registering for classes to be safe.

The residential learning community program clusters residents to attend certain core classes together and helps foster community on campus. This is pretty unique to Santa Clara and can create lasting friendships for the duration of your college experience.

Bon Appetit makes the best food for students daily with the best ingredients possible. A lot of people complain that it gets old, but people obviously have never visited other schools with cafeterias. We have Benson and a legitimate catering service with an entire French pastry chef and his team making all the baked goods in house.

Pretty much go out, work out, or hang out with friends. Sometimes people venture to SF or to Santa Cruz for the day.