Santa Clara University Top Questions

What is the stereotype of students at your school? Is this stereotype accurate?

Emily

Because Santa Clara is a private catholic school and the cost of attending is very high, students are stereotyped as rich, white kids. In reality, many students do come from wealthier families but that doesn’t mean that all students can afford Santa Clara without some help from the university. Many students I know benefit from financial aid packages that make attending such an expensive school possible when otherwise it wouldn’t be. In terms of the student body demographic, the stereotype of there being many white kids is fairly accurate. Taking student interests into account, Santa Clara students are stereotyped as maintaining a balance between social life as well as academic life. While there are some students that fall into certain categories such as “partiers,” “stoners,” “nerds,” etc., most fall somewhere outside the lines of such defined stereotypes. Because the school is a well-respected university, even most of the partiers tend to have high academic goals and aspirations. While most students fit this stereotype of being balanced college students, there are also those who tend to neglect studying in exchange for partying and enjoying the sunshine. Overall though, most students here are dedicated to both working hard and playing hard.

Emily

Santa Clara students are collectively stereotyped as coming from upper-middle class white families. Because Santa Clara is a private catholic school and the cost of attending is very high, students are portrayed as being rich in order to afford the school. In reality, many students do come from wealthier families but that doesn’t mean that all students can afford Santa Clara without some help from the university. Many students I know benefit from financial aid packages that make attending such an expensive school possible when otherwise it wouldn’t be. In terms of the student body demographic, the stereotype of there being many white kids is fairly accurate. Taking student interests into account, Santa Clara students are stereotyped as maintaining a balance between social life as well as academic life. While there are some students that fall into certain categories such as “partiers,” “stoners,” “nerds,” etc., most fall somewhere outside the lines of such defined stereotypes. Because the school is a well-respected university, even most of the partiers tend to have high academic goals and aspirations. While most students fit this stereotype of being balanced college students, there are also those who tend to neglect academia in exchange for partying and enjoying the sunshine. Overall though, most students here are dedicated to both working hard and playing hard.

Emily

Santa Clara students are collectively stereotyped as coming from upper-middle class families. Because Santa Clara is a private catholic school and the cost of attending is very high, students are portrayed as being rich in order to afford the school. In reality, many students do come from wealthier families but that doesn’t mean that all students can afford Santa Clara without some help from the university. Many students I know benefit from financial aid packages that make attending such an expensive school possible when otherwise it wouldn’t be. Taking student interests into account, Santa Clara students are stereotyped as maintaining a balance between social life as well as academic life. While there are some students that fall into certain categories such as “partiers,” “stoners,” “nerds,” etc., most fall somewhere outside the lines of such defined stereotypes. Greek life is present at Santa Clara but because all freshmen are required to live in the dorms, this aspect of the university does not define the student body in any way. Those in either sororities or fraternities are sometimes stereotyped as partying more often than those who are not, which is generally accurate. Because the school is a well-respected university, even most of the partiers tend to have high academic goals and aspirations. Students here study hard but then take advantage of free time by just hanging out with friends or taking adventures off campus. The student body is known for being very active and most students exercise regularly, whether it be hitting the gym every day or simply joining an intramural sports team. While most students fit this stereotype of being balanced college students, there are also those who tend to neglect academia in exchange for partying and enjoying the sunshine. Overall though, most students here are dedicated to both working hard and playing hard.