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Santa Clara University

Two 300-word essays on community and ethics, plus a 50-word major question, all built on Jesuit values.

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Required essays

2 (plus 1 short)

Word limit each

150-300 words

Major question

50 words

Test policy

Test-optional

What Santa Clara rewards

Santa Clara asks first-year applicants for two short supplemental essays, each 150 to 300 words, plus a brief 50-word question about why you chose your division or major. One essay is about community and the people who shaped you. The other is about an ethical dilemma you care about and how an SCU education would help you address it. Santa Clara is test-optional across every application track, so these essays do real work in your file.

The core challenge is that both prompts are pure Jesuit DNA. Santa Clara is a Jesuit university built on educating "the whole person" and producing people who go and "be the solution." The schools that quote their mission in the prompt are telling you what they want to read. Generic answers about valuing diversity or caring about climate change will sink here. Specific, lived, slightly uncomfortable honesty is what stands out.

01The whole person, not the resume. Jesuit education talks constantly about cura personalis, care for the whole person. Santa Clara wants to see your values, your relationships, and your inner life, not a list of achievements. An essay about how you treat people often lands harder than one about what you won.

02Ethics you actually wrestle with. The second prompt asks for an ethical dilemma, not a problem. A dilemma has two sides you can feel pulling against each other. SCU rewards students who can sit in that tension honestly instead of declaring an easy winner.

03Service that connects to learning. Santa Clara's identity is service rooted in justice. They want to know how a Santa Clara education would equip you to do something about what you care about. Name actual programs, courses, or the way the school links classroom and community.

04Specific contribution to community. The first prompt explicitly asks how you would contribute. SCU rewards applicants who move past 'I value diversity' to 'here is the specific thing I would bring and do here.' Show the verb, not just the value.

Essay prompts for 2026-2027

2 prompts for Santa Clara, each broken down with annotated examples.

Community and what shaped you150-300 words

At Santa Clara University, we value our diverse and inclusive community. Our campus learning environment is enriched by the lived experiences of people from different backgrounds. What people, places, events, or circumstances have shaped the individual you are today and how you could contribute to our community?

Ethical dilemma and an SCU education150-300 words

At Santa Clara University, 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?

See all 2 prompts and get a read

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Deadlines

Early Decision INov 1

Early ActionNov 1

Early Decision IIJan 7

Regular DecisionJan 7

Cost

Sticker price$86,694

Avg net after aid$53,000

Meets full needPartial

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Explore Santa Clara

How to get inAcceptance rate, the GPA and SAT profile, and what Santa Clara weighs most Supplemental essays2 prompts, each broken down with annotated examples Cost & financial aidAverage $53,000/yr after aid · net price by income + calculator InterviewDoes Santa Clara interview? Format, tips, and practice The Santa Clara Reader ProScore your draft against Santa Clara's exact prompts

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Santa Clara FAQ

What is Santa Clara's acceptance rate?

Santa Clara admitted roughly half of its applicants in the most recent cycle, drawing a record pool of more than 20,000 applications for the Class of 2029. Admitted students carry an average GPA near 3.86, and the school is test-optional, which puts more weight on your essays and your fit with Jesuit values. At Santa Clara, a strong application essay and a well-balanced school list matter alongside your grades and test scores.

What supplemental essays does Santa Clara require?

Santa Clara requires 2 supplemental essays on its application. On EssayLens each prompt is broken down with annotated examples, and you can get a free admissions-style read of your draft against the exact prompt.

How much does Santa Clara cost?

Santa Clara's published sticker price is about $86,694 per year, but the average family pays $53,000 after financial aid. Your net price depends on your family income; use the calculator to estimate yours.

Does Santa Clara require SAT or ACT scores?

Santa Clara is test-optional: you can apply without SAT or ACT scores, and strong scores are just one factor among many when you do submit them.

When are Santa Clara's application deadlines?

Santa Clara's application deadlines are Early Decision I Nov 1; Early Action Nov 1; Early Decision II Jan 7; Regular Decision Jan 7. Add Santa Clara to your plan on EssayLens to track its deadlines automatically.

Campus photo via Wikipedia.

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