Pepperdine University Admission Requirements in 2023

Do you want to enroll in Pepperdine University but have no idea about its admission requirements? Don’t worry; this article discusses everything regarding Pepperdine admissions, Pepperdine acceptance rate, and Pepperdine average scores such as Pepperdine GPA, ACT, and Pepperdine SAT scores. So, let’s get started with a college overview. 

Pepperdine University Overview

Pepperdine University was founded in 1937. It is 830 acres in size and is located in a suburban setting. This college has got 49th position in the Best Colleges rankings for 2022. This Christian college in Malibu, California, is known for its beautiful location in the Santa Monica Mountains. The school upholds New Testament-based Churches of Christ traditions.

Pepperdine offers 82-degree programs in business administration, humanities and teacher education, communication, fine arts, social science, natural science, religion and philosophy, and international studies and languages. In addition, university students must take at least three religion courses during their time at the University. Even though there is no formal Greek housing on campus, approximately one-third of students are members of more than a dozen sororities and fraternities.

What Is Pepperdine University Acceptance Rate?

If you’re serious about getting into Pepperdine University, you should look at the Pepperdine acceptance rate. This will reveal how competitive the school is and what kind of requirements they have. The Pepperdine acceptance rate is 36 percent. Out of every 100 applications, 36 are accepted. This indicates the school’s high admissions standards. When it comes to applying to Pepperdine, you have a good chance if you meet their admissions requirements. If you fulfill all of the other admissions requirements, but your average scores fall short, you will have a very low chance of acceptance.

As you have learned about Pepperdine University’s acceptance rate, it’s time to discuss Pepperdine’s average scores.

What Is the Pepperdine GPA Requirement?

Many US colleges require a minimum grade point average (GPA), but this is not the only factor deciding your entry into the college. Pepperdine’s GPA requirement for admission is 3.66 or higher. At a minimum, you’ll want a mix of A and B grades, with a preference for the former. If your GPA is less than 3.66, you will need to improve your SAT or ACT score. To apply to Pepperdine, you must take the SAT or the ACT. More importantly, the strength of your application is dependent on your performance.

What Is Pepperdine University SAT Requirement?

On average, Pepperdine University’s SAT is 1320 on a 1600-point scale. As a result, Pepperdine is classified as a Moderately Competitive school on the SAT. Pepperdine University typically prefers the top 24 percent of SAT takers. The school accepts applicants with SAT composite scores as low as 1200 on a 1600-point scale. The New SAT score is 1220 in the 25th percentile and 1420 in the 75th percentile. 

Here is the breakdown of updated Pepperdine SAT scores:

New SAT	25th %	Average point	75th %
Math	610	630	730
Reading+Writing Score	610	650	690
Cumulative SAT Score	1220	1280	1420

Pepperdine University SAT score policy employs “super scoring” for score selection. This means that you can send any SAT exam you want to the school. Your application reviewers will consider your top SAT section scores from each submission date. For example, even if your highest total on any one test date were 1000, Pepperdine would combine your top section scores from all of your test dates. In this case, your overall score can range from 1000 to 1400.

This will help your testing strategy. Students can take the SAT test multiple times and only send the tests with the highest score to Pepperdine because you can choose which ones to send. As a result, if your current super score is less than 1420, we strongly advise you to study for the SAT and retake it. You have a great chance of improving your score and dramatically increasing your chances of admission.

Furthermore, the Superscore allows you to focus solely on one portion at a time. For example, if your SAT Reading score is lower than your other sections, prepare strictly for the Reading section before taking the test. Then, focus on your Math skills to prepare for the next test. 

What Is Pepperdine University ACT Requirement?

Although Pepperdine’s average scores may include SAT or ACT during enrollment, as per the admissions data, ACT scores of 26 and higher are frequently accepted by Pepperdine. Applicants must have ACT scores in the top 18% of all applicants to be considered for admission. According to the estimates, some schools require ACT composite scores of 24 or higher. Those with an ACT composite of 28 or higher are in the top half of candidates, and those with a 31 or higher have excellent odds.

It is far easier to send SAT scores than SAT scores, significantly impacting your testing strategy. When sending ACT scores, you have complete control over which tests are included. It is possible to perform ten tests and only send the best one. Instead of sending all your SAT scores, many colleges will only request the most recent one. As a result, your chances of improving your ACT score are higher than you think. You should take the ACT test several times to the school’s ACT requirement of a 32 or higher. Then, the score that you think is best can be sent to all of your colleges.

Applicants must take the Pepperdine university SAT I or ACT by October or December to meet the November 1 early action deadline or the January 15 application deadline.

Pepperdine Admissions: What Else To Consider?

Since its inception, academic achievement and rigor, leadership and community service, essays, and letters of reference have all been part of the University’s multi-factor assessment process. Standardized tests (Pepperdine SAT Scores/ACT), which were once required, have been re-evaluated and are only optional. 

Exams such as AP, IB, GCE Advanced Levels, and the French Baccalauréat require academic review components. Many school systems include comparable exams such as the Indian Higher Secondary School Certificate and GCE Advanced Levels. The fee for the application is 65 USD, and the table below summarises the requirements of Pepperdine admissions for both international and domestic students.

International Students	Domestic Students
Personal Statement Essay Resume/CV Letter of Recommendation High School/Bachelor Transcripts English Language Proficiency Proof	High School Transcripts High School GPA SAT/ACT (optional) College Prep Courses (if any) Academic Recommendations

As mentioned in the above table, applicants from countries other than the United States will be required to provide proof of English proficiency.

There are several ways to demonstrate this, including:

• With an SAT score of at least 600 based on the evidence, I have a reading comprehension score of 24 or higher in both the reading and writing sections and an Internet-based TOEFL score of 85 or higher.
• Your application will be denied if your TOEFL “MyBest Scores” C1 or C2 Proficiency (Cambridge English: advanced or proficient) is 186 or higher.
• 110 or higher Duolingo English Test score.
• Transferable English Composition course (except ESL) with a “C” or higher at a recognized US institution.
• A “C” or higher on the British or Hong Kong system AS or A-Level English Exams (not ESL).
• IELTS score of 6.5 or higher.
• ELS Language Centers’ Master 112 class with an IB grade of B or higher and One English grade of 5 or higher (not ESL).
• A student must complete four years of high school education in an English-speaking environment, subject to verification by an admissions counselor.

Making payment for the Pepperdine University Fee

1. Log in to WaveNet; where you can access your bill. For international payments, choose the Flywire option at the checkout.
2. After choosing a country, enter the amount you’ll be charged.
3. Select an appropriate payment method and enter the necessary information for both the student and the payer.
4. Send funds to Flywire by following the payment instructions provided. As soon as Flywire processes your purchase, Pepperdine will receive an email with your payment information.
5. Alternatively, by logging in with your credentials, you can create a Flywire user account and access your payment history at any time.

As Pepperdine university’s acceptance rate is very high, you must have a high-grade Point Average and a robust personal statement and essays if you want to get admission here. Also, do not forget to get compelling letters of recommendation from your previous teachers.