Pepperdine University

If you want to apply to Pepperdine University, the deadline for Fall 2023 admissions is January 15 and the application fee costs $65.

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

Pepperdine University Admissions Stats at a Glance

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

Pepperdine University 2022	Admissions Statistics
Mean Unweighted GPA	3.7
Admitted Students in Top 10% of Graduating Class	45%
Mean SAT Score	1342
Admissions Test Policy	Test Optional
Applicants Who Submit SATs	19%
Applicants Who Submit ACTs	3%
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	January 15	April 1

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Want to Apply 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.

➡️ Explore a list of some selective colleges that admit 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 975 students and 563 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 admissions factors where you shine.

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

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

Pepperdine University 2022-2023 Application Requirements

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

Area	Required	Recommended	Required for Some	Details (If Any)
Interview
Transcript(S) of College Record
Standardized Test Scores
Statement of Good Standing From Prior Institution(S)
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 3.7.

Out of all students that were admitted, 9% submitted a class rank. At Pepperdine University 45% of students ranked in the top 10% of their graduating class in high school, 83% were in the top 25% and 97% were in the top 50%.

GPAs of Admitted Students

At Pepperdine University, student GPAs fall in the following ranges.

GPA	Percent of Students
4.0 GPA	14%
3.75 and 3.99	42%
3.50 and 3.74	29%
3.25 and 3.49	10%
3.00 and 3.24	4%
2.50 and 2.9	1%
2.00 and 2.49	––

This chart depicts the percentage of all enrolled, degree-seeking, first-time, first year (freshmen) students who had high school grade point average within the given ranges.

Note: Some schools choose not release this information. If you have any questions regarding missing numbers, be sure to reach out to Pepperdine University directly.

About GPAs

Your high school grade point average (GPA) is a number that reflects 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 considers standardized tests scores during the admissions process.

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

In 2022, 19% of Pepperdine University's first-year students submitted their SAT scores with their application. 3% 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 aim to earn between 1280 and 1430 (or higher!) on the SAT. At Pepperdine University 25% of admitted students scored higher than 1430 and 25% of scored lower than 1280, but the majority of students scored somewhere in between these two numbers.The mean composite SAT score for a Pepperdine University student is 1342.

On the SAT Math Section, 25% of Pepperdine University students scored 730 or higher and 75% of students scored 630 or higher. On the SAT Critical Reading section (formerly called the Verbal section), 25% of Pepperdine University students scored 710 or higher, and 75% scored a 630 or higher.

What is a Good ACT Score for Pepperdine University?

To be most competitive at Pepperdine University, you should strive to earn between 25 and 30 on the ACT.

An ACT score of 30 means you fall in the 75th percentile for Pepperdine University's admitted students. One out of every four students scored above a 30, and three out of four students scored lower than 30 on the ACT.

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

Want To Bring Up Your ACT Score? Access ACT practice tests and study tips and see upcoming ACT test dates.

More Information on Transferring to Pepperdine University

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

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

• Fall Term

• Spring 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 and Advanced Placement (AP) credits.

Do I have to submit test scores to Pepperdine University?

❌ No, Pepperdine University is test optional, so you can choose whether or not to submit your ACT or SAT scores. If your scores are higher than the school's average, you should strongly consider submitting them. If you scored lower than a school's average, you it might make sense to leave them out of your application.

What is Pepperdine University's acceptance rate?

✅ The acceptance rate for Pepperdine University is 53%.

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:

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