Why I Chose SCU– and Why You Might Too!
In my 8th-grade poetry journal, on the Bucket List page, sit the words “Go to college at Santa Clara University.” Though making that list was an assignment for class, the conviction was true: I’ve known I wanted to go to Santa Clara University (SCU) since I was around 13 years old.
This is not that common, of course, as most students have no idea where they want to go. There are a lot of factors: location, size, academics, sports, weather, the surrounding area, and much more. Staying in-state is important to a lot of students, while others want to embark on a new adventure further from home. Every student is unique and has their own set of criteria for the school that best fits them. For me, SCU checked all the boxes. Here’s why I made the decision—and why it might be the right fit for you, too.
300+ Days of Sun!
Let’s start with the weather—because who doesn’t love the sun? One of the first things I fell in love with about Santa Clara University is the almost year-round sunshine. With over 300 days of sun each year, the weather here is perfect for spending time outdoors, whether it’s walking between classes or hanging out with friends. The weather is so lovely that sometimes, during finals season, students wish for gloomy skies to force them inside to study!
For someone who loves the outdoors, this was a game-changer. SCU is proximally located near an array of natural beauty, making it easy to escape for a day trip or weekend adventure. Whether you’re into surfing in Santa Cruz, skiing in the Sierras, hiking in the Santa Cruz Mountains, or exploring the coastlines of Big Sur, SCU’s central location puts you in the perfect spot to enjoy it all. With outdoor-centered clubs like Into the Wild, Ski and Snowboard Club, and SCU Run Club, it is easy (and cheap!) to take advantage of Santa Clara’s awesome location.
Small Class Sizes/ Professor Relationships
A major factor in my decision to attend SCU was the University’s emphasis on collaborative and supportive learning. SCU is a Jesuit Catholic University that strongly believes in collaboration instead of competition. Coming from a relatively small high school, small class sizes, and a tight-knit community were very important to me when making my college decision. At SCU, you are not just a number or face in the crowd– you’re a participant in discussions, and your contributions matter. The average class size at SCU is 23 students with an 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio, meaning all your Professors will know your name and a little about you. In almost all of my classes, my Professor has listed their phone number on the syllabus so students can easily reach them. Professors are the best resource for SCU students. From research opportunities and internships to post-graduate opportunities, the professors at SCU are very well-connected and a fabulous resource. Whether it’s office hours, informal chats after class, or working on research projects together, connecting with professors on a personal level has been invaluable. Making close relationships with my Professors has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my college experience.
One particular instance sticks out in my mind: a statistics class I took during my Sophomore year. Admittedly, math is not my favorite subject, and I struggled with the timed exams. In class sizes so small, I did not want my Professor to think that I wasn’t trying in her class, so I reached out and went to her office hours to talk about what was going on. In an incredible act of compassion, she allotted me extra time on all of my future quizzes and exams in her class simply because I made an effort to connect with her. I ended up with an A in her class, all because she took the time to listen to me and genuinely cared about my well-being. This type of professor experience is not uncommon at Santa Clara University, and I think this is one of the things that makes this university so unique.
One of the most unique and valuable experiences I had at SCU was participating in an Internship Practicum course. In this class, the professor helped each student secure an internship with a local company or nonprofit for the 10-week term. I had the opportunity to work with a nonprofit organization, conducting a profitability analysis on the subsidized organic produce they sell to low-income families in food deserts. As a sustainability minor, this internship aligned perfectly with my interests and allowed me to apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges. Santa Clara University’s commitment to developing well-rounded students who can make a positive impact has provided me with exciting opportunities to engage with the local community.
Work Hard Play Hard
At SCU, the culture is all about balance. The “Work Hard, Play Hard” mentality perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the student body. The academics at SCU are demanding, and the students are all very academically driven; however, there is also a lot of room to grow outside of the classroom. Strong academics were very important to me in making my college decision, but I also wanted the opportunity to grow outside of being a student. The SCU campus is alive with events, clubs, and activities that ensure you can be both productive and enjoy college life. Plus, SCU’s proximity to the vibrant culture of Silicon Valley offers countless professional opportunities and plenty of chances to travel, explore, and unwind. I’ve found that this balance of academic rigor with the freedom to explore other interests is key to maintaining motivation throughout the school year. At SCU, it’s not just about hitting the books; it’s about finding joy in what you do.
Lots of Ways to Get Involved
One of the things that really drew me to Santa Clara University was the incredible range of opportunities to get involved on campus. Whether you want to make a difference in the community, stay active, or just meet new people, there’s something for everyone. I am the treasurer for the SCU Belles Women’s Service Organization, a club dedicated to service and community impact. Being a member of this club has introduced me to some of my best friends, and it has been the most uplifting and supportive experience. I am also an avid intramural sports enthusiast, having played almost all 13 sports offered at SCU. Intramural sports are a fun way to get active and involved regardless of skill level. The spirit of friendly competition has made intramurals one of my favorite parts of student life. SCU has over 200 student clubs and organizations catering to virtually every interest. There are always opportunities to connect with others who share your passions, whether through pre-professional clubs, multicultural organizations, service groups, club sports, or hobby-based clubs. My biggest piece of advice to any college student is to take advantage of what your school has to offer and get involved! You’ll gain valuable insights into yourself and meet many inspiring and accomplished people.
My Experience
The first time I stepped onto Santa Clara University's campus, I was 13 years old and in town for a San Jose Sharks game. We had time to kill and decided to walk through campus. I remember being enchanted by the beautiful campus, and it felt profound as it was the first college campus I had ever seen. Fast forward to my junior year of high school, I began to take the college search process more seriously. My Mom and I booked a campus tour of SCU but got a little lost trying to find the entrance to campus. We ended up on the opposite side of campus from the Admission Building and had to pull over and ask two SCU students on the sidewalk for directions. Instead of being wary of a random car pulling up next to them, these two students were incredibly welcoming and friendly. They seemed genuinely happy to help and excited that we were visiting. This was not my experience at every campus, and it left a strong impression on me. When it came down to making the decision, SCU felt the most like home to me. It was a place where I could envision myself living and thriving for 4 years. Looking back at that time, now as a senior, I realize that choosing SCU was the best decision I have ever made. I have had the best experience, learned so much about myself and the world, and made some of my very best friends. I have found my place here, surrounded by people who inspire and challenge me every day.
Choosing where to go to college is a big decision that comes with a lot of stress, anxiety, and anticipation. The College Search and Admissions process can be scary, but I hope to remind students that it does not have to be. As you consider your college journey, I hope you’ll see SCU not only as a place to learn but also as a place to discover who you are and what you’re capable of. There’s a space for everyone here–and I can’t wait for you to find yours. At the end of the day, you will end up where you are meant to be, but of course, Go Broncos!
