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FAQs: Applying to Seaver College

Application Process 

  What is an international student?

For purposes of admission to Pepperdine University, international students are defined solely on their citizenship/residency status. If a student does not hold citizenship or permanent residency in the United States, the student is classified as an international student.

  What do you look for on an application?

The admission committee looks closely at an applicant's academic record, GPA, standardized test scores, background of service and leadership, and character as exhibited in references and short answer/personal statements.

  What is the average GPA and standardized test score for an admitted student?
  • Admit Averages (Mid-50%):
  • High School GPA: 3.62-3.95 (unweighted)
  • Transfer GPA: 3.53-3.90 (unweighted)
  • SAT Total: 1270-1420
  • ACT Composite: 28-32
  • TOEFL IBT: 97-107
  Does Pepperdine offer interviews as part of the application process

Pepperdine does not offer evaluative interviews. Admission Counselors are available to meet with prospective students to discuss the University and the application process, but these discussions are not among the factors considered when applications are evaluated.

  What courses are required for me to complete in high school?

There are no minimum courses you have to complete.

  How many units must be completed to be considered a transfer student?

Transfer applicants are high school graduates who have taken any college units before or after graduating high school. Students who have not graduated from high school or who have graduated from high school without completing any college coursework should apply as a first-year student.

 

Early Action

  Does Pepperdine offer Early Action or Early Decision?

Pepperdine offers Early Action admission consideration for first-year students for the Fall term, but does not offer Early Decision. Early Action is non-binding, meaning applicants are not required to enroll at Pepperdine if admitted.
The Early Action application deadline for first-year students is November 1, and applicants will receive an admission decision by January 10. The Regular Decision and Transfer application deadline for Fall is January 15, and applicants will receive an admission decision by April 1. The enrollment deadline for all Fall applicants is May 1. For a complete application timeline, check the Application Deadlines page.

  When will I be notified about financial aid if I am admitted as an Early Action applicant?

Admitted Early Action applicants that have completed their financial aid application by the November 1 priority deadline will receive a preliminary financial aid award offer based on the projected cost of attendance for the following year. The award will be finalized in mid-March, and admitted students will be notified to check their student portal to review their final financial aid award offer.

  If I receive improved test scores after I have been admitted as an Early Action applicant, can I submit those results to get more scholarship from Pepperdine?

No. Academic scholarships for admitted Early Action applicants will be based on the original submitted documents, materials, and test results that were used to make their admission decision.

  If I am denied admission as an Early Action applicant, can I re-apply as a Regular Decision applicant for the same term?

No. Instead, you can reapply for the two subsequent academic terms.

  What additional materials should I submit to strengthen my application if I am postponed to Regular Decision?

Applicants that were postponed to Regular Decision have the option of submitting mid-year grades. We do not recommend submitting any additional materials to the Office of Admission, as it will not have an impact on the admission decision.

 

Standardized Tests

  Are the SAT/ACT required?

No. For international applicants and US citizens completing their secondary education outside the United States, submission of the SAT or ACT is optional for the 2021-22 academic year. For more details, click here.

  Do I need to take the SAT II Subject Exams?

No. If you choose to submit SAT scores, only the Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing sections will be considered.

  Is the ACT writing test or SAT essay required?

No. If you choose to submit ACT or SAT scores, the optional ACT writing test and SAT essay are not required, and scores from these optional components are not considered.

  Is the TOEFL exam required?

Pepperdine requires "proof of English proficiency" from all international applicants. The TOEFL exam is one way to fulfill this requirement, however, there are a number of other assessments which the university accepts as well. Please see Step 5 on our Application Steps webpage for more details.

  Can I self-report my SAT or ACT scores?

Yes. If you would like for these test scores to be a factor in your admission decision, you may self-report them or have the testing agency send them to Pepperdine as "official" scores.

  Do you superscore the SAT and ACT?

Yes. Pepperdine superscores the SAT, meaning we combine the highest section scores from each test date to create the highest possible SAT total. It is therefore to your advantage to send our office the results from each time you took the SAT. We do not superscore the ACT.