Santa Clara University

Santa Clara University

Santa Clara, CA, USA
Private
4 Year

Anna's Review

Review of Santa Clara University

from Sunnyvale, CA

Do you feel you’re learning a lot?

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.

Do you enjoy the experience at your school?

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.

Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?

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.

Do you have any tips for prospective students?

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!

Which types of students will excel at your college?

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.