Santa Clara University

Some students have a background or story that is so central to their identity that they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story. “You’re ugly, and you have no friends.” We were settling in our seats for the annual career day assembly, and Eleni … Read more Learning to Flourish

Describe a life-changing moment that formed the person that you are today. I was sitting with my teammates in the Denver airport after yet another trip to Boulder, Colorado for a running camp. The week had been successful, and most of my memories made on the trip were good ones. There were, however, exceptions. At … Read more A Life-Changing Moment in the Denver Airport

A range of academic interests, personal perspectives, and life experiences adds much to the educational mix. Given your personal background, describe an experience that illustrates what you would bring to the diversity in a college community, or an encounter that demonstrated the importance of diversity to you. To the outside world, my high school is … Read more The Diversity of Thought

Describe a place or environment where you are perfectly content. What do you do or experience there, and why is it meaningful to you? The piano is predictable. If I hit the right key, it will play the same note every time, and if I play a song correctly, there will always be harmony. Life … Read more Feel the Music

Describe a situation when you learned an important life lesson from someone you know. There is a special bond that forms between a dog and its owner. Sandy and I were no exception. That was why I wasn’t really surprised when my mom told me the news. In a way, I already knew. My family … Read more Sandy’s Lesson

Describe a situation when you overcame a great obstacle. Most people are surprised to find out that I am dyslexic. Of course, most people don’t know. It’s not that I am ashamed of it, just that I don’t like to tell people about my problems. It is hard to hide, however, when a teacher asks … Read more As I Am

Describe a character in fiction, a historical figure, or a creative work (as in art, music, science, etc.) that has had an influence on you, and explain that influence. The external reflections of my admiration are subtle. A red and blue toothbrush, its handle laced with white plastic webbing, stands among bottles of makeup remover … Read more Spiderman

Common Application: Indicate a person who has had significant influence on you, and describe that influence. Most big brothers can dish out advice and guide their younger siblings. My big brother is different. I can’t remember the specific time that the transition occurred, but at some point Brandon went from being my big brother to … Read more Being Brandon’s Sister

Describe a place or environment where you are perfectly content. What do you do or experience there, and why is it meaningful to you? I tried to distribute the weight of my body evenly in the soles of my Crocs. My hair was contained in a cap and my mouth was smothered by a cotton … Read more 68 Degrees

Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more? The smell of delicious, warm, chocolatey cookies filled the car, and four pairs of hands rushed for the … Read more Never Too Young for Economics