Santa Clara University

1. Santa Clara University College Admissions:Application Considerations & CriteriaTodd HicksAssistant DirectorUndergraduate Admission

2. The Investment • Size • Values • Location • Academics • Opportunities: study abroad, career services, etc. • In the end: College is a 4 year experience that will set the stage for a lifetime of social habits and career options.

3. Publics: Some Generalities • In-state tuition is subsidized through state taxes, student fees can add to tuition. • Out-of-state tuition is much higher. • Ask about class size, use of TAs and GAs, ease of registration, and retention rates. • Services/programs/classes affected by state’s fiscal condition. • 4-year graduation probability?

4. Privates: Some Generalities • Tuition is the same regardless of state of residency. • Specialties & unique characteristics: Jesuit, programs, majors, study abroad, student services, etc. • Often feature smaller classes sizes, classes are usually taught by faculty members. • Financial Aid varies by endowment and mission. • Agility and independence of decision-making. Do the cost-benefit analysis: How much do you value these attributes?

5. Strategies • Identify potential career interests • Shadow professionals: ask about their training, college experience • Naviance and Web research • Campus visits: interviews, departments (what is the school looking for?) • Interview current students and alumni • Develop a Strong Application! • Visit again, attend campus events that are open to the public

6. What we look for when we read: • Purpose, Passion and Meaning • In and beyond the classroom • Common Application • GPA, Course Rigor, Senior Load • Test Scores – mid 50% • Essay • Teacher Evaluations/ Letters of Recommendation • Explanations of inconsistent performance

7. Know Who You Are • Research your family history: Interview parents, grandparents and other family members. • Brainstorm and document your unique story as an autobiographical essay. • Always take the most rigorous courses that you can handle. • Application reviewers like to see that you have challenged yourself in school. • Distinguish yourself to be competitive. Talent, community service, leadership, athletics, extracurricular or academics • Develop a passion and pursue it, invest time and energy. Continue to build a portfolio with unique opportunities that demonstrate your commitment. • Focus on your strengths, but be able to explain your weaknesses. • Don’t be afraid to discuss failure and what you have learned from those experiences. • Document your achievements: It is never too early to create a detailed resume.

8. Making the dollars make sense: • Research programs, visit schools, be specific • Submit a strong application, investigate program scholarships • Complete FAFSA and CSS/PROFILE by deadlines (use estimated figures if necessary) • Cal Grant A & B: Submit GPA verification form by deadline • Utilize Financial Aid Web-sites, ask questions! • Build a budget with your student as you make decisions about educational choices.

9. The Real Cost of an Undergraduate Degree $132k $115k $106k $74k 4-yrs AICCU 5-yrs UC 5-yrs CSU 6-yrs CSU *In Thousands

10. Average Student Loans* 4-yrs AICCU 5-yrs UC 5-yrs CSU 6 yrs CSU *In Thousands

11. Average Annual Student Aid Award

12. Resources • http://www.californiacolleges.edu/ • UCAN-network.org UCAN is a national network of independent colleges that have voluntarily provided consumer friendly information for students and parents. The information is in easy-to-understand charts and text. To determine if a California independent school participates, look in the Guide for the UCAN logo at the top of the right-hand page for that school. • Note: AICCU Cost of attendance and loan data is from Fall of 2009