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Interested in working in Silicon Valley? Perhaps the thought of 300 days of sunshine is enticing to you? Santa Clara is the perfect place for you. While it's daunting, we want to make sure your college search, especially when it comes to Santa Clara, is as smooth as possible. When I first began touring schools, I had no idea where to start! Here is a guide to making the most out of your visit!

When Should I Visit?

One of the first questions you might be asking yourself is: when should I visit SCU? Great question. We are available and open to visitors almost any time during the year. Students can arrange for visits by registering online For rising high school seniors, the summer and the early fall (Late August - Early December) are the most popular seasons. That being said, summer is also a great choice especially if your schedule is more flexible around that time of year. Though, it is important to consider that during the school year (late September to early June), visitors will have the chance to gain a glimpse of student life as there is a far more populated campus during these months. Campus is glistening with excitement around this time of year! But no matter the time, there are living, breathing, Santa Clara University students available to chat with you about life here! For the same reasons, we also recommend visiting on weekdays. If student life is a priority to you, witnessing our students go from class to class and seeing the dining halls in action could be helpful in gaining insight about what you're looking for in your college experience. 

What does a SCU Visit Look Like?

You might be curious about what a visit to SCU might look like… you're asking the right questions! Visits typically vary from school to school, but most universities will include a brief information session along with a campus tour. At Santa Clara, visits are structured as the following: a 15 minute information session from an admission counselor about the university and admission process, a student panel Q&A, and a tour of our campus with a student ambassador. On the tour, students may get to check out the classrooms, dining commons, and any recreational facilities. A special perk of our tours is our dorm showroom in which students can get a feel of on-campus living and take a look at the residence halls. We have links available on our website that provide a 360 tour of each residence hall if a student wishes to refer back to it. Feel free to ask our ambassadors any questions you might have!

Our information sessions are an awesome opportunity to learn about the university’s strengths, admission policies, and financial aid. It is also a great opportunity to delve deeper into what interests you might have by asking questions. Here are some suggestions on some good topics to touch upon:

• Differences in Application Deadlines (Early vs Regular)
• Qualifying for scholarships and merit-based aid
• Any tips for completing the application 
• Academic opportunities like research and internships

If the information session offers a student panel, here are some great questions to ask too:

• Why did you choose this school?
• What do students do for fun on and off campus?
• What is a typical day like?
• How have you gotten involved on campus?
• Food recommendations!
• Off Campus life activities?

Post-visit Suggestions

Finally, if you are looking for post-visit opportunities, definitely check out local attraction sites, shopping centers, and restaurants. Just walking around the surrounding area can also give you a strong impression and feel of whether you prefer a suburban or urban environment. 

As a Santa Clara University student, I recommend The Hut & HomeEats if you’re feeling rather ravenous. Voyager coffee or OMGTea are awesome options for a tea/drink too!

If you are planning on visiting Santa Clara University, you can find a more extensive list of recommendations for shopping, sites, food, and hikes here!