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.
Do you enjoy the experience at your school?
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
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
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.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
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.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
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.
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.