Santa Clara University

Statistics

Students Say - Academics
Santa Clara University is a small Jesuit institution that "teaches Catholic values and strives for global solidarity" while offering "a great academic program that stresses the development of critical thinking" and real-world application of classroom lessons. Here the Jesuit ideals of broad education and competence, conscience and compassion are stressed not only through a thorough core curriculum (which "develops better-rounded students who are more aware of the world around them") but also through "a large emphasis on immersion trips and getting students to volunteer and to go out into the community." Science, business, and engineering are the school's academic fortes, although students identify many other strong points: Art history, English, mathematics, and communications all have their boosters. SCU operates on a quarter system that "is very fast-paced." For some it means "constantly worrying about the next midterm, final, or paper that's due," resulting in "chronic stress." Others, however, "love having classes for ten weeks, plus one week of finals," describing it as "a short enough time that you don't get sick of a course" but long enough to "really develop a relationship with your professor." As one student explains, "The engineering program is notoriously difficult and has a reputation for losing eager freshman to easier majors such as communications or sociology. Other programs are extremely challenging" but manageable. In all areas, the school's small size "fosters an excellent community and strong access to and interaction with faculty." An added bonus: "Professional placement in the Bay Area is extraordinary."

Students Say - Campus Life
There are two categories of students at SCU: "the drinkers and the thinkers." In both camps, "most are very academic and stay in and study during the week," but the former are more likely on weekends to "hit the parties or visit San Francisco. Everyone needs a break sometime!" The latter tend to be "very busy pursuing their careers" through internships, workshops, and interest-related clubs. The party scene typically revs up on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. "House parties off campus are a really fun way for everyone to interact" and represent the party venue of choice. Partying is hardly the only leisure alternative, however; as one student explains, "What most students do for fun depends on the person. Many find fun in staying in their dorm playing video games with friends, while others enjoy going to the handful of local bars that cater to SCU students. Also, the Activities Planning Board has concerts and comedy shows...that students can attend for ridiculously cheap prices." Many here are athletically inclined; for spectators, "basketball season is when our student fan group is most active, and a lot of students come out for the men's games. Our volleyball and soccer teams pull a good amount of fans in the fall." Because SCU "is located right next to a Cal Train station; a weekend trip to San Francisco is affordable and fun!" Many take advantage of the opportunity.

Students Say - Student Body
The typical student at Santa Clara is probably from an upper-middle-class family, making the student body "somewhat homogenous in terms of economic background, but that is expected since it is a private school in California." Writes one student, "My one problem with Santa Clara is that we have a very limited demographic. The people here are the people who can pay to be here. There are different, atypical people here; you just have to look slightly harder to find them." SCU undergrads typically "work hard and are intelligent but know how to have fun and go out. They have balance in their lives" and are "outgoing and very involved in clubs and organizations." They tend to be "relatively conservative and success-oriented."

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