Evaluating your Applications
When we review your application we use the following criteria:
- Overall quality of high school courses and appropriately challenging coursework.
- Academic performance in high school, including the cumulative grade point average from the first year of high school through the senior year of high school (grades from the first term of the senior).
- Results of standardized tests (SAT I or ACT).
- The SAT 4-digit code for Santa Clara University is 4851.
- The ACT 4-digit code for Santa Clara University is 0468.
- Letter of recommendation.
- Involvement in school and community activities.
Interviews: SCU does not conduct interviews as part of the admission process. We encourage prospective students to visit our campus, talk to current students, and recent alumni to get a complete picture of SCU.
Subject requirements
The basic subject requirements for admission as an entering freshman include:
- History and Social Science: 3 years
- English: 4 years
- Mathematics: 3 years required; 4 years recommended
- Laboratory Science: 2 years required; 3 years recommended
- Language Other Than English: 2 years required; 3 years recommended; 4 years preferred
- Visual and Performing Arts: 1 year recommended
How to Prepare
Before starting the application process, please be aware of the many documents that you are required to submit. Your application review cannot be complete until we have all of the required documents.
- Begin preparing your application materials well in advance of the deadline. Be sure to give your counselors and teachers ample time to write their letters of recommendation and send transcripts.
- We prefer that you submit all documentation online through the Common Application, including transcripts, and letters of recommendation.
- Be sure to make copies of all the documents you submit for your records, in case something is mishandled or misplaced.
- Submit all required documents by the stated deadlines.
- If the Admission Office notifies you that something is missing from your application, be certain to respond promptly and submit the missing documents. We are unable to review your application until all documents are in hand.
- If you are mailing your application or supporting documents, mail to:
Santa Clara University
Undergraduate Admission
500 El Camino Real
Santa Clara, CA 95053
Required Documents
- Common Application and SCU Supplement.
To access the SCU Supplement, create your Common Application account, on the left hand navigation click on "my colleges," select SCU, then select SCU supplement
- Official high school transcript
- Official SAT or ACT test scores from testing agency
- One Academic Teacher Evaluation
- Secondary School Report
- Mid Year Report due by the end of January (Only Regular Decision applicants or candidates deferred from Early Action)
- $55 application fee or valid fee waiver
Timeline for Preparation
Be aware of the following deadlines:
November 1 - Early Action admission application (nonbinding)
November 15 - Early Action CSS Financial Aid/PROFILE
January 7 - Regular Decision admission application
February - 1 Early Action Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
February 1 - Regular Decision& FAFSA and CSS Financial Aid/PROFILE
How to Pay for College
Financing a college education will take sacrifice and support. Santa Clara has a financial assistance program designed to provide you and your family with options.
