Imagine glancing out of a lecture hall window to see the Pacific Ocean stretching toward the horizon. For the 3,500 undergraduates at Pepperdine University, this isn’t a vacation; it’s the daily backdrop. Located in Malibu, just 35 miles from the heart of Los Angeles, Pepperdine offers what is arguably the most picturesque campus setting in the country.
However, the “Pepperdine experience” goes far beyond the beach. It is a deeply mission-driven, faith-based institution where Christian values are woven into the fabric of daily life. This includes community standards like specific visiting hours for opposite genders in residence halls and required Chapel attendance for first- and second-year students.
Academically, the university is anchored by two undergraduate schools, including the rigorous Seaver College and the College of Health Science, with Business Administration being the most popular major. Programs in Communications, Sports Medicine, and Psychology are equally sought after. For the student seeking a small, tight-knit community with world-class views and high academic standards, Pepperdine is a compelling choice
Read on to learn more about the Waves from our chat with Madilyn Henshaw, an Admission Representative for Pepperdine University.
The Nest: Tell us a fun fact or about a tradition that is unique to your university.
Madilyn: Finals week at Pepperdine can be pretty intense, but honestly, the Sunday night before it starts is one of my favorite nights on campus. We have this long-running tradition called Late Night Breakfast, and it’s basically pure, wholesome chaos in the best way. From 8 to 10 PM, the Waves Cafe looks a little different… instead of seeing your professors teaching, you see them in aprons and hairnets, serving up big plates of eggs and pancakes to a crowd of students. It’s the perfect study break, and there’s something oddly comforting about getting a quick “good luck on finals” from a professor while they hand you a waffle. And the best part is definitely the karaoke. It’s pretty much part of the experience that your pancakes come with a side of students (and sometimes faculty) absolutely belting out power ballads. It’s loud, a little chaotic, and honestly, the perfect way to shake off the pre-finals stress. It really sums up the kind of community we have here: free food, good music, and everyone showing up for each other before the big week!
The Nest: What is the most unique major you offer?
Madilyn: One of the most unique (and newest) majors we offer at Pepperdine is our Bachelor of Science in Nursing! It’s a direct-entry program with both two-year and four-year pathways, and something we really emphasize is compassion, because that should be a given in healthcare. The facilities are also brand new and honestly really impressive. We have one of the few dedicated simulated ER spaces on the West Coast, where students can train for trauma and critical care scenarios. The technology is pretty incredible, too! Our manikins can recreate high-stress medical situations so students get used to that kind of environment before they’re working with real patients. They’re honestly kind of wild because their skin feels real, their eyes can track you, and they can even talk. There’s also an operating room simulation with a full scrubbing area, so students can practice surgical nursing skills that really set them apart. On top of that, students complete clinicals with leading healthcare systems and community-based organizations across Los Angeles and Ventura counties, so they’re getting real experience in a lot of different settings.
But if you aren’t looking for a major as specific as Nursing, we have some hidden gem minors that are just as unique! Our Nonprofit Management minor is a total standout for students who want to bridge the gap between business and social impact, and for the creatives, our Theatre Design and Production minor is also amazing. It’s all about the “behind-the-scenes” magic, from lighting to set construction. There is truly a path for everyone here!
The Nest: Who is the best-fit student for your university?
Madilyn: When students ask who the best fit for Pepperdine is, I always encourage them to start by looking at our mission statement and seeing if it resonates with them. Our core values are purpose, service, and leadership, and those really do shape the experience here, from athletics to study abroad to clubs and everything in between. A lot of our students naturally connect with those ideas and want to use their time in college to grow in those areas. Another big part of the Pepperdine experience is living out Christian values, like being a servant leader and treating people with kindness and grace, while also striving for academic excellence. And honestly, the community here is really close-knit. People genuinely care about one another, so the students who thrive the most are the ones who want to jump into that kind of environment, get involved, and make a positive impact on the people around them.
The Nest: What application plans do you offer, and how should students determine which plan is best for them?
Madilyn: Pepperdine offers three different application timelines for students planning to start in the fall: Early Action, Early Decision, and Regular Decision. Both Early Action and Early Decision are due November 1, while Regular Decision is due January 15. Early Action is nonbinding, which means if you’re admitted, you’re not required to enroll at Pepperdine. Early Decision, on the other hand, is binding, meaning you’re committing to attend if you’re admitted, but it does come with a few benefits, like preferential consideration in the admissions process and an exclusive $2,000 scholarship. Regular Decision is also nonbinding and can be a good option for students who want a little more time to put their application together. It’s also the required timeline for transfer students and for anyone applying to our Bachelor of Science in Nursing pathways. One nice thing about applying Early Action is that even if you’re admitted early, you still have until May 1 to decide whether to enroll, which gives you a few extra months to weigh your options compared to Regular Decision applicants. That extra time can be really helpful if you’re planning a campus visit or still figuring out financial aid. One other thing for first-year applicants to keep in mind is that we review grades from 9th through 11th grade, so senior year grades aren’t part of the admissions review unless a student has already graduated.
The Nest: What is your best application advice for prospective students?
Madilyn: My biggest application advice is simple: be yourself. I know that sounds basic, but it’s honestly the most important thing. There can be a lot of pressure around college applications and a lot of talk about what you should or shouldn’t write about, but the truth is that almost any topic can work if it’s meaningful to you. The best essays are the ones where students let their personality come through and share something genuine about who they are. So don’t feel like you have to write what you think colleges want to hear. Write something that feels real to you! The application process doesn’t have to be intimidating either. It can actually be a chance to reflect a little, have some fun with it, and show schools what makes you unique.
Beyond what Madilyn shared, here are some metrics to look at if you’re considering Pepperdine University:
- Pepperdine University is on the Common Application
- Early Action: November 1
- Early Decision: November 1
- Regular Decision: January 15
- Test-optional
- Peterson’s 25th/75th percentiles:
- ACT: 29 – 32
- SAT: 1300-1440
- 88% Retention Rate!
Pepperdine is clearly a fantastic school. Go Waves!
Helping you soar sooner,
Carrie