<p>My daughter attends SCU and I know many adult friends who have graduated from SCU or have children who attended SCU. </p>
<p>1) How rigorous are the academics at SCU? What are the average class sizes for freshman classes?</p>
<p>Academics are very solid but not completely crazed. Meaning, students who want to get all As or mostly As can doso if they are diligent and manage their time well. The quarter system (10 weeks vs. a semester which is 15 weeks) means that by week 2, papers start becoming due and assignments are in full swing. There is not a lot of time to fall behind and then “catch up.” The upside is that a student gets to take a wide range of courses per year, the downside is that it can be a bit of a whirlwind ride.</p>
<p>Another upside to the quarter system is that a lot of students end up double-majoring or pairing their major with a minor. I met a lot of Econ double majors (Econ + German or English or Art or almost anything really).</p>
<p>I am sure average size is posted somewhere, but I believe it is unusual to have a class of more than 30 for almost any class, freshman or otherwise. I believe the freshman English comp classes (two required) are capped at something like 22.</p>
<p>2) What percentage of the students are not from California? What % are international students?</p>
<p>From 2008: 42% are not from CA. 3% international. (I’m sure you can websearch for more recent stats)</p>
<p>3) What is the social life like? Are many kids in frats?</p>
<p>I don’t think the frats are recognized by the college itself, but there are definitely frat houses off campus and a very intense party scene IF a student wishes it. Equally, those not in interested in “partying” will find that SCU is a very social campus. SCU has a “sunny” feel to it overall… not only is the weather darn near perfect year round, but the student body overall seems upbeat and less prone to anti-social “emo” types. Many seem politically aware and often interested in environmental issues or social justice issues.</p>
<p>4) How good are the sports teams? Is it possible to walk on to, say, the soccer team?</p>
<p>This can also all be found with some poking around online - their basketball team is good and I believe so is the soccer team. Amazing sports facilities – brand new, state of the art. I don’t think the soccer team is a “walk on” situation, you’d have to contact the school to find out.</p>
<p>5) Do many kids spend a year or semester abroad?</p>
<p>Many do, yes.</p>
<p>6) Given your proximity to San Francisco and Silicon Valley, how easy or hard is it to get internship positions? How helpful is Career Services?</p>
<p>The Career Services are hot hot hot. Not going to find better job placement and intern placement services in the Bay Area other than perhaps Stanford. These students are interning or being hired at all the big name companies out here. Cisco, Apple, Google, etc. No kidding.</p>
<p>One can take Caltrain to get to San Francisco–the terminal is literally across the street from the main entrance to the college.</p>