Applying to SCU
Whether you're a prospective graduate or undergraduate student, Santa Clara University is rich with opportunities.
Through our three undergraduate schools and colleges, we offer focused disciplines in the fine arts, business, liberal arts, technology, and the sciences, with the opportunity to work across disciplines throughout your college career. SCU also offers graduate degrees in business, law, engineering, education, counseling, and pastoral ministries if you are interested in continuing your education.
To further explore Santa Clara University, choose your perspective below—or, if you already know that Santa Clara University is the place for you, apply now.
Tell us who you are and we will help you get started.
If you are an international student, we suggest you visit SCU's international student services site to get more information about the application process and what may be required to apply.
If you want to transfer into SCU from a junior college, visit SCU's transfer student site to find out about specific requirements. Be sure to review the transfer guides so you can plan your classes.
Application tips
Admission counselors look at the whole package—your academics, extracurricular activities, standardized tests, and other factors. They also pay special attention to your personal statement or essay. Here are some tips to help you as you write.
- Start early — The more time you have, the less stressed you'll feel and the better your essay will be.
- Be yourself — Take a moment to think about what interests you, what you love to talk about, what makes you sit up and take notice when people mention it. Then write about that.
- Be honest — Your essay needs to reflect what makes you 'you': what has impacted your life, the occurrences or situations that have made you unique.
- Keep it focused — Read the essay question carefully and jot down a few ideas. Then choose the one that looks like the most fun to write about. Stick to that main theme throughout the essay.
- Get a second opinion — When you've written the essay to your satisfaction, find someone who can give you advice on how to make it even better in the second draft.
- Proofread — Read carefully, and don't rely on a spell check program to catch everything.
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