Engineering at SCU?

Hi, I'm really interested in Santa Clara University's engineering programs. Has anyone gotten admitted into their engineering school? What was the acceptance rate like, and what kind of credentials did you have? Just trying to get a feel for what I need to aim for. Thanks!

Hi there! While Santa Clara doesn't publicly release acceptance rates for particular majors or schools within the institution as a whole, you can get a rough estimate of how competitive admissions at the School of Engineering is. Santa Clara's overall acceptance rate has been around 50% in recent years, but since engineering is a popular, well-regarded major, the acceptance rate is likely lower than that, although it's impossible to say how much lower.

In terms of putting together a strong application, you'll want to have a solid foundation in math and science, with a high GPA and strong coursework. Aim for a GPA of 3.75 or higher, which is around the average for accepted students. If your high school offers AP or IB courses in subjects like calculus, physics, and chemistry, those can demonstrate your preparedness for college-level engineering courses.

In terms of extracurricular activities, try to showcase your passion for engineering and related fields. Some examples might be participating in a robotics team, working on an engineering project, coding in your free time, or volunteering to teach STEM subjects to younger students.

While standardized test scores are currently optional at SCU, submitting strong scores could make your application even more competitive. If you do choose to submit test scores, aim for around 1480 (75th percentile) or higher on the SAT or 33 (75th percentile) or higher on the ACT.

Despite the figures, remember that colleges like SCU take a holistic approach to the admissions process. Don't simply focus on numbers; rather, make sure your application showcases your passion for engineering, your ability to contribute to the campus community, and your distinctive personal qualities.

Finally, your Santa Clara-specific supplemental essay can be an opportunity to highlight your genuine passion for engineering, as well as your fit for this particular school's campus community. If you want detailed guidance on how to tackle Santa Clara's current supplemental essay prompt, you can check out CollegeVine's blog post breaking it down: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-santa-clara-university-essays/.

Good luck with your application to Santa Clara University's School of Engineering!