Pepperdine University

Around 49% of applicants get into Pepperdine University each year. Out of 11,466 applications received in 2023, 5,585 students were offered admission.

If you are thinking about applying to Pepperdine University, the regular decision application deadline is January 15 and the application fee is $65.

Students who submit their applications to Pepperdine University for fall should receive an admissions decision no later than April 1.

Pepperdine University Admissions Stats at a Glance

The following is an overiew of some of Pepperdine University's admissions stats.

Pepperdine University 2023	Admissions Statistics
Mean Unweighted GPA	3.8
Mean SAT Score	1367
Admissions Test Policy	Test Optional
Applicants Who Submit SATs	16%
Applicants Who Submit ACTs	13%
Waitlist	Yes

Pepperdine University Application Deadlines

These are the application deadlines for Pepperdine University.

Application Type	Offered	Application Deadline	Notification Deadline
Early Decision I	No	–	–
Early Decision II	–	–	–
Early Action	Yes	November 1	January 10
Regular Decision	Yes	1 15	April 1

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Applying Early to Pepperdine University?

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Pepperdine University does not offer early decision but does offer early action.

🗓️ The Early Action deadline is November 1. Pepperdine University will release EA admissions decisions no later than January 10.

Some students apply early to college because they hope it will boost their chances of acceptance. When you apply early, your application is considered before all the regular decision applicants apply. Applying early may increase the chance of acceptance, since it demonstrates that you are very interested in a school.

➡️ See a list of some selective colleges that accept significantly more applicants during early decision or early action than during regular admission.

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More on Pepperdine University Admissions

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Transferring to Pepperdine University

For more information on transferring to Pepperdine University, contact the school directly.

For Students Waitlisted to Pepperdine University

In 2022, Pepperdine University waitlisted 1,651 students and 987 accepted a place on the waitlist.

What Does Pepperdine University Look For in an Applicant?

Colleges consider a range of factors when determining who to admit for their next incoming class. Each college has a different way of determining which factors are they consider most important in the admissions process. When creating your list of schools to apply to, you may want to consider your strengths and any possible weaknesses in your application, and choose schools that put the most emphasis on the areas where you're strong.

Admissions Factors at Pepperdine University

What does Pepperdine University consider during the admissions process? Take a look at the list below to see which factors are most important during the admissions process.

Admissions Factor	Level
Character/Personal Qualities	Very Important
Application Essay	Very Important
Extracurricular Activities	Very Important
Religious Affiliation/Commitment	Very Important
Talent/Ability	Very Important
Academic GPA	Very Important
Rigor of Secondary School Record	Very Important
Recommendation(s)	Important
Volunteer Work	Important
Alumni/ae Relations	Considered
Interview	Considered
Racial/Ethnic Status	Considered
Standardized Test Scores	Considered
Work Experience	Considered
First Generation	Considered

Make sure to check with Pepperdine University for more information on admission factors.

Pepperdine University Application Requirements

To apply to Pepperdine University, all applicants must submit the following items. Make sure to check in with Pepperdine University's admissions department to confirm all application materials and requirements.

Area	Required	Recommended	Required for Some	Details (If Any)
Transcript(S) of College Record	–	–	–	–
Letter(s) of Recommendation	1	–	–	–
Written Essay or Personal Statement	√	–	–	–
Transcript of High School Record	√	–	–	–

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GPA and Testing

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What GPA Do I Need To Get Into Pepperdine University?

Students admitted to Pepperdine University have an average unweighted GPA of 3.8.

About GPAs

Your high school grade point average (GPA) is a number that highlights your high school academic performance. A weighted GPA or an unweighted GPA are the two possible GPA scores considered by colleges.

An unweighted GPA is an average of your scores from each class on a four-point scale. Unweighted GPAs range from 4.0 to under 1.0. A weighted GPA considers your average grade and the difficulty of your classes. A weighted GPA boosts your average by adding extra points for honors or Advanced Placement courses.

Standardized Test Scores

Pepperdine University is test optional. Test optional schools allow students to choose if they want to submit ACT or SAT scores with their applications or not.

In 2022, 16% of Pepperdine University's first-year students submitted their SAT scores with their application. 13% of admitted applicants sent ACT scores.

What is a Good SAT Score for Pepperdine University?

To be competitive with other Pepperdine University applicants, you should strive to score between 1290 and 1460 (or higher!) on the SAT. At Pepperdine University 25% of admitted students scored higher than 1460 and 25% of scored lower than 1290, but the majority of students scored somewhere in between these two numbers.The mean composite SAT score for a Pepperdine University student is 1367.

On the SAT Math Section, 25% of Pepperdine University students scored 750 or higher and 75% of students scored 650 or higher. On the SAT Critical Reading section (formerly called the Verbal section), 25% of Pepperdine University students scored 730 or higher, and 75% scored a 650 or higher.

To be most competitive at Pepperdine University, you should strive to earn between 28 and 32 on the ACT.

An ACT score of 32 means you fall in the 75th percentile for Pepperdine University's admitted students. One out of every four students scored above a 32, and three out of four students scored lower than 32 on the ACT.

A 28 on the ACT is the 25th percentile for Pepperdine University students. Only one out of every four students scored below 28.

More Information on Transferring to Pepperdine University

For transfer students wishing to start in the fall, the deadline to apply is February 15. Applicants should hear back by April 1.

Transfer students can enroll in Pepperdine University during the following terms:

• Fall Term

• Winter Term

• Spring Term

• Winter Term

• Summer Term

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Pepperdine University Admissions FAQs

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Can I defer my acceptance to Pepperdine University?

❌ Students who are admitted to Pepperdine University must attend in the term they start. Deferring admissions is not encouraged. If you have a unusual circumstance, contact the admissions department.

Does Pepperdine University accept transfer credits?

✅ Pepperdine University accepts eligible transfer credits from accredited institutions. Pepperdine University accepts:

• CLEP subject tests • DSST/DANTES

Does Pepperdine University accept Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) credits?

✅ Pepperdine University accepts International Baccalaureate credits (IB) credits.

Do I have to submit test scores to Pepperdine University?

❌ No, Pepperdine University is test optional, so it's up to you if you want to submit test scores or not. If your scores are higher than the school's average, you probably want to include them. If you scored lower than a school's average, you may want not want to include them in your application.

What is Pepperdine University's acceptance rate?

✅ Pepperdine University's acceptance rate is 49%.

What is the early decision acceptance rate at Pepperdine University?

❌ Pepperdine University does not offer early decision.

Want To Learn More About Pepperdine University?

To learn more about Pepperdine University, choose from the options below:

Overview

Student Life

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