Visit Report by historymom (Member since June 19 2007 with 1049 posts) Visit Date - July 2007
Visit to Santa Clara University in July 2007 by historymom (Parent of Student, HS Class of 2009)
Visit Activities:
Information Session:
Yes - Very fast paced and lively. The Admissions rep was interactive, informative and funny. He made an effort to connect with the prospective students in the room. Campus Tour:
Yes - It was a warm day and our tour guide, Bridget, sought out airconditioning and shade for us. She was great at sharing anecdotes and personal observations.
Santa Clara University Campus:
Friendliness/Courtesy of Students: 5 - Excellent -
Several students struck up conversations w/ me as I waited for DDs. I was reading HP and the Deathly Hallows and kids were really cute about wanting to talk about it.
Friendliness/Courtesy of Staff: 5 - Excellent -
I misplaced my keys. I came back panic-stricken to find them I was directed to the information desk and helped by the genuinely friendly staff. They were as relieved as I felt to have found them
Appearance of Campus: 5 - Excellent -
WOW!! Roses in bloom, Begonia beds in multiple colors, authentic spanish style architecture, lots of trees, grass and winding pathways. Compact campus with pretty views in every direction.
Building/Facilities Maintenance/Cleanliness: 5 - Excellent -
Wonderful. SCU is the oldest college in CA. The buildings though are as clean and beautifully maintained. They show the charm of their age but not the wear.
Dormitories: 3 - Good -
Pretty standard, what you would expect. DDs have stayed in them twice for soccer camp. Most have 2 beds, 2 mirrors 1 closet and a sink as well the other dorm furniture. Bathrooms are in the hall.
Security/Safety: 5 - Excellent -
Blue lights and 24 hour escort srvc. The campus is compact so students get from point A to point B quickly our tourguide was tiny she said she always felt safe there. There is a gate guard.
Overall Campus Impression: 5 - Excellent -
SCU is just gorgeous! People are friendly, willing to answer questions and seem to emobody the Jesuit spirit of service to others. They LOVED talking about why they loved SCU.
Off-Campus:
Area Immediately Around Campus: 4 - Very Good -
SCU sits pretty close to the border of Santa Clara and San Jose. It's an older part of town with quaint houses, some decent places to pick up groceries, a light meal or a cup of coffee.
City/Town/Community: 5 - Excellent -
Across the street from the cleanest and best maintained transit center I've seen. Hop CalTrain and you are in San-Francisco in 30 min. Bus to shopping, clubs jobs or internships. Many Opportunit
Campus Visit Notes for Santa Clara University:
Visit Description:
We toured campus after checking out of soccer camp at SCU. Daughters weren't thrilled with the timing as they were tired and hot and just wanted to go home. The info session was nice. It was a sales pitch but it was entertaining. I was impressed with the laid-back casual attitude and the Admission rep's knowledge of other schools.
DDs like that the campus is so compact. The classrooms, bookstore and dining hall are within minutes of one-another. Also that the campus is over-the-top pretty makes it a solid contender. It is definately on their "to apply" list.
A note about my daughters' criteria. Academically They want a solid bio/pre-vet program with opportunities for interships. Socially they want faith based opportunities..we are Catholic... but they don't wany a campus where girls feel pressure to wear, have and drive the latest. Other campuses have not been explored because the "Students Say" description on Princeton Review indicated that hair, make-up and fashion seem to be important to the women on the campus. They want a place where they can fit in in jeans, t-shirts, sweatshirts and wash-n- wear hair. Santa Clara seems like it could work for them.
Hotel/Lodging Recommendations or Comments:
I stayed at the San Jose Doubletree on Gateway. It was nice w/ good restaurants, and service orriented staff. There is a small motel across the street from the SCU entrance it looks new and clean.
Dining/Restaurant Recommendations or Comments:
The sushi bar in the lobby of the Doubletree was great as was the family type restaurant. There is a variety of ethnic food opportunity on El Camino in either direction of SCU
Other Comments (Transportation, local attractions, parking, etc.):
No car required here. Public transit is readily available. There is a Theme Park, Great America just north of campus and the beaches of Santa Cruz are about 40 min south.
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Several students struck up conversations w/ me as I waited for DDs. I was reading HP and the Deathly Hallows and kids were really cute about wanting to talk about it.
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Pretty standard, what you would expect. DDs have stayed in them twice for soccer camp. Most have 2 beds, 2 mirrors 1 closet and a sink as well the other dorm furniture. Bathrooms are in the hall.
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SCU sits pretty close to the border of Santa Clara and San Jose. It's an older part of town with quaint houses, some decent places to pick up groceries, a light meal or a cup of coffee.