Santa Clara University is on my list, but I'm curious about how selective it is. Does anyone know the acceptance rate, and what GPA or test scores I might need to get in?
Santa Clara University has a moderate level of selectivity. For the most recent class, the acceptance rate was about 44%, indicating that nearly half of all students who applied were admitted.
As for the average GPA of admitted students, it tends to be in the range of 3.7-4.0 unweighted. Though keep in mind that GPA alone is not the only factor in admission. The quality of your high school courses, your participation in relevant extracurricular activities, personal essays, and letters of recommendation also play significant roles in the decision.
Regarding test scores, it's important to note that Santa Clara University has implemented a test-optional policy effective through the Fall 2025 first-year admission cycle. This means you can choose whether or not to submit your SAT or ACT scores as part of your application.
If you opt to submit test scores, historically, an SAT score in the range of 1350-1480 or an ACT score of 30-34 would fall within the middle 50% range of scores for admitted students. However, due to the test-optional policy, there's an even stronger emphasis on the other components of your application.
Remember, though, these are averages - not strict thresholds. You can certainly be admitted with lower stats or denied with higher ones. Best of luck with your application!
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