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College Prowler Take
Most Pepperdine students are happy with the college they picked, their minor critiques of particulars giving way to an overall appreciation of the experience and benefits Pepperdine has granted them that no other school could. Students who don’t gush forth wholehearted and unwavering words of love usually cite the school’s size and social climate as the source of whatever dissatisfactions they may have. When people decide to transfer from Pepperdine, it isn’t because of the lack of dining halls and parking availability, or some qualms they have about student housing; it’s because of the other Pepperdine students and the community environment they create. For example, some religious students are dismayed to discover that many don’t share their Christian enthusiasm. Others, in contrast, find the Christian atmosphere to
be overwhelming. Many students complain that the high schools they attended were larger and less strict than Pepperdine, with more to do on the weekends, while others with similar high school experiences find Pepperdine a welcome respite. And while some find the small campus and even smaller student population comforting, others find that Pepperdine’s quaintness inhibits their growth and restricts their social life. There’s nothing small, though, about the 125-foot cross that stands at the forefront of the Malibu campus the job of which is to proclaim loudly and clearly that Pepperdine’s mission is not merely academic. Ultimately, Pepperdine’s considerable Christian affiliation defines it as a school. More specifically, it’s the interaction between the religious emphasis and seemingly contradictory elements—luxury automobiles, non-Christian students, high heels and mini-skirts, a broad liberal arts education with its overwhelming price tag, the desire to let loose and party once in a while—that makes Pepperdine a dynamic and truly unique environment. The most amazing thing about Pepperdine may be that it has managed to hold onto its religious inclinations while still maintaining an excellent academic reputation. The University’s mission statement affirms that “the educational process may not, with impunity, be divorced from the divine process.” This language contrasts markedly with the prevailing public opinion that religion and academic rigor simply don’t mix, and it highlights Pepperdine’s willingness to approach higher education in unconventional ways. In the end, Pepperdine is a small Christian school that really wants its students to grow into people who might make the world a better place. It is not for everyone, but it offers plenty of rewards to those willing to take advantage of the educational and spiritual environment that is, after all, the reason they built Pepperdine in the first place. Students Speak Out
Love your school more than free food? Hate your school more than term papers?
Somewhere in between? Show the world what YOU think of YOUR school:
boone says: Pepperdine University 2009 Other  |
Wow! What a great place to have...
Wow! What a great place to have gone to college. I received an excellent education and lived the best four years of my life here. Malibu and Pepperdine will always have special places in my heart. It is not the typical college experience, and that is what I loved about it. The only negative of the school is the Christian affiliation, which influences the strictness, the dry-campus, and the lack of Greek houses on campus. Do not go to Pepperdine if you are looking for the animal house party experience because it's not here. They are serious about their rules. Students have parties, but they are few and far between for fear of punishment. If you're looking for a small school with caring professors in an absolutely beautiful spot, then Pepperdine just might be the right place for you. I had a blast there and cried when I left (and I'm a dude).
Overall Experience: March 16, 2009
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Anonymous says: |
I still think Pepperdine has been...
I still think Pepperdine has been the best college I could have gone to; I have made amazing friends and have had wonderful, caring professors who have known my name and appreciated my insights. There will always be disappointments wherever you end up, but I know I will always have nothing but fond college memories, long after I have moved on. |
Anonymous says: |
At first, I wished I had gone...
At first, I wished I had gone elsewhere. It was truly culture shock to be with so many wealthy white people. I don’t think most people are open-minded here. The kids are very sheltered and spoiled. Don’t get me wrong—they aren’t all like that, but many are. I just felt cheated out of the college experience. I thought college was to find out others’ points of view and to become better rounded, but at Pepperdine, people are very conservative. The only thing that makes me think I made a good choice has been my professors. They are great! I could not imagine getting a better education anywhere. |
Anonymous says: |
Get yourself involved in different...
Get yourself involved in different things, and you’ll love it; don’t, and you won’t. Pepperdine has the best international programs around. The most important thing about Pepperdine, though, is that it’s a private, Christian school. You are required to go to weekly convocation in order to graduate. It’s a place and a time where you will be tested the most in your life. |
Anonymous says: |
For me, Pepperdine is like a...
For me, Pepperdine is like a vacation where you have to work, but you can balance anything you want to do. The people are great, teachers actually care, and there are tons of things to do. I sometimes find myself wondering what I would be doing if I was somewhere else, not because I don’t love the people here, but as far as my program is concerned. I wonder if I could be spending my time more efficiently. Either you love it, or you don’t. I love the school and the people, but there are just some times when you wonder: what if? |
Most Recent Contributing Author
Name: Jackie Fetzer
Hometown: Huntersville, NC
Major: English Writing and Rhetoric Jackie tried out for Pepperdine's water polo team without knowing how to swim first?and made it! Contributing Author Internship
College Prowler is actively seeking talented students to be "Contributing Authors," and assist with updating
the College Prowler guide to their school. This is a great opportunity for a student to gain internship experience, be a part of a nationally
recognized company, gain tremendous exposure, utilize new media techniques, and share advice with high school students about what life is
really like at your college. Read more about the internship.
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