Santa Clara University Top Questions

Since I was nervous about making the transition to college life, I would tell myself to just relax and get excited about everthing about to come. Being at college is so much fun, and college classes are not as intimidating as they sound. I would remind myself to be as outgoing as possible, meeting new people and signing up for things that look like fun. Even if some people seem to know exactly what they are doing or what they want, everyone is in the same position, and are just as nervous and new as you are.

"Procrastination is the thief of time," are the wise words of Edward Young. I believe I was a good student when I was in college. However, my major downfall was due to procrastination. If I could go back in time and realize what I know now, I would plan my future to the best of my ability and not procrastinate with my studies. Instead, I would organize my time, so I could always keep in mind my goals. If I could go back in time, I would study thoroughly, not superficially. And most importantly I would try to understand what it is I am learning and why it is important. Everything is taught for a purpose of enriching one's knowledge and awareness. Now it seems as a logical concept; but for me that was one concept that was hard for me to grasp. However, another great quote that I now keep in mind is that "the doors of wisdom are never shut," by Benjamin Franklin. I have decided to go back to graduate school after several years of working to learn and appreciate what I did not before. And I carry my experiences with me.

College can and will be the greatest experience of my lifetime and for most people around the world, the college days are the glory days. I have now been in college for about 4 months and i have learned quite a bit since I began school. There are many things however that I wish I would have done in high school that would aid me greatly today. The biggest advice that i would give myself would be to develop a love for reading; any and all reading not just fictional books, ut biographies, autobiographies, and yes sometimes even textbooks. These are some of the most essential things to surviving the college world. Another piece of advice for myself as a high school student would be to get involved and go to college with an open mind. Universities have so many thigs to offer and aside from the partying that goes on at most colleges there are also many activities to go do such as community service, clubs, and various other programs. Join them all and then find out what you like to do. Get involved, study hard and your college experience will be unforgetable.

Looking back at the struggles I overcame during and after high school, I would cherish the opportunity to tell myself to not take time for granted. Everyday is an opportunity, especially when starting college. Take the time to meet new people and form new, long-lasting bonds, appreciate all you are given and work hard for what you want. It's too easy to lose sight of the real reasons for why you are at college, or maybe you were never certain. If the latter is the case, it's imperative to discover that reason on your own, it will help you through many struggles, both large and small. Lastly, just because high school is nearly ending that does entitle the abandonment of your efforts. College is a chance for a new beginning, but it shouldn't erase your past, at the very least just let yourself learn from any mistakes and move on.

Rachel I have this adice for you: Get all your lollygaging done with the summer before. Sign up and attend the clubs you sign up for at the college club fair! Don't be afraid to say that you can't do everything and take the experiences with you into the work evironment.

Do not base your decision off of what your friends are doing, what your parents think you should do, or what anybody else wants you to do. You need to experience each campus for yourself, and if at all possible, visit each campus before committing to a school. The best way to get a sense of the school, campus, and student body is to visit the school and see how people interact with each other, get a feel for the atmosphere, and also see if you can see yourself spending the next four years of your life on that campus. As for the transition, just be open to new things. Branch out, meet new people. Leave your door open in your dorm and be friendly and inviting at all times. You might not get along with every person you met, but the more people you meet, the better chance you have of finding and making close friends that will enhance your college experience. Also, join a few clubs to get exposed to different things to do on campus and also to network with other people on campus.

I would advise myself to apply to more schools, even HBCUs. I'd also tell myself to be prepared for people's lack of knowledge and ignorance regarding race and ethnicity. But, I'd also tell myself not to worry because I would make a great group of friends and become a more independent person.

I would say that to find the right college students should not worry about image or "name brands". Four years is a long time so people should concentrate on what makes them happy by analyzing who attends, the location, the size, and any other factors that will have an effect on their experience. I believe parents should not get caught up in what their friends think of their child's college. They should want the best for their child and support what makes the kid happy, not what "looks" perfect. To make the most of the college experience I believe kids should work hard and play hard and keep a balanced lifestyle. Maintaining a 4.0 GPA is not everything, social skills take people far in life and will have an impact on ones success.

When deciding on where I wanted to be for four years of my life, I knew I had to make the decision on my own. I didn?t choose a school because I had friends there, or because it was close, or far, away from my parents. I took a road trip with my mom to five campuses during my junior year, where I went on a number of tours, talked to a few students, and sat in on classes. When I set foot on the Santa Clara University campus the summer before senior year, I knew I was going to spend the next four years of my life there. I felt comfortable on the campus and knew I wouldn?t be out of place. Since my first year at the University, I have made the most of my college experience by learning to appreciate the environment and diversity surrounding me. Joining a sorority, Kappa Alpha Theta, encouraged me to make new friends; taking on a Business minor forced me out of my comfort zone; exploring the city taught me the importance of learning different cultures; and my course load has constantly pushed me to stay motivated and goal oriented.

College is the place where students establish themselves as young professional men and women. It is a place where they find out what their true passion really is and, for some, their purpose in life. I advise students to be open to exploring new possibilities and my advice to parents is to support their students and trust that they have raised their student make responsible and independent decisions.

Originally I went into the college process with only two schools that I was willing to go to. Now I am at what I would have considered a "backup-school" and am extremely happy. Don't let yourself get backed into a decision you may regret, because college is an important factor of life. I followed my heart (although my father wasn't happy about me going so far away) and now both of us are satisfied with my choice. Look to where you will not only be academically challenged but where you will be happy growing and becoming an adult. As I look back on the past year and a half, I realized my most joyous times have come when I put all of my might into an experience and was open to new things. Through this since of freedom I have been able to find at school, my life has become peaceful yet exciting at the same time. I cannot wait to use what I have learned in a real work experience, but I will be honest and admit I do not look forward to the day I graduate and I have to leave my wonderful campus

A word of advice for parents and/or students reading this is, do not pick a college based off of where your friends are going, if it is a "party school", or if your parents went there. Really take the time to visit schools and make sure you enjoy above all else the atmosphere of the university. Remember, this will be your home for the next four years. Secondly, make sure you know what you like (i.e. class size, number of students attending your school, social scene). You want your college to fit you like the perfect pair of jeans. Going to a school based on "the college life" or "the party" will not get you anywhere. College is meant to be a gateway to your future, not a place for binge drinking. Trust me, you will find a party anywhere you end up going, but just make sure you choose the college you want to attend for the right reasons.

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The college seeking process has started and the advice available to students and parents will be flowing.What I have learned is: "Do not be discouraged" and "It only takes one". The former I deduced after being rejected from over nine schools, and the latter, an old math teacher told me. My math teacher was right, I only needed to be accepted to one school, and though that was the only school that accepted me, I have never looked back. It is the one place I know I have been able to make a difference and will continue to grow. After starting there, I realized that the location was perfect, I needed small classes, and that the degrees offered were what I was looking for. Each individual who applies to college deserves a chance at higher education. There are a myriad of reasons why the top schools reject a majority of the students who apply, but statistics do not account for the individual. Whatever school accepts you, whatever school rejects you, do not get discouraged. It only takes one institution of higher education to enjoy and take advantage of the next four years of your life.

After narrowing the number of colleges down as much as you can, I suggest visiting the school. It may sound tacky, but the minute I stepped onto Santa Clara's gorgeous campus, I knew that I wanted to go there. It is wonderful and necessary that the college has rigorous academics, but make sure that the college is located in a place you'd want to live for at least four years. Classes only take up so much of your time, the rest is spent wandering the campus and figuring out what to do with yourself during your spare time. The campus setting can literally make or break a college experience.

To be patient during the process. I visited several campuses and was interested in attending another college until I stepped onto the campus at Santa Clara University, I knew right away it was the college for me. My advice is to be patient and if you think you know what college you want to attend, be open to visiting your options...don't limit your choices; in doing so you may discover a better fit for yourself. The better the fit the greater the success.

You can be happy anywhere. College is fun. It's all about the kind of weather you want to be around and how big of a school you want to go to. Don't stress too much because college is what you make it. Good people and good fun is at every campus.

College is a time of growth and discovery. You will learn a lot academically, but you will learn even more about yourself. Do not let money be the overriding concern when it comes to college choices. What should matter is where the student feels most comfortable. The student?s college will be home for the next four years. The student should feel comfortable, but the experience should not be a continuation of high school. You need to push yourself academically, socially, emotionally, and physically. No one can make the decision for you; it is yours and yours alone. Going to college is for you; you go because you want to go, to learn, to experience, and to live. College is what you make of it and as the saying goes ?You get out what you put in.?

Pick A school only if you fit in the demographic.

My father always taught me to pick my friends, so i can have control of where I am headed. College has been a matter of making decisions that benefit you, including who you select as your friends, what you declare as your major, or even what hobbies you discover and make your own. I would simply advice to pick a college based on the opinions of college students who attend it and can give you a real rundown on the social life that they have. Sometimes college pamphlets and online websites will only allow you to inquire so much. Pick your resources of information, and you will have a stronger grasp in knowledge on what college campus is truly right for you!

I would tell students to really do their research. Often, the college you think you will like, or the one your friends are attending, may not be the best choice for you. Do not base this research on finances, as many schools will offer financial aid. Keep your eyes open and don't get tunnel vision toward a steriotypical school that sounds nice in theory but may not at all suit your academic and social needs. I would recommend that parents be as supportive as possible. They should try to take the student on tours at as many schools as possible and not totally disencourage applying to schools that are too expensive. Allow them to make their own choices, but offer advise on what type of school you could picture them getting the most out of. Finding the right school is not the most important step in one's life, but it can keep one from the stress and depression that can easily arrive with the choice of a wrong one.

Make sure you go on campus tours and seriously consider the atmosphere of the schools you are considering. Being in the right place, surrounding yourself with peers you feel you'll get along with, and being comfortable in your environment will make all the difference in the success you have in college. Good luck!

My best advice to those entering college life, or searching for a college, is to choose a school that will best supplement your needs - social, intellectual, spiritual, and physical. Make sure the surrounding area is a place you can see yourself living because many students often stay during summers. Also make sure the school offers a variety of extra cirricular activities that you are interested in. But most importantly choose a school where you think you will have fun as well as get a good education. You can always challenge yourself, but it is important that you have the freedom and abilities to have fun and enjoy these four years.

Parents: Don't limit your children- no matter your financial situation. You will find a way to make it work! It will be stressful, exhausting, and somtimes unbearable, but there are always loans out there as well as countless scholarships. Your children's education must be your priority. They are the future! There is no greater reward, then watching your child walk down the aisle at graduation with pride, knowing that it was because of you that he or she could have that opportunity. Students: Be appreciative of your parents. They love you- no matter how much you may try to push them away. They have sacrificed more than you can even imagine to get you where you are today. Remember, college is an experience of a lifetime and though a majority of it is academics, don't forget to find out who you are and what you like. There will be ups and downs, no doubt about it, but lean on family and friends- there is no better foundation than those that love you!

Visit the campus to try to get a feel of what environment you will be surrounded with. Talk to as many students as you can who have gone through the application process and are happy with the choice that they made. Talk to students who currently attend or graduated the colleges that you are interested in. Check out the school website. If you need financial aid, check the school's financial aid policy. Try to imagine what it would be like to attend the schools you are interested in. Research the classes and the teachers. Check the school size. make sure the school is not too big or too small for you. Look at how the students interact with eachother. Look at the type of food that they serve because you will be eating there many times. Look around campus and see if there are stores, shopping malls, a beach or any where you would be interested in going. look at the housing options. Take a look at all of the opportunities the school offers. Most importantly, do not listen to what other people want; go with your gut instincts. If it feels right to you, go for it.

Choose the college that best satisfies you and your desired major, otherwise a lot of time will be spent wasted changing majors. Also pick the college in which the area it resides in best fits your preference.

I just so happened to get lucky in my choice of school at Santa Clara University because it opened so many doors for me, but the most important thing to look for in a school in the resources and activities to get involved in on campus. The best way to make the most out of the college experience is to meet people who are like-minded through community involvement, campus clubs, and also getting in with the professors through research is also very helpful. The people you will meet at SCU through this types of activities will be your friends for life. It is amazing what you have the potential of learning even outside of the classroom.

The advice I would give to students would be to find a school that balances out all of their interests. You should not pick a school soley on location, academics, or the social scene. Doing this could leave you very fulfilled in one area but overall unhappy. Location, academics, and social scene should all be considered when choosing a school. Remember, this is your home for up to four years and you want to be happy with it on numerous levels. Also, do not pick a school because it is where your friends or significant other is going. You cheet yourself the chance of attending a school that uniquely fits your needs. And when you find that dream school and start your freshmen year of college remember to enjoy the experience and branch out of you comfort zone, this experience is so unique and fulilling if you allow it to be.

Finding the right university boils down to the mutual relationship between parents and their students. Parents: Give your student the space that he/she needs. It is important to let your student decide on their own. Guidance cannot be helpful if it is overwhelming or burdensome. Visiting colleges may be a lot more rewarding than reading pamphlets and brochures, but sometimes a quick chat with an alumnus can not only give your student a better idea of the school, but also the type of person who attends it. Students: Know that your parents are motivated based on your interests. It may seem that they are eager to get you out of the house, but in reality they are just excited to jumpstart you into adulthood. Have patience. Remember, college isn't all about grades and classes. It's about learning how to live on your own, learning how to socialize with people inside and outside of your comfort zone, and most of all, learning what makes you you.

Try not to base the school on your first glance-not all schools seem great on the first visit. The priorities are class size, success of job placement upon graduation, how helpful the professors are, and whether or not the campus is a comfortable environment. There is drinking on every campus so do not base a university upon it, for there is no way to avoid a drinking atmosphere-but make sure that, if there is drinking, the other students do not pressure you into doing so when you don't want to. You know that you are in the perfect school if you can go out to parties and have a fun time without being pressured to have alcohol (or if you have a fun time on weekends relaxing and watching movies in your room with friends not drinking). Do not base your school on what your parents think-only you, the person that is going to attend the college, can make the right choice.

find a place that fits you - not a place where you want to fit

Go with your gut reaction, if it feels right or wrong, it probably is. Take into account not only academics but social life, activities, the setting of the college ect. Talk to professors in the departments you're interested in, see how you like it. Don't just take the tour, walk around on your own, talk to students, faculty, staff ect. When starting college, on the first days of the sememsters turn around and talk to anyone and everyone, it's the easiest way to make friends! Try new things, don't be stupid, but take chances! If you choose to drink, be smart about it, enjoy it, but don't take it to dangerous levels, watch out for others and make sure someone is watching out for you! If you feel overwhelmed, ask for help, see what tutoring options are available. Meet your dorm mates! Stay up late! And remember to relax, it will be ok!

Know yourself and what you're looking for. Stay true to what you want most in the school and prioritize in what you're looking for in a college. Know what you're willing to sacrifice in order for something you may want more. Find out as much as you can about the college-talk to people you know who attend it and visit the campus if you can. Be open to new opportunities and activities when looking at the extracurriculars of the school.

It is very important to find the right college because it is four years where the student can make their own decisions, and do things that they like and can prepare them for the future. If unhappy at their college, it is hard for them to enjoy their major and make new friends. Without as much rules and regulations in high school, college is supposed to be liberating years. During the intellectually and emotionally growth period in their lives, they can truly see what they want for themselves and for the rest of their life. Truly living out the college experience is something no one can take away. They are the memories and preparation that help them in the future. Without doing so, they may live the rest of their life with ?shoulda-coulda-wouldas.?

I went outside of my comfort zone. By choosing a school a distance from home, I was given a chance to experience a way of life different from what I was used to in my bubble. College is one of those times when you have the freedom and opportunity to do things you may never be able to do agian. Choose a school that provides you with the most opportunity. Opportunity to get a good education and opportunities to use your four years to expand your horizons.

College is what you make of it. After choosing Santa Clara, it is obvious to me that one overnight visit can't truly give you an idea of the school. If I were to redo this process, I would focus more on the types of people that go to the university, and I would rely on my first impressions more because how people interact, dress, and the type of social life at the school are the factors that affect how you perceive your experience. No school in my mind can be judged by how "good" it is because most universities are going to be "good," and every school is what you make of it.

In order to find the right college, I think it?s important for the student to first have a clear understanding of what they expect to gain from a college education. Each student has different aspirations and this is why there is such diversity in the colleges to choose from. Once a student has determined their goals they should find a college that closely aligns with their objectives. The student should seek a college with excellent professors, motivated students, and extracurricular activities on campus. First, the student should choose a college with excellent professors who teach their desired field of study. The quality of education is the most important factor in choosing a college. Secondly, the student should seek a college that has a reputation for attracting active and motivated students. This is important because student participation can significantly enhance the classroom experience. Lastly, the student should choose a college with extracurricular activities on campus. It is extremely beneficial to be active on campus and get involved because the student can learn invaluable leadership skills, enhance their resume and make friends with other students.

Students should pick a school that will accommodate their needs before their wants. I realized that in order for me to be successful I needed to be in a small classroom environment and attend a school that had an impeccable disabilities resource center. Only then did I search for schools based on what I wanted to major in, civil engineering. Finally, I knew that I also wanted to play water polo, my favorite sport, at a competitive intercollegiate level. Once a student has found their perfect fit, there are several important college experiences no student should be without. First, I firmly believe that a college experience is not complete without dorming on campus. Good or bad, everyone should experience living ?the dorm life?. This critical time of transition allows the student to meet and bond with his or her fellow classmates, where lifelong friendships begin. Also, don?t be afraid to try new things and get involved. A great way to do this would be to attend club fairs, sporting events, or venture to the student center, a place which schedules university activities.

As an undergraduate, off-campus activities are unimportant. On-campus activities open the door for social life. The academic setting and variables should be the greatest appeal. Worry less about vocation or job-training study, and devote more intellectual resources to what you simply have more fun studying.

Try to find the best fit possible and worry about money second.

Dear prospective student, Every college has it's own identity, just as you are a unique person, so are the colleges you are debating. Similarly, just as no person has just one layer to them, no college has just one layer to itself. Where ever you choose do not second guess it. College is about growing in an atmosphere of wise freedom, to form responsibility and a self-awareness which compels to positive actions. Too often parents who are alumni push their college legacy on their children. However, you must find your place for yourself and once you are there, remember there are many elements to a college, be it:socially, artisically, culturally, athletically, or purely academically. Find your place specific to you and flourish in it while dipping your toe into the others to experience them as well, do not limit yourself. This is a learning experience inside the classroom as well as outside, make the most of it, create a unique experience for your unique self.

Try to visist your potential campus community before you agree where to go. Ask questions and dont' be afraid to challege your tourguides for what life if really like beyond "the ideal picture"

I would advise parents to help their student determine exactly what he/she is looking for in a university and settle for nothing less. In order to make the most of one?s college experience, each student must find his/her home away from home. To do so, I am a firm believer that prospective students MUST visit the campus and meet current students, because a university is only as good as the people who make up its community. Prospective students, the best way to answer your burning questions is to ask students and professors at each school. One great way to be immersed in a university community is to stay overnight with a host student and shadow his/her classes. Trust your feelings about each campus you visit. You will know which one is right for you. At your university, be open to new experiences. Be open-minded. Sometimes the most unexpected situations play an important role in forming who you will be long after your undergraduate career. Don?t close doors to the unknown. Leap out of your comfort zone and run with whatever comes your way. Be confident. Be daring. Most importantly, be comfortable to be yourself.

College is a one in a life time opportunity. Parents are able to see their children grow and mature as young adults to adults while students are able to truly feel independent when attending college. However, the main intent of learning at this institution has slipped the minds of many as the main isssues that come to mind when deciding where to go is distance. Many students attempt to apply to colleges that are miles away from home while parents wish to keep their children at the closest university/college. Both sides are failing to recognize that the distance of the college is all part of the experience of growing up and learning from this process is not as easy as it sounds. So I advice parents and students to take into consideration of the economic, emotional, and physical effects of distance without thinking of "getting away "or "keeping them close" but mainly just thinking what is best for me (the student).

Always visit the college if you can. When it came down between a school in Spain, and one within my State, I visited both before making my decision. While I love the Spanish language, and the school was a great, American University which taught in English, I found that Spain just wasn't for me. The city it was in was too crowded, and I found I actually don't quite care for Spanish cuisine. SCU was a much friendlier, open place where I have been able to express myself and find what I actually want to do with my degree and my eventual career. Something you won't find in a brochure or on a website.

I would advise students to think about qualities of each college other than what their National ranking happens to be. Factors like class size, whether TAs or professors will be teaching the class, the location of campus, the student demographics are all important. The college you choose will in essense be your new home for the next four years, so while it should have quality academics and a good reputation, it should also be able to fit your lifestyle. In my case, I enjoy being outdoors and doing as many things outside as possible- which made Santa Clara University a good fit for me. The weather is moderate, which allows me to jog around campus (as opposed to on a treadmill), swim in an outdoor pool, and go to the beach (Santa Cruz) or the mountains (Tahoe). I couldn't imagine myself in a place where rain is normal. I also enjoy having a relationship with my professors which makes a smaller student body ideal. The important thing to remember is that a school should offer a good academic program and have a good reputation, but it should also be a place where you can enjoy being.

You'll go where you're supposed to go. That's what someone told me when I was fretting over which college to choose. I wholeheartedly believe that no matter what, you'll have an experience at a college or university that you needed to have. If you choose the "wrong" place for you initially, maybe you needed to go there for a quarter/semester/year to learn something about yourself and where you really want to be. At the right college, you'll find yourself. I never expected to end up where I ended up and looking back on things I don't know how I made the decision I did. However, I am so grateful for having chosen the college I chose. I hope that someday I can give back to the university that gave me so much and the people there who helped to make me who I am today. So my advice: Don't worry so much. Think about who you are and who you want to be and find the school that offers the most to get you there.

The best advice for prospective college students would be to select a college that will prepare you in the field that you hope to go into. Tuition fees are also really important to consider, especially if money is an issue in your family. It's important to look at the campus life and figure out if you're going to be comfortable there or not. Taking a look at the extra curricular activities offered on campus is also a great way to find out what the university believes in and supports. As a Freshman I lived at home and commuted to school on a daily basis; however, I became actively involved in a multicultural club and made many friends. As a commuter student, I sometimes felt like I was missing out on college life because I didn't live on campus, but if you make an effort to get involved in on campus activities then your experience will be worth while.

Visit the colleges you are interested in and talk to professors on campus. If you know what you want to study, go to that department, if the professors are nice and responsive to a random perspective student, they will listen to you and help you when you are enrolled in their class.

Follow what you want to do, pick the shcool you like not the school you think will help you advance in life, college is supposed to be fun and educational at the same time.