Santa Clara University 2026-27 Supplemental Essay Guide

Santa Clara University 2026-27 Application Essay Question Explanations 

The Requirements: 1 short answer of 50 words; 1 essay of 150-300 words

Supplemental Essay Type(s): Why

Why are you interested in pursuing the [Division or Major] selected above? (50 words) 

This prompt sounds simple enough: why do you like your chosen division or major so much that you’re willing to dedicate four years of your life to it (at the very least)? While you might be tempted to get technical or poetic in your response, your reader will expect you to connect your intended major to some prior experience and/or passion. In other words, tell a story. How did you first discover your field of interest? What made you decide to pursue a major? Then, spend some quality time on the school website (or visit campus, if you can) and get to know Santa Clara University’s academic offerings beyond the basic facts and figures. Learn about the department, faculty, notable alumni, and any special programs or opportunities for undergrads within your desired field. Once you have some notes jotted down, see if you can put together a brief response that addresses what you want to study, why you want to study it (including future career goals, if applicable), and finally, if you have the space, why SCU is the perfect place for you to explore this field. This is a very short response, so you’ll have to be very economical with your words and make sure each one counts! 

At Santa Clara University, we encourage our students to be creative, embrace challenges, and become changemakers. Think about an issue you care about and believe is important to address. 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 identify challenges, but also demonstrate your creativity and vision in facing them. 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, so think about how your prospective major, activities, or SCU community will prepare you to face this challenge. Show that you’re not only informed and concerned, but also actively engaged in addressing the problem head on.