collageSanta Clara University is a reputable institution known for its strong academic programs and diverse student population. One key factor that prospective students often consider is the university’s acceptance rate by major. While Santa Clara University does not admit students based on their intended major, academic readiness for a specific program is evaluated based on the student’s expressed interest.
In terms of admission requirements, Santa Clara University typically looks for students with a GPA of 3.73 or higher. Prospective students should strive to maintain a mix of A’s and B’s in their high school courses, with a focus on excelling in challenging subjects. Standardized test scores, such as the SAT or ACT, are also considered during the application process.
The admission process at Santa Clara University is competitive, with an overall acceptance rate of 52%. To increase your chances of being admitted, it is important to showcase academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, and a genuine interest in the university and your chosen field of study. Additionally, submitting strong letters of recommendation and a compelling personal statement can also strengthen your application.
| Santa Clara University Acceptance Rate by Major | |
|---|---|
| Admission Criteria | Acceptance Rate |
| School Selection | Academic readiness for the program of interest will be gauged based on your expressed interest. |
| Most Popular Majors |
|
| Acceptance Rate for International Students | 52% |
| GPA Scale |
|
| GPA Requirement | 3.73 GPA is needed to be above average for admission |
Class of 2025: By the Numbers
We are very excited to welcome all of our new and prospective students to the Bronco Family! Get to know more about the extraordinary group of students beginning their journey at SCU this year.*
*Preliminary data as of 7/28/21Enrollment16,849Applications 9,088Admitted 53.9%Acceptance Rate 1,589Enrolled Gender Split52.6%Male 47.4%Female Racial Diversity51.4%
Incoming students who identify as students of color40%White 21%Asian 18%Hispanic of Any Race 9%Two or More Non-Hispanic Races 6%Nonresident Alien 4%Black or African American 2%Race and Ethnicity Unknown Average GPA3.67Unweighted GPA
GPA
| Arts and Sciences | School of Business | School of Engineering | |
| High School GPA | 3.46-3.84 | 3.58-3.87 | 3.60-3.91 |
Enrollment by School46%College of Arts and Sciences 33%Leavey School of Business 21%School of Engineering
Top 5 Most Popular Majors of Interest
Management
Computer Science and Engineering
Finance
Biology
Mechanical EngineeringGeographyStudents represent 44 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam, Samoa, Armed Forces Pacific, Armed Forces Africa, and 31 non-US regions.53%California 39%Out-of-State 6%International High School Background46%Public 19%Independent 17%Catholic 10%Jesuit 5%Non-Jesuit Non-Catholic Religious 3%Other
Acceptance Rate
If you’re applying to Santa Clara University you’ll face some tough competition, since the school’s acceptance rate is only 51%. Definitely don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application, since applying early may be in your favor.
Average Test Scores
About 68% of students accepted to SCU submitted their SAT scores. When looking at the 25th through the 75th percentile, SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing scores ranged between 630 and 700. Math scores were between 640 and 750.SAT Reading and Writing Scores for Santa Clara University ( 630 to 700 )200800SAT Math Scores for Santa Clara University ( 640 to 750 )200800SCU received ACT scores from 39% of accepted students. When looking at the 25th through the 75th percentile, ACT Composite scores ranged between 28 and 32.
Santa Clara University Gpa
Santa Clara University GPA Requirements
Many schools specify a minimum GPA requirement, but this is often just the bare minimum to submit an application without immediately getting rejected.
The GPA requirement that really matters is the GPA you need for a real chance of getting in. For this, we look at the school’s average GPA for its current students.
Average GPA: 3.69
The average GPA at Santa Clara University is 3.69.
(Most schools use a weighted GPA out of 4.0, though some report an unweighted GPA.
With a GPA of 3.69, Santa Clara University requires you to be above average in your high school class. You’ll need at least a mix of A’s and B’s, with more A’s than B’s. You can compensate for a lower GPA with harder classes, like AP or IB classes. This will show that you’re able to handle more difficult academics than the average high school student.
If you’re currently a junior or senior, your GPA is hard to change in time for college applications. If your GPA is at or below the school average of 3.69, you’ll need a higher SAT or ACT score to compensate. This will help you compete effectively against other applicants who have higher GPAs than you.
SAT and ACT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for standardized testing. Most schools require the SAT or ACT, and many also require SAT subject tests.
You must take either the SAT or ACT to submit an application to Santa Clara University. More importantly, you need to do well to have a strong application.
Santa Clara University SAT Requirements
Many schools say they have no SAT score cutoff, but the truth is that there is a hidden SAT requirement. This is based on the school’s average score.
Average SAT: 1360
The average SAT score composite at Santa Clara University is a 1360 on the 1600 SAT scale.
This score makes Santa Clara University Moderately Competitive for SAT test scores.
Santa Clara University SAT Score Analysis (New 1600 SAT)
The 25th percentile New SAT score is 1300, and the 75th percentile New SAT score is 1420. In other words, a 1300 on the New SAT places you below average, while a 1420 will move you up to above average.
Here’s the breakdown of new SAT scores by section:
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
| Math | 695 | 650 | 740 |
| Reading + Writing | 665 | 630 | 700 |
| Composite | 1360 | 1300 | 1420 |
SAT Score Choice Policy
The Score Choice policy at your school is an important part of your testing strategy.
Santa Clara University has the Score Choice policy of “Highest Section.”
This is also known as “superscoring.” This means that you can choose which SAT tests you want to send to the school. Of all the scores they receive, your application readers will consider your highest section scores across all SAT test dates you submit.
Click below to learn more about how superscoring critically affects your test strategy.How does superscoring change your test strategy?(Click to Learn)
For example, say you submit the following 3 test scores:
| Section | R+W | Math | Composite |
| Test 1 | 700 | 300 | 1000 |
| Test 2 | 300 | 700 | 1000 |
| Test 3 | 300 | 300 | 600 |
| Superscore | 700 | 700 | 1400 |
Even though the highest total you scored on any one test date was 1000, Santa Clara University will take your highest section score from all your test dates, then combine them to form your Superscore. You can raise your composite score from 1000 to 1400 in this example.
This is important for your testing strategy. Because you can choose which tests to send in, and Santa Clara University forms your Superscore, you can take the SAT as many times as you want, then submit only the tests that give you the highest Superscore. Your application readers will only see that one score.
Therefore, if your SAT superscore is currently below a 1360, we strongly recommend that you consider prepping for the SAT and retaking it. You have a very good chance of raising your score, which will significantly boost your chances of getting in.
Even better, because of the Superscore, you can focus all your energy on a single section at a time. If your Reading score is lower than your other sections, prep only for the Reading section, then take the SAT. Then focus on Math for the next test, and so on. This will give you the highest Superscore possible.
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