I'm having a hard time choosing between Santa Clara and Loyola Marymount. Both seem like great schools. Can anybody here who's familiar with these colleges help me understand the pros and cons of each? Like, student life, academics, campus vibes, etc?
Sure, happy to help! Both Santa Clara and Loyola Marymount are fantastic schools, but they do carry slightly different vibes and offer different opportunities.
Let's start with Santa Clara University (SCU). SCU is in the heart of Silicon Valley, which can be fantastic for internships and job opportunities, especially if you're interested in tech or entrepreneurship. Its business program is among the nation's best, and other fields such as engineering and computer science are also quite strong. Student life is quite active, with over 200 student clubs and organizations. The campus is beautiful and students often describe a tight-knit community feel.
On the other hand, Loyola Marymount University (LMU) is located in Los Angeles, specifically, in Westchester, nestled between Playa Vista and Manhattan Beach. The location offers connections to industries like entertainment, media, and business, among others. LMU has a strong focus on the arts with top programs in animation and film production. Campus life is vibrant, with a variety of extracurricular activities, and the school is known for its commitment to service and social justice.
In terms of campus vibe, SCU, being in Silicon Valley, naturally carries a more tech-startup, entrepreneurial atmosphere. At LMU, the vibe can be more arts and media oriented, due to its strong programs and LA location. Both schools are Jesuit institutions, so you'll find an emphasis on personal growth, community service, and ethics at both.
Lastly, LMU is a bit larger, with almost 7,300 undergrads, whereas SCU has about 6,000. Student to faculty ratio is quite similar with 12:1 at SCU and 11:1 at LMU. Both schools rank high for their undergraduate teaching so you will be well supported at either institution.
I hope this gives you some clarity. Good luck with your decision!
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