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Santa Clara University
The Jesuit University in Silicon Valley

First-Year Key Deadlines

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Below are the key deadlines based on different admission tracks. 

These deadlines do not shift from year to year, however there are some instances where deadlines are extended on a case by case basis. Please check our unforeseen events page for more information. 

Early Decision I
  • October Last month to take standardized tests for Early Decision applicants who wish to submit scores for consideration
  • November 1 Postmark deadline for Early Decision application
  • November 15 Deadline to submit the CSS Financial Aid/PROFILE for non-merit-based SCU institutional aid consideration.
  • Late December Early Decision applicants notified of admission decision
  • Late December Admitted Early Decision students notified of financial aid package
  • January 7 Postmark deadline for enrollment deposit and official standardized scores
  • February 1 Deadline to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
  • March 2 Cal Grant GPA Verification Form (CA residents only)
Early Decision II
  • December Last month to take standardized tests for Early Decision II applicants who wish to submit scores for consideration
  • January 7 Postmark deadline for Early Decision II application
  • January 15  Deadline to submit the  CSS Financial Aid/PROFILE for non-merit-based SCU institutional aid consideration.
  • February 1 Deadline to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
  • Mid-February Early Decision II applicants notified of admission decision
  • Mid-February Admitted Early Decision II students notified of financial aid package
  • March 1 Deadline for enrollment deposit
  • March 2 Cal Grant GPA Verification Form (CA residents only)
Winter First-Year Students
  • October 1 Deadline for Winter First-Year Application
  • October 1 Deadline to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for need-based aid consideration
  • Mid-November Winter First-Year applicants notified of admission decision
  • November 30th Deadline for Winter First-Year enrollment deposit

NOTE: Santa Clara University has adopted a “test optional” policy for first-year and transfer students seeking enrollment. See more information here.

Early Action
  • October Last month to take standardized tests for Early Action applicant who wish to submit scores for consideration
  • November 1 Postmark deadline for Early Action application
  • November 15 Deadline to submit the CSS Financial Aid/PROFILE for non-merit-based SCU institutional aid consideration.
  • Late December Early Action applicants notified of admission decision
  • Late December Admitted Early Action students notified of financial aid package
  • February 1 Deadline to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
  • March 2 Cal Grant GPA Verification Form (CA residents only)
  • May 1 Postmark deadline for enrollment deposit and official standardized scores
Regular Decision
  • December Last month to take standardized tests for Regular Decision who wish to submit scores for consideration
  • January 7 Postmark deadline for Regular Decision application
  • February 1 Deadline to submit the CSS Financial Aid/PROFILE for non-merit-based SCU institutional aid consideration.
  • February 1 Deadline to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
  • March 2 Cal Grant GPA Verification Form (CA residents only)
  • Late March Regular Decision applicants notified of admission decision
  • April 1 Admitted Regular Decision students notified of financial aid package
  • May 1 Postmark deadline for enrollment deposit and official standardized scores