Santa Clara University
Santa Clara, CA, USA

Admissions

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Key Admission Stats

Institution Type
Private
  • Coed

Need Aware

This school may consider an applicant’s financial situation when deciding admission

Level of Institution
4 Year
Campus Setting
Small city
0
100
54%
Acceptance Rate
16,848
Students Applied
46%
Transfer Acceptance Rate
196
Transfer Students Admitted

Admissions Requirements

SAT
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No
ACT
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No
SAT Subject Tests
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Yes
AP Course Credit
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Yes
Dual Enrollment
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No
Transcript
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Yes

Important Deadlines

Application Type Application Deadline Reply Deadline
Early Decision Acceptance is binding so student must attend college if accepted. November 1 January 7
Early Action Acceptance is not binding, but student will receive admissions decision earlier. November 1 May 1
Fall Regular Decision January 7 May 1
Test Optional
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Yes
Application Fee
$70
Fee waivers available
Applications Accepted
Rolling Admissions
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No

Admitted Student Stats

In-State Students
52%
Out-Of-State Students
44%
US States Represented
34
Countries Represented
43
16%
Submitting ACT
23%
Submitting SAT
Average ACT Composite: 30
0
36
Average SAT Composite: 1368
0
1600
SAT Percentiles

Math
25th
680
75th
770
Reading
25th
650
75th
720
3.70
Average GPA
Students Enrolled By GPA

3.75+
45%
3.50 - 3.74
35%
3.25 - 3.49
15%
3.00 - 3.24
4%
2.50 - 2.99
1%
Students Enrolled By Class Rank

Top 10%
39
Top 25%
74
Top 50%
96

Admissions Resources

Admissions: visit page
Admissions Email: [email protected]
Admissions Telephone: 408-554-4700
For International Student Services: visit page
For Students with Disabilities: visit page
For Veteran Services: visit page

What Students Are Saying

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.
Bao from San Jose, CA
The best tip for prospective students is to visit the school for yourself and see what all the fuss is about.
Mark from Castro Valley, CA
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.
Stephanie from Los Gatos, CA
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!
Celina from San Jose, CA
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 : ).
Deni from CA
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!
Anna from Sunnyvale, CA
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.
Nicole
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.
Raymond from San Jose, CA
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.
Logan from CA
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.
Kelly from Denver