<p>Hi!
I was accepted into Santa Clara and it is one of my top choices.
The only problem is that since I live on the east coast it's hard for me to go up and visit the school, so I don't know what the people are like, which is important for me and my mom to know that I would fit in well with everyone else at the school.
I've met some people who say that it is very preppy and cliquey. But I've also met people who said that everyone there is really nice and friendly. So I was wondering if anyone had any imput on the type of people that go to Santa Clara. Like is there a lot of diversity (as in different types of people, not just racially)?</p>
<p>Thanks for your help!</p>
<p>My son and I visited SCU last June, while school was still in session. The thing that impressed us the most was the friendliness of everyone we met there -- even before we got to the school! While we were still in the airport terminal and were asking at the information desk about how to get to the campus, a student walking by overheard us and immediately came up and introduced himself. Then he walked us over to the bus stop outside -- before going back inside into catch his own plane. </p>
<p>My son had arranged in advance to meet with the head of the Math Dept. (his intended major) and Professor Bekes took the time to show us around the Math Dept. Bldg. AND introduce him to 3 other math professors. </p>
<p>Even the staff in the dining hall were friendly and helpful.</p>
<p>We saw no evidence of cliqueishness or snobbery -- nor have we heard of any from students who currently go there. (My son goes to a Jesuit HS that sends 6 - 10 kids to SCU each year.)</p>
<p>Hi centwistle,</p>
<p>This is my experience of Santa Clara, told to other people, that I have copy and pasted. Also, the students at SCU are very friendly and helpful students, but yes, there are cliques that can form... most students who attend SCU come from private schools and I think that same attitude kind of transfers to Santa Clara. I think that you will run into a student at some point at another that can be a little "snobby," but for every one student you run into with that attitude is a handful of hospitable, friendly students. :)</p>
<p>Although I am Catholic, SCU as a Jesuit school was only an added bonus because it promotes the "whole person;" like a lot of kids I've found some gripes with the Catholic church and I'm hoping that SCU can bring me closer. HOWEVER, I think about half of the school is NOT Catholic, but never have they felt pressured to be Catholic, religious, or go to church. Santa Clara's nice in the fact that it's a really accepting crowd regardless of your religion (or lack thereof), unlike some other religious-affiliated schools.</p>
<p>There's a good amount of students at SCU from wealthy families. This is because Santa Clara is a Jesuit Catholic school, so a lot of students are from Catholic private schools. However, the people are generally very nice and decent people. The campus itself is kind of small, but beautiful. :)</p>
<p>DD is a sophomore at SCU. She isn't Catholic, rich or from a private high school. The thing she also liked about the school on both visits before enrolling was the friendliness of the students and faculty. She has not been disappointed. She says there are many kinds of students at SCU. They are hardworking, and mostly serious students who like to have fun too. She also loves the smallness of the campus and the close feel of the SCU community. Even though we are not Catholic, she finds the Jesuits on campus to be a very friendly, and supportive group (e.g. they attend all of the orchestra concerts, and many other student events). </p>
<p>The campus and facilities are gorgeous. The new library and learning commons is spectacular. There will be a new aquatic center when school resumes in Sept.</p>
<p>Thumper1, do you know how many students stay in dorms in their second year and beyond ( as opposed to off-campus)? I have got to believe that most of the friendships are made in the first year. Also, do you know if SCU comes through with financial aid beyond the first year?</p>
<p>My daughter says that a lot of students move off campus as juniors or seniors. There is a lot of student housing that is very near but off campus. Re:financial aid...I'm sure each situation is individual. DD has (so far...we haven't heard about next year yet) gotten the same aid for two years. The good thing is that for financial aid renewal you only have to do the FAFSA...no more Profile.</p>