Santa Clara University Top Questions

What should every freshman at Santa Clara University know before they start?

Caroline

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

Cassandra

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!

Sherrie

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.

Dorothy

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.?

Nick

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.

Lauren

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.

Kelly

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.

Maria

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.

Peter

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.

Joseph

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