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How to Respond to the 2023/2024 Santa Clara University Essay Prompts

Cait Williams is a Content Writer at Scholarships360. Cait recently graduated from Ohio University with a degree in Journalism and Strategic Communications. During her time at OU, was active in the outdoor recreation community.

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Bill Jack has over a decade of experience in college admissions and financial aid. Since 2008, he has worked at Colby College, Wesleyan University, University of Maine at Farmington, and Bates College.

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This year’s Santa Clara University supplemental essay prompts are available and they’re waiting for you to give them an answer! If Santa Clara is on your list of schools, we’re here to help you prepare the best possible answers for your SCU supplemental essays. So, let’s jump in!

Introducing Santa Clara University 

Santa Clara University has had a long and rich history steeped in tradition and their Jesuit roots. This university welcomes people of all religious backgrounds to their school in order to promote a dialogue between faith and culture. 

In addition to religion, Sant Clara is committed to providing a community of rigorous academic quality through the courses they offer and the faculty they employ. At Santa Clara, you can find degrees that range from bioengineering to theater and dance. 

Supplemental essay prompt #1

At Santa Clara University, we value our diverse and inclusive community. Our campus learning environment is enriched by the lived experiences of people from different backgrounds. What people, places, events, or circumstances have shaped the individual you are today and how you could contribute to our community? (150- 300 words)

The first prompt on the Santa Clara application is a fairly common essay prompt. They want to know about you and how who you are will add to their campus. So, let’s break this question down into two parts.

Let’s start with thinking about the people, places, events and circumstances that have shaped you. It’s probably not difficult for you to think of at least one thing that is significant in your life, but the key here is thinking of something significant that will also be related to how you add to campus. So, take some time to think about what things are significant to you. You may come up with more than one! 

Part two of this question is where more of the heavy lifting will come in because you will need to translate the things that have been significant in your life into things that you will bring to campus. You may do this in a lot of ways. Perhaps you will start a club, become involved in an on campus volunteer organization, work on campus as an RA, or a number of other things. There’s no right or wrong way to add to campus; the admissions team wants to know that you will bring something to the table that will enrich your own life and others. 

Don’t miss: How to write an essay about yourself

Supplemental essay prompt #2

At SCU, we push our students to be creative, be challenged, and be the solution. Think about an ethical dilemma that you care about that our society is currently facing. This can be something happening in your local community or more globally. How can an SCU education help you prepare for and address this challenge? (150-300 words)

This question is set up in a very similar fashion to the first one. So, let’s also break this question into two parts. 

The first part of this question asks you to think about an ethical dilemma you care about. It’s important to note that they specifically ask for a dilemma that our society is currently facing. So, think of the big picture issues in your county, on major news networks, or statewide! Maybe there’s an issue that people in your community will be voting on soon, or that the Supreme Court will be ruling on, or perhaps another dilemma has something to do with the choices our military is making. 

Take some time to think about ethical dilemmas that you particularly care about! This might take some time, but it’s important to do your research and find an issue that you care about! Some ethical dilemmas that are happening on a large scale may even be occurring around you locally.

Part two of this question is a bit more in depth because it requires you to understand the values that are taught at Santa Clara and how those values will help educate you so that you are prepared to address these ethical dilemmas. 

So, start by looking at the values that Santa Clara holds to. These can usually be found on their website fairly easily. Santa Clara wants to learn how attending their school is going to help you become someone who can have an impact on the issues at hand. 

Questions to consider

• What about SCU’s values and yours align?
• Are there any areas at SCU that you would like to see a change in and be an active part of that change?
• What issues do you know of that SCU has attempted to address?

Further reading: 10 tips for successful college applications

Wrapping up with the SCU supplemental essays

Before we finish up with your SCU supplemental essays, let’s address a few quick tips for these prompts. Both of these essays ask about similar themes. They want to hear about your values and why their school is the right choice for you. Be careful when answering that you don’t give them two answers that are the same. Take advantage of the space offered by showing off the various sides of yourself. 

Make sure your values are yours. When researching schools and writing applications, it is easy to simply agree with their values. Remember, your values should come from you! Take time to write out a short list of what you find important and from there, find schools that align with your list. 

Check out our other articles! Our website has plenty more articles just like this one that can help you write a top notch essay. Check out our guides on how to write a great supplemental essay , how to respond to the Common App prompts , how to write an essay about yourself , and how to write 250 or 500 word essays. And once you’re all done writing, we’ve still got you covered! Don’t miss our guides on 5 things to do after you submit your college application and how to choose a college . Good luck!

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Santa Clara University Supplemental Essays 2022-23

Santa Clara University is a research university located in California. If you want to stand out in the SCU admissions process, the Santa Clara University supplemental essays can make a huge difference. In this guide, we’ll break down each of the Santa Clara supplemental essays in detail.

But before we dive into the Santa Clara essay prompts, let’s learn a bit more about the school. 

Santa Clara Supplemental Essays: Quick Facts

• Santa Clara University Acceptance Rate: 54%– According to U.S. News , the Santa Clara University Rankings is categorized as a more selective school. 
• 200 word essay (a “why Santa Clara” essay)
• 150 – 300 word essay (an additional essay about how you would address an ethical dilemma)
• Santa Clara University Application: Students must submit their Santa Clara University application through the Common Application . Make sure to have all of your Santa Clara supplemental essays and other required application materials prepared by the deadline 
• Early Decision: November 1st
• Early Action: November 1st
• Regular Decision: January 7th 
• Santa Clara University Supplemental Essays Tip: The Santa Clara University supplemental essays are your chance to stand out—so make the most of them. Think carefully about each of the Santa Clara supplemental essays, as they are a key component of your application. 

Does Santa Clara University have supplemental essays?

Yes. There are two Santa Clara University supplemental essays that students must complete. We’ll share the full prompts for the Santa Clara University supplemental essays later in this guide. 

The first of the two Santa Clara University supplemental essays is the “Why Santa Clara University” essay. It has a 200-word limit. This is a classic why this college essay. You might have encountered similar prompts for other colleges—and, if you have, you’re already one step ahead. 

The second of the Santa Clara University supplemental essays asks about how your education at SCU would prepare you to solve an ethical dilemma. This essay has a 150-300 word limit. 

Preparing for the Santa Clara supplemental essays

Given that there are two Santa Clara essay prompts, you should be prepared to spend ample time brainstorming. You should also plan to complete several drafts before you submit your Santa Clara supplemental essays. In this guide, we’ll help you approach this brainstorming process so that your responses to the Santa Clara essay prompts stand out in the admissions process. 

With each of the Santa Clara University supplemental essays, you should demonstrate your understanding of the university’s values and mission. Your Santa Clara essays should also highlight your own commitment to moral and ethical decision-making. 

As you approach the Santa Clara supplemental essays, try to reflect on your personal experiences and perspectives. Additionally, use your Santa Clara essays to think creatively about how you can contribute to a diverse and inclusive community at SCU. 

These Santa Clara University Supplemental essays are an important part of the application process and allow the admissions committee to get to know each applicant beyond their academic achievements and test scores.

What are the Santa Clara University essay prompts?

As mentioned, there are two Santa Clara supplemental essays. Here are the Santa Clara University essay prompts:

“Briefly describe what prompted you to apply to Santa Clara University. Based on what you know about SCU and our Jesuit mission to educate citizens and leaders of competence, conscience, and compassion, how do you envision your life at SCU and beyond?” (200 words)”

“at scu, we push our students to be creative, be challenged, and be the solution. think about an ethical dilemma that you care about that our society is currently facing. this can be something happening in your local community or more globally. how can an scu education help you prepare for and address this challenge” (150-300 words).

The Santa Clara University supplemental essays might look similar to those you’ve seen for other colleges. For instance, you’ve likely encountered a why this college essay at other schools. However, you’ll notice that SCU’s mission and philosophy are at the core of both Santa Clara University essay prompts. 

Next, let’s take a look at each of the Santa Clara University supplemental essays in more detail to help you craft good college essays. 

Santa Clara Supplemental Essays #1: Why This College?

Let’s look at the first of the Santa Clara University supplemental essays. The first of the Santa Clara essay prompts essentially asks “Why Santa Clara?”. 

“Briefly describe what prompted you to apply to Santa Clara University. Based on what you know about SCU and our Jesuit mission to educate citizens and leaders of competence, conscience, and compassion, how do you envision your life at SCU and beyond?” (200 words)

Before you start writing the Santa Clara essays, you should do some research about the university. So, let’s learn a bit more about Santa Clara University.

Santa Clara University is a private Jesuit university located in Santa Clara, California. Founded in 1851, it is the oldest operating institution of higher education in California. The university offers a range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs, and is known for its strong commitment to social justice and community engagement.

What does SCU value?

As you approach the Santa Clara essay prompts, you should understand that one of the defining characteristics of Santa Clara University is its Jesuit heritage. Jesuit education is rooted in the Catholic intellectual tradition. It emphasizes the development of the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. 

At SCU, this means a commitment to academic excellence, ethical leadership, and service to others. The university’s mission is to educate “men and women for others”—that is, to produce graduates who are not only well-educated but also committed to using their talents and skills to make a positive difference in the world. If these ideas resonate with you, you should use the Santa Clara University supplemental essays to show them. 

Highlighting academic “fit”

When answering the Santa Clara University essay prompts, you should also think about how your academic interests align with SCU’s offerings. This starts by understanding the Santa Clara University majors. 

There are more than 50 undergraduate Santa Clara University majors, as well as a range of graduate and professional degree programs. SCU is also home to several research centers and institutes, including the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics, the Ignatian Center for Jesuit Education, and the Miller Center for Social Entrepreneurship.

These centers provide students with opportunities to engage in research and scholarship that addresses real-world problems and contributes to the common good. If any of these programs pique your interest, you might mention it in your Santa Clara University supplemental essays. 

Location and opportunities

Lastly, the university’s location in the heart of Silicon Valley provides unique opportunities to engage with local organizations and address pressing issues. While location shouldn’t be the sole focus of your Santa Clara University supplemental essays, you can highlight how the school provides opportunities to get involved in the local community. 

SCU students are encouraged to get involved in service and social justice work through programs like the Thriving Neighbors Initiative, which seeks to promote economic and social equity in the surrounding community. The university also has a strong commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. In fact, SCU has implemented a range of programs and initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint and promote sustainable practices. 

Choose unique connections

Overall, your Santa Clara University supplemental essays should highlight what makes you the perfect fit for SCU—and how you would make SCU’s campus a better place. So, while you should highlight your interest in SCU, you should also ensure that you are at the center of each of your Santa Clara essays. This will help you make the most of the Santa Clara University essay prompts.

Stay away from rankings and statistics; instead, make sure each of your Santa Clara University supplemental essays is personal and specific. 

Santa Clara Essay Prompt #2: Ethical Dilemma

Next, let’s look at the second of the Santa Clara University essay prompts. 

Your Santa Clara essays provide the admissions team with additional information about you beyond your academic achievements and test scores. The second of the Santa Clara University supplemental essays asks you to choose an ethical dilemma and describe how your education would prepare you to make real-world change.

Highlight your unique perspective

As you approach the second of the Santa Clara supplemental essays, think about an ethical dilemma that matters to you. Pay attention to the prompt’s wording—what is a dilemma that would ask you to “be creative, be challenged, and be the solution”? 

Ideally, this should be a dilemma with which you have some amount of real-world experience or at least a unique perspective. Remember, your Santa Clara essays are a chance to show the admissions team who you are. So, choose something that highlights a key aspect of your identity. 

Center yourself, not your dilemma

Once you’ve chosen a dilemma, it’s time to start writing. As you write, don’t spend the bulk of your words explaining your chosen dilemma. Instead, try to limit your explanation to just a sentence or two. Then, use the rest of your essay to show your plan for approaching the dilemma you’ve chosen. 

How to write the Santa Clara University Supplemental Essays: More Advice

Looking for more targeted guidance on the Santa Clara essay prompts? Check out our tips below to approach each of the Santa Clara University supplemental essays with confidence. 

“Why Santa Clara University” Essay: Tips & Guidelines

1. research the university.

To answer the Santa Clara supplemental essays effectively, you’ll need a solid understanding of Santa Clara University and its Jesuit mission. Take some time to research the university’s history, programs, and values. Then, think about how they align with your own interests and goals. 

2. Be specific

When describing what prompted you to apply to Santa Clara, be as specific as possible. Explain what aspects of the university, such as its academic programs, location, or culture, appeal to you and why. Knowing which of the Santa Clara University majors you want to pursue before you apply can also help strengthen your application narrative. 

3. Connect your goals with SCU’s mission

To answer the second part of the question, think about how your personal and professional goals align with Santa Clara University’s Jesuit mission. SCU aims to educate citizens and leaders on competence, conscience, and compassion. So, explain how you see yourself contributing to this mission and how an SCU education can help you achieve your goals.

4. Show enthusiasm and commitment

Throughout your response, demonstrate your enthusiasm and commitment to Santa Clara University and its mission. Explain why you believe SCU is the right place for you to pursue your academic and personal goals, and show how you are excited about the opportunities that an SCU education can provide.

5. Be concise

With limited space in the Santa Clara supplemental essays, every word counts. Remember to stay within the word limit of 200 words. Use clear and direct language to make your points, and proofread your response carefully for grammar and spelling errors.

Do your research

Overall, to write strong Santa Clara supplemental essays, you should research the university, be specific about what appeals to you about SCU, connect your goals with the university’s mission, show enthusiasm and commitment, and be concise in your writing. 

By following these tips, you can demonstrate to the admissions committee that you are a strong fit for Santa Clara University and its values. The best college essays will highlight what makes you a great fit for SCU, both academically and personally. 

Ethical Dilemma Essay: Tips & Guidelines

1. choose a relevant ethical dilemma.

To write an effective response to this prompt, it’s important to choose an ethical dilemma that is both meaningful to you and relevant to the SCU community. Consider issues that are currently facing society, such as social justice, environmental sustainability, or healthcare access. 

2. Clearly articulate the dilemma

Once you’ve chosen an ethical dilemma to write about, clearly articulate what it is and why it matters to you. Use concrete examples and statistics to help illustrate the issue and explain why it is a challenge that needs to be addressed. Make sure your reader understands why your issue matters—while keeping it concise, of course. 

3. Explain how SCU can help

Next, explain how an SCU education can help you address the challenge. Consider the specific courses, programs, or opportunities that are available at SCU that would be relevant to the issue you’ve chosen. For example, you might discuss how SCU’s focus on social justice or sustainability could help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to address your chosen challenge

4. Demonstrate your passion and commitment

Finally, demonstrate your passion and commitment to the ethical dilemma you’ve chosen. Explain why it matters to you personally and what steps you’ve taken or plan to take to address the issue. This will help highlight your knowledge, passion, and commitment.

Choose a strong topic

Overall, to write a strong response to this prompt, it’s important to choose a relevant ethical dilemma, clearly articulate the issue and why it matters, explain how an SCU education can help you address the challenge, and demonstrate your passion and commitment to making a difference. Remember to also stay within the word limit of 150-300 words and to proofread your response carefully before submitting.

Does Santa Clara University care about essays?

Yes—scu cares about the santa clara university supplemental essays..

As we’ve discussed, in addition to the Common Application personal statement , there are two Santa Clara supplemental essays. When taken as a whole, your application should show SCU who you are, what matters to you, and why you’d succeed on their campus. So, think carefully about what to include in each of your Santa Clara essays. 

The Santa Clara supplemental essays are designed to let you show your “fit” with the SCU community and mission, as well as your writing skills and personal qualities. The admissions committee at Santa Clara University reviews each application holistically, considering academic achievements, test scores, extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation , community service, personal qualities, and fit with the SCU community and mission. 

How your Santa Clara essays fit into the holistic review process

Good college essays provide valuable insights into a student’s character, interests, and goals. This helps SCU understand how each applicant can enrich the campus community. While the Santa Clara University acceptance rate may seem low, strong Santa Clara essays can increase your admissions odds. 

Of course, the Santa Clara essays are just one part of the application process. However, the best college essays can help you stand out and show how you “fit” with the school’s values. In the Santa Clara supplemental essays, think about how you can become a “citizen and leader of competence, conscience, and compassion”—that is, how you fit with SCU’s mission. By crafting the best college essays, applicants can increase their chances of acceptance.

Santa Clara University Admissions

Within the Santa Clara University application process, the Santa Clara University supplemental essays play an important role. The admissions process at Santa Clara University is competitive, with thousands of applicants vying for a limited number of spots each year. Given the high Santa Clara University ranking, you can expect the SCU admissions team to be discerning. 

For the class of 2025, there were nearly 28,000 applicants, making the Santa Clara University acceptance rate around 50%. So, if you want to increase your admissions odds, you should do all you can to craft a strong application. In your essays and extracurriculars, make sure to highlight your academic achievements, personal qualities, and commitment to Santa Clara University’s Jesuit mission.

You might also wonder how your academics compare to the average admitted student at SCU. For the class of 2025, the average GPA of admitted students fell in the range of 3.6-4.0. Like many schools , Santa Clara University currently has a test-optional policy . This means you can choose whether to submit SAT/ACT scores. Even with this policy, however, high scores can still help you impress the Santa Clara University admissions committee.

Beyond academics

Of course, your grades and scores matter. However, SCU looks at more than just academics when they review your Santa Clara University application. 

The Santa Clara University admissions committee takes a holistic approach to application review. They consider a range of factors including extracurricular activities, community service, personal qualities, and fit with the SCU community and mission. The Santa Clara University supplemental essays are a critical part of the application process. They provide applicants with an opportunity to demonstrate their writing skills, personal qualities, and fit with the university’s Jesuit values. 

Building a narrative

With so many qualified applicants, you’ll want to make sure that you craft an impressive Santa Clara University application narrative. The Santa Clara University supplemental essays play an important role in that narrative. Additionally, the Santa Clara essays matter even more if you have lower grades and scores. So, view each Santa Clara University essay as your opportunity to show what makes you stand out. Each of your Santa Clara University supplemental essays should teach the admissions team something new about you. 

Overall, while high grades and test scores are important factors in the Santa Clara University admissions process, a strong application takes a lot more. With strong Santa Clara University supplemental essays, you can highlight your unique strengths and experiences. That way, you can increase your chances of being accepted to Santa Clara University. 

Santa Clara Supplemental Essays — Key Takeaways

Santa Clara University is a dynamic and vibrant institution that is committed to academic excellence, ethical leadership, and service to others. Its Jesuit heritage and strong commitment to social justice and community engagement make it a unique and rewarding place to learn and grow. Try to take these concepts into account when answering the Santa Clara University essay prompts.

The Santa Clara University supplemental essays are a critical component of the application process. The university’s holistic approach to admissions means that high grades and test scores alone are not enough to guarantee acceptance. Through their Santa Clara essays, applicants must showcase their personal qualities, achievements, and fit with the university’s Jesuit mission. The two Santa Clara supplemental essays offer applicants an opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of the university’s values, mission, and culture, as well as their own commitment to ethical decision-making and community engagement. 

Remember, strong essays take time

To write strong responses to the Santa Clara supplemental essays, applicants should take the time to research the university, be specific about what appeals to them about SCU, connect their goals with the university’s mission, show enthusiasm and commitment, and be concise in their writing. This takes time and effort—so don’t leave your Santa Clara essays to the last minute. Learning more about how to write a why this college Essay can also help you write good college essays for Santa Clara University. 

It is worth noting that the admissions process at Santa Clara University is competitive. However, with the right approach to the application process, including crafting strong responses to the Santa Clara University essay prompts, you can increase your odds. In your essays, highlight your personal achievements, unique experiences, and commitment to the university’s values and mission. 

CollegeAdvisor can help!

In summary, the Santa Clara University supplemental essays matter, and you should take them seriously. Remember, the supplemental essays and personal statement questions are the best ways for you to make a lasting impression on the admissions team. So, make sure that each of your Santa Clara University supplemental essays counts. 

We hope this guide prepared you to write strong Santa Clara essays that highlight your strengths. Good luck!

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Santa Clara University 2023-24 Supplemental Essay Guide

Early Action/Decision: Nov 1

Regular Decision Deadline: Jan 7

You Have: 

Santa Clara University 2023-24 Application Essay Question Explanations 

The Requirements: Two essays of 150-300 words each; one optional essay of 50 words

Supplemental Essay Type(s): Why , Community

At Santa Clara University, we push our students to be creative, be challenged, and be the solution. Think about an ethical dilemma that you care about that our society is currently facing. This can be something happening in your local community or more globally. How can an SCU education help you prepare for and address this challenge? (150- 300 words)*

This is your opportunity to not only show admissions how you face challenges, but also demonstrate your creativity and vision. Start by brainstorming a few ethical dilemmas or challenges—big and small—that bother you or impact your life. Maybe it’s rising sea levels, or the impact of diet culture on the minds and bodies of vulnerable teenagers. Although the scope and scale of your problem can vary, remember that SCU is looking to accept applicants who want to be a part of the solution. Show that you’re not only informed and concerned, but also actively engaged in addressing the problem head on. 

At Santa Clara University, we value our diverse and inclusive community. Our campus learning environment is enriched by the lived experiences of people from different backgrounds. What people, places, events, or circumstances have shaped the individual you are today and how you could contribute to our community? (150- 300 words)*

Admissions officers want to know not only that you value diversity and inclusivity, but which experiences or circumstances have shaped the person you are today and, in turn, the ways in which you will contribute to Santa Clara University. Where do you come from? Who have you looked up to? What kinds of experiences have you had? What makes your background different from your peers? What you address can be reflective of larger cultural constructs, like being a woman of color, or an experience specific to you and only you, like an eye-opening experience or treasured relationship with a relative and mentor. Consider why your particular background or experience will enable you to contribute to SCU in a unique way. Will you inspire and/or inform others? Will you apply some of the things you’ve learned about life so far; if so, what will that look like? What do you believe and how will your worldview bring something of value to the community at Santa Clara University?

Why are you interested in pursuing the [Division or Major] selected above? (50 words)

We’ve said it once and we’ll say it again: the three steps to writing a good Why Essay are research, research, and research. In this particular case, admissions wants to know about your interest in academics, specifically, so spend some quality time on the school website (or visit campus, if you can) and get to know Santa Clara University’s academic offerings beyond the basic facts and figures. Learn about the department, faculty, notable alumni, and any special programs or opportunities for undergrads within your desired field. Once you have some notes jotted down, see if you can put together a brief response that addresses what you want to study, why you want to study it (including future career goals, if applicable), and finally, if you have the space, why SCU is the perfect place for you to explore this field.

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How to Get Into Santa Clara University: Acceptance Rate and Strategies

June 11, 2023

Santa Clara University is a mid-sized, private Jesuit institution in California that caters to around 5,900 undergraduate students. Unsurprisingly, given its location, SCU is known for having one of the most beautiful campuses in the country. Fortunately, the academic strength of the school is also quite strong. In particular, the Leavey School of Business is highly-respected, and the university has solid computer science and engineering offerings as well. While the acceptance rate at Santa Clara University isn’t as intimidating as some comparable institutions, the admissions standards are still quite stringent.

With the aim of providing future SCU applicants with a deep knowledge of relevant admissions data and strategies, we will touch on the following topics:

• Santa Clara University’s Class of 2027 acceptance rate
• Santa Clara University’s ED acceptance rate
• SAT, ACT, GPA and class rank of accepted Santa Clara University students
• Admissions trends at Santa Clara for the Class of 2027
• The demographics of current Santa Clara University undergraduates
• Santa Clara University’s yield rate
• How Santa Clara University’s admissions officers evaluate candidates
• Tips for applying to Santa Clara University
• How to assess whether applying to Santa Clara University is even worth the $70 application fee (for you)

Many students applying to Santa Clara University may also find the following blogs to be of interest:

How to Get Into:

• University of California Santa Barbara
• UC San Diego

Let’s begin with an examination of the most recent admissions data.

Santa Clara University’s: Overall Acceptance Rate – Class of 2027

Santa Clara received 18,839 applications for a place in the Class of 2027 and accepted 7,912. This means that the most recent Santa Clara University acceptance rate is 42%. Recent SCU acceptance rates are as follows:

• Class of 2026: 54%

Santa Clara University Early Decision Acceptance Rate

There are two rounds of Early Decision at Santa Clara. The ED I deadline is November 1 and the ED II deadline is in early January. Over 10,500 students applied via ED I or EA to join the Class of 2027. However, official acceptance rates have not yet been released. Looking back to the most recent data available, the ED acceptance rate was an incredibly generous 84%.

Santa Clara University Admissions – SAT, ACT, GPA, and Class Rank

Just 35% of entering freshmen in 2021-22 (most recent available) placed in the top decile of their high school class; 72% were in the top quartile. The median SAT score was 1390 and the median ACT score was 31. Among those admitted into the Class of 2027, the average unweighted GPA was 3.87.

Admissions Trends & Notes Class of 2027

• 10% are first-generation.
• 9% are international students.
• 9% are Pell-eligible students
• 39% of engineers are female students
• 5% are students of color
• 50% of students are from California

Who Gets Into Santa Clara University?

Let’s look at the demographics of current Santa Clara University undergraduates. Geographically, the Class of 2026 is from:

• California: 50%
• 40% Out-of-state
• International: 10%

As at any selective university, competition is toughest among those hailing from states with endless streams of qualified applicants (the entire Northeast & the West Coast). If you hail from a less populated state like Idaho, Wyoming, or Alaska, your location is more likely to  provide a boost  to your admissions chances.

Looking at ethnic identity, the breakdown of the Class of 2026 was as follows:

• Asian American: 21%
• Hispanic: 19%
• African American: 4%
• Two or more races: 11%

The breakdown by gender of all current undergraduates is notably split in favor of women:

• Female: 48%.

International students make up 6% of the total undergraduate population at Santa Clara. The greatest number of students hail from the following countries:

• Philippines

Members of the Class of 2025 attended the following types of high schools:

• Public: 49%
• Independent: 19%
• Catholic: 16%
• Jesuit: 19%

The most popular majors for entering first-year students in fall of 2022 were:

• Computer science and engineering

SCU’s Yield Rate

Santa Clara University’s yield rate—the percentage of accepted students who elect to enroll, divided by the total number of students who are admitted was 17% last year. For comparison, other CA-based institutions like UCSD, UCSB, and UC-Irvine have very similar yield rates.

How Santa Clara University Rates Applicants

Santa Clara University rates three factors as being “very important” to their admissions process: rigor of secondary school record, GPA, and the application essays. Eight additional factors are viewed by SCU as “important” in their evaluation of candidates: class rank, recommendations, talent/ability, extracurricular activities, character/personal qualities, racial/ethnic status, volunteer work, and first-generation status.

Straight from the Santa Clara University admissions staff:

• “When we review your application we will consider several elements, from your academic performance and grades, recommendations, activities outside the classroom, life experiences, and if reported, test scores. Our goal is to gain a sense of who you are as a person and as a scholar.”
• “While the selectivity between our schools and programs does not vary greatly, academic readiness for the program of interest will be gauged based on your expressed interest. For natural science, business, and engineering applicants, readiness at the level of calculus is expected.”
• “Without test scores, your GPA and course rigor are increasingly important components of the academic side of your application. Not only do we want to see that you have excelled in your classes, but we also want to see that you’ve challenged yourself academically by taking advanced courses like honors, IB, AP, or dual-enrollment courses your school offers.”

Additional Tips for Applying

Should you end up as one of the 18,000+ Santa Clara applicants in the next admissions cycle, you will benefit from being aware of the following:

• If you are serious about attending SCU, applying ED can yield an enormous admission advantage at this school.
• Santa Clara does not conduct evaluative interviews, but does offer chances to connect with admissions officers to learn more about the school.
• Santa Clara University considers “ demonstrated interest ” as being important in the admissions process. Therefore, you will be judged on whether or not you made a campus visit (in non-pandemic times), contact an admissions officer, follow them on social media, etc.
• SCU requires one teacher recommendation. For tips on requesting a letter of recommendation check out this blog .
• Make sure to dedicate sufficient time and effort to the optional supplemental essay required by Santa Clara. In the 2022-23 cycle, students are required to respond to two prompts. They are as follows:

Briefly describe what prompted you to apply to Santa Clara University. Based on what you know about SCU and our Jesuit mission to educate citizens and leaders of competence, conscience, and compassion, how do you envision your life at SCU and beyond? (200 words)

At SCU, we push our students to be creative, be challenged, and be the solution. Think about an ethical dilemma that you care about that our society is currently facing. This can be something happening in your local community or more globally. How can an SCU education help you prepare for and address this challenge? (150-300 words)

Santa Clara University Acceptance Rate – Final Thoughts 

As mentioned previously, if you are a borderline applicant (by Santa Clara’s standards), give serious consideration to applying via  early decision . In the regular round, unless you have stats that will blow away the admissions committee, you’ll need to also have a rock-solid backup plan. All applicants need to work with their guidance counselor to formulate a  balanced college list , containing a complement of “target” and “safety” schools.

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Dave Bergman

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Santa Clara University Undergraduate College Application Essays

These Santa Clara University college application essays were written by students accepted at Santa Clara University. All of our sample college essays include the question prompt and the year written. Please use these sample admission essays responsibly.

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College Application Essays accepted by Santa Clara University

The impact of my summer job anonymous, santa clara university.

During the summer of 2007, I worked at a swimming pool, coaching the swim team, giving swim lessons, and lifeguarding. Early on, I realized that this summer job would demand more from me, and in turn give back a lot more, than I had initially...

Being Brandon's Sister Anonymous

Most big brothers can dish out advice and guide their younger siblings. My big brother is different. I can’t remember the specific time that the transition occurred, but at some point Brandon went from being my big brother to an autistic sibling...

Spiderman Anonymous

The external reflections of my admiration are subtle. A red and blue toothbrush, its handle laced with white plastic webbing, stands among bottles of makeup remover by my sink. A boyish PVC and polyester wallet depicting an agile hero as he swings...

As I Am Michael William Bell

Most people are surprised to find out that I am dyslexic. Of course, most people don’t know. It’s not that I am ashamed of it, just that I don’t like to tell people about my problems. It is hard to hide, however, when a teacher asks me to read...

Sandy's Lesson Michael William Bell

There is a special bond that forms between a dog and its owner. Sandy and I were no exception. That was why I wasn't really surprised when my mom told me the news. In a way, I already knew.

My family got Sandy when I was six, so she was a part of...

Feel the Music Anonymous

The piano is predictable. If I hit the right key, it will play the same note every time, and if I play a song correctly, there will always be harmony. Life is unpredictable and always changing; thus, the piano is a logical safe haven. The piano is...

The Diversity of Thought Anonymous

To the outside world, my high school is the antithesis of diverse. When my peers considered me a legitimate minority for being a redhead, I assumed “diversity” to be a dirty word within the ivory-skinned social scene. However, I discovered that...

A Life-Changing Moment in the Denver Airport Anonymous

I was sitting with my teammates in the Denver airport after yet another trip to Boulder, Colorado for a running camp. The week had been successful, and most of my memories made on the trip were good ones. There were, however, exceptions. At one...

Learning to Flourish Anonymous

"You're ugly, and you have no friends."

We were settling in our seats for the annual career day assembly, and Eleni Pappas turned and spat the words out at me. I blushed while she laughed, pulling her hair off her lace-trimmed shirt (which, for...

Enthusiasm for Engineering Anonymous

While most kids are excited to learn how to tell time, I was captivated by what was in the background -- how a clock actually works. I found the tiny details of clock movements fascinating, and this preoccupation led me to a love of watches and...

Music Is My Passion Azja Lisette Alvarenga

There was a gleam and bright blue spark in my teacher’s eyes as she taught piano. The young student looked at her in excited amazement, a smile spreading across her face, like the smile of a mother seeing her newborn baby for the first time. This...

Artistic Abilities William Nelson Marcussen

I was jealous. Sally could draw a perfect circle and I couldn’t. She always created beautifully proportionate people while I sketched a blobby figure with one arm. I tried over and over, listened to instructions, but as hard as I tried I could...

A Sweet Experience Anonymous

Slowly walking down the stairs, wiping the sleep from my eyes, I head directly towards the kitchen. The cold metal mixing bowl meets my hand as I remove it from the cupboard. Struggling to make it to the counter with my hands full of ingredients,...

Finding My Niche Jean Chen

We are live in five! Four! Three! Two! One!

“Jean, you’re directing tomorrow.”

I look at my teacher seriously, nodding. However, I was inwardly jumping with joy at the prospect of leading the whole broadcast.

Let me start from the beginning. Back...

The Joy of Learning Isabella Chow

Home-schooled. For the longest time, I assumed that all children, like me, were homeschooled by their mothers. I attended Chinese school and art classes, but my mother delivered my first history lesson around our kitchen table––with an Odyssey...

Never Too Young for Economics Anonymous

The smell of delicious, warm, chocolatey cookies filled the car, and four pairs of hands rushed for the first of these decadent desserts. My family is usually not aggressive, but with cookies around, it’s each person for himself. This memorable...

68 Degrees Anonymous

I tried to distribute the weight of my body evenly in the soles of my Crocs. My hair was contained in a cap and my mouth was smothered by a cotton mask. Each time I exhaled, the mask filled with the smell of the coffee on my own breath. The...

The Real Victims of Gang Violence Anonymous

Unsure of how to cope with my own emotions and simultaneously continue to ask her questions, I handed Aliyah a box of tissues. She glanced up at me between sniffles and thanked me, expressing what may have been a disproportionate amount of...

Concise Documentation: A Deeper Look into American History Anonymous

A major problem we face today is our failure to chronicle the specifics of a given period, region, or ethnic group. Authentic history is derived not merely from authority figures, but from individuals. The contemporary historical narrative—the...

The Split Anonymous

"Next month, we will decide whether or not to ratify our church's newest bylaw: banning gay people from being members. This is to protect ourselves from being sued if a same-sex couple asks to get married in our church." As I sat in the same pew I...

Simply Bakery Anonymous

I was ten when I saw a documentary on Haiti for the first time. There was one scene where a few refugees brawled, vigorously attacking each other. The reporter then revealed what they were fighting for: a moldy pile of bread.

For a piece of bread,...

The cultural migration of my identity I Ting Hsieh

“Can’t you make it 40? I come here every day!” my grandma smirked at the vendor’s defeated face. She looked at me with a victorious smile as she claimed her trophy from the vendor. The vibrant color of the freshest produce, the unforgettable aroma...

Recent Questions about Santa Clara University

The Question and Answer section for Santa Clara University is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

What are your chances of acceptance?

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Your chancing factors

Extracurriculars.

How to Get Into Santa Clara University: Admissions Stats + Tips

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How hard is it to get into santa clara university, average academic profile of accepted santa clara university students, what is santa clara university looking for, how to improve your chances of getting into santa clara university.

Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, Santa Clara University (SCU) offers unparalleled access to some of the largest and most innovative companies in the world and opens up doors for future employment. However, the SCU experience is about more than access to high tech; the university is rooted in the 500-year old-Jesuit tradition—it’s among the most prestigious Jesuit colleges in the nation —focused on forming the whole person, body, mind, and spirit. 

Santa Clara University is difficult to get into. The university received 16,488 applications for its Class of 2025 and accepted only 8,362 students , equating to an overall acceptance rate of 51% . 

SCU has an early decision admissions process, through which it received 577 applications for its Class of 2025 and accepted 398 students—an early decision acceptance rate of 69% . 

SCU’s acceptance rate is low, but your personal chances of admission are tied to the strength of your profile. CollegeVine’s free admissions calculator can help you better understand your odds of acceptance at SCU and hundreds of other colleges. It uses factors like your grades, test scores, and extracurriculars to estimate your odds of admission and to provide tips for improving your profile.

The average high school GPA of Santa Clara University’s Class of 2025 is 3.68 .

The middle 50% SAT score of SCU’s Class of 2025 is 1280-1430 and the middle 50% ACT score is 28-32 .

40% of Santa Clara University’s Class of 2025 graduated in the top tenth of their high school class and 73% graduated in the top quarter. 

Admission to Santa Clara University is competitive and one of the main considerations when making admissions decisions is how you fit at the school. Fit is determined by using a variety of factors—such as grades, test scores, and extracurriculars—looked at collectively to get a better idea of you as a person, both inside and outside of the classroom, and to make a judgment on whether you’re ready for the academic and social challenges of SCU. 

For consideration at SCU, you must meet the school’s minimum high school requirements:

How Santa Clara University Evaluates Applications

According to their 2020-2021 Common Data Set, Santa Clara University considers the following factors “very important” :

• Course rigor

These factors are “important” :

• Test scores
• Recommendation 
• Extracurricular activities 
• First generation 
• Racial/ethnic status
• Volunteer work

These are “considered” :

• Geographic residence 
• State residency 
• Religious affiliation 
• Work experience 
• Applicant interest 

And these are “not considered” :

Discover your chances at hundreds of schools

Our free chancing engine takes into account your history, background, test scores, and extracurricular activities to show you your real chances of admission—and how to improve them.

1. Achieve at least a 3.68 GPA while taking the most challenging classes available

Course rigor and GPA are “very important” to admissions at Santa Clara University. The average high school GPA of SCU’s Class of 2025 is 3.68 —5% of them graduated with a 4.0 and 40% graduated with a GPA between 3.75 and 3.99. 

Competitive colleges like SCU use a tool known as the Academic Index (a representation of your entire academic performance by a single number) to facilitate admissions decisions. If your Academic Index fails to meet the school’s standards, you’re in danger of being seen as an unqualified candidate and not having your application receive serious consideration. If you’re early in your high school career, there’s still time for improvement—check out our tips for increasing your GPA . It’s harder to raise your GPA if you’re a junior or senior, however, and the best way to increase your Academic Index is to earn higher test scores. 

Simply earning great grades isn’t enough at top schools like SCU, it’s also important to push yourself academically by taking the most challenging coursework available. It’s common for students attending highly ranked schools like SCU to have completed anywhere from five to 12 AP classes . 

2. Write engaging essays

Almost every applicant to Santa Clara University has an exceptional academic profile, which makes areas of its application where you can stand out, such as essays, particularly important. SCU views essays as “very important” to admissions decisions—it’s the only factor outside of academics on which SCU places such significant weight. 

In addition to the personal essay found in the Common Application, SCU requires applicants to answer two supplemental questions:

• Briefly describe what prompted you to apply to Santa Clara University. Based on what you know about SCU and our Jesuit mission to educate citizens and leaders of competence, conscience, and compassion, how do you envision your life at SCU and beyond? (Maximum 200 words) 
• At SCU, we push our students to be creative, be challenged, and be the solution. Think about an ethical dilemma that you care about that our society is currently facing. This can be something happening in your local community or more globally. How can an SCU education help prepare you to address this challenge? (150-300 words)

When answering SCU’s supplemental questions, it’s important to write in your unique voice. SCU values how you’ll fit at the school and this is the perfect place to show how you connect with the college and how its campus will benefit from you being there.  

3. Aim for a 1430 SAT and 32 ACT  

Test scores are “important” to admissions decisions at Santa Clara University. The middle 50% SAT score of SCU’s Class of 2025 is 1280-1430 and the middle 50% ACT score is 28-32 . Any score in SCU’s middle 50% range is good, but the higher you score, the more compelling of a candidate you become. Santa Clara University superscores both the SAT and ACT, which makes taking one of the exams between two and three times a smart strategy to maximize your score and strengthen your profile. 

To improve your SAT/ACT score, check out these free CollegeVine resources:

• How to Get a Perfect 1600 Score on the SAT
• How to Get a Perfect 36 Score on the ACT
• More SAT Info and Tips
• More ACT Info and Tips

SCU will practice test-optional admissions for both the 2022 and 2023 terms. However, CollegeVine recommends taking either the SAT or ACT if you can do so safely, and submitting scores if they’re at, or above, the 25th percentile. Applicants who submit test scores are accepted at a higher rate than those who do not. You can get recommendations on whether or not you should apply test-optional using our free chancing engine . 

4. Cultivate a strong portfolio of extracurriculars

Extracurricular activities are “important” to admissions at Santa Clara University—they show the college your interests outside the classroom and highlight your talent and character, two other factors SCU considers “important” to admissions decisions. 

Rather than showing a college a bunch of unrelated interests, selective schools like SCU want you to have one or two highly developed interests, known as “ spikes ” and one or two impressive extracurriculars in line with your spike. How influential are your extracurricular activities to SCU? The 4 Tiers of Extracurriculars provide a good guide for understanding how colleges view your activities outside of the classroom. 

• Tier 1 extracurriculars are the most impressive, least common, and hold the most sway at schools like SCU. Tier 1 activities show great achievement or leadership and include things such as winning a prestigious award, earning national distinction in athletics or music, and attending a renowned merit-based summer program. 
• Tier 2 activities show accomplishment and leadership but are more common than those found in Tier 1. Tier 2 activities include winning a state-level competition, earning state-level recognition in athletics or music, and holding a position like student body president. 
• Tier 3 extracurricular activities lack the distinction of those in the higher tiers and are better for highlighting your interests, rather than showing off an outstanding accomplishment or demonstrating an in-demand quality like leadership. Tier 3 activities include winning a regional competition, holding a minor leadership position in a club, and captaining a varsity sports team.
• Tier 4 extracurriculars are the least impressive to colleges and hold little weight in the admissions process. Tier 4 activities include playing a sport or instrument, participating in a club, and general volunteer work. 

While you probably don’t need a Tier 1 activity for SCU, having some Tier 2 or 3 activities will demonstrate your drive. Keep in mind that the most competitive applicants have 8-10 activities total, but not all of those are “impressive” tiers, and many are seasonal.

5. Really Strong Recommendation 

Santa Clara University values teacher recommendations—they consider them “important” to the admissions process—and students are required to submit one academic teacher evaluation with their application. 

The teacher evaluation includes details about the teacher and your relationship to them and should be from a teacher in a core academic field, such as computer science, English, math, science, social studies, or world language. The 9 Rules For Requesting Letters of Recommendation from Teachers provide a good guideline for getting the best possible recommendation, which is particularly important considering the weight SCU places on them.  

6. Apply Early Action/Early Decision

Applying early can improve your odds at Santa Clara University—the school’s early decision acceptance rate of 69% is significantly higher than its overall acceptance rate of 51% . In addition to regular decision, SCU has three early decision/action processes: Early Decision I (ED I), Early Decision II (ED II), and Early Action (EA). 

ED I and ED II hold the greatest admission advantage but are binding programs and by applying through them you commit to attending SCU if accepted and are prohibited from applying Early Decision at other institutions. This makes ED I and ED II ideal if you’re positive that SCU is where you want to attend college. 

Early Action is a nice option if you want to demonstrate your interest—which is something SCU “considers”—and wrap up the college admissions process early in your senior year. EA is non-binding and applicants are under no obligation to attend SCU if accepted. 

How to Apply to Santa Clara University 

Application requirements.

Santa Clara University accepts the Common Application. Other requirements include:

• High school transcript
• Teacher evaluation 
• Secondary school report 
• Mid-year report 
• SAT/ACT scores (optional)

Learn more about Santa Clara University 

Interested in learning more about SCU? Check out these other informative articles: 

• All 27 Jesuit Colleges: Which is Right for You?

Want to know your chances at Santa Clara University? Calculate your chances for free right now .

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, santa clara university supplemental essays.

Hey, I'm planning to apply to Santa Clara University! Can anyone guide me on what the supplemental essays are for the 2024 application and any advice on how to approach them? Thanks in advance!

Hello! First, it's important to note that Santa Clara's supplemental essay prompts can vary from year to year. You won't know for sure which prompts will be required for the 2024-2025 applications cycle until August 1st, 2024.

However, if you want to get a general sense of what to expect, you can check out CollegeVine's blog post breaking down this year's prompt: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-santa-clara-university-essays/. I'd just advise not actually writing your response until next year, as you don't want your hard work to go to waste if the prompt ends up changing.

When next year's prompts are officially released, remember that CollegeVine offers both free peer essay reviews and paid reviews by expert college admissions advisors. Sometimes, getting a second set of eyes on your writing is just the thing you need to take your response from good to great.

Good luck with your Santa Clara University application!

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.

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From psychology to sustainable-energy engineering, theatre arts to business analytics, Santa Clara’s undergraduate, graduate, and international programs transform the way students see the world and their place in it.

With more than 50 majors, minors, and special programs to choose from, an  SCU education is built around putting theory to practice and taking a holistic approach to preparing you for your future.

Whether you’re setting out on a course of academic study that will define your professional life, or seeking to build skills to help you land a better job, SCU's graduate programs offer a range of options to match your needs. 

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