Santa Clara University 2022-23 Supplemental Essay Guide

Santa Clara University 2022-23 Application Essay Question Explanations 

The Requirements: 1 essay of 200 words; 1 essay of 150-300 words

Supplemental Essay Type(s): Why, Community

Briefly describe what prompted you to apply to Santa Clara University. Based on what you know about SCU and our Jesuit mission to educate citizens and leaders of competence, conscience, and compassion, how do you envision your life at SCU and beyond? (200 words)

At its core, this prompt is simple: Why Santa Clara? In order to impress admissions, you need to not only demonstrate a solid knowledge of what the school has to offer, but also leverage that knowledge to show that you’ve done your homework and carefully considered your choice. What does being a “leader of competence, conscience, and compassion” mean to you? How do you hope to embody those traits at SCU and beyond? How do you hope to use your SCU education to create a better world? Try to connect your past pursuits or interests to opportunities available to you at Santa Clara. 

At SCU, we push our students to be creative, be challenged, and be the solution. Think about an ethical dilemma that you care about that our society is currently facing. This can be something happening in your local community or more globally. How can an SCU education help you prepare for and address this challenge? (150-300 words)

This is your opportunity to not only show admissions how you face challenges, but also demonstrate your creativity and vision. Start by brainstorming a few ethical dilemmas or challenges—big and small—that bother you or impact your life. Maybe it’s rising sea levels, or the impact of diet culture on the minds and bodies of vulnerable teenagers. Although the scope and scale of your problem can vary, remember that SCU is looking to accept applicants who want to be a part of the solution. Show that you’re not only informed and concerned, but also actively engaged in addressing the problem head on.