How hard is it to get accepted to Pepperdine University?

I'm aiming to apply to Pepperdine next fall, and I'm curious about its acceptance rate and how competitive it is. Does anybody know how selective Pepperdine University is and what kind of stats I should aim for?

For the 2024-2025 application cycle, Pepperdine University had an acceptance rate of roughly 49%-53% - so it's considered quite selective. You'll need strong academic and extracurricular credentials to stand out among a pool of highly talented applicants.

In terms of academic performance, the middle 50% range of SAT scores for admitted students was roughly 1230-1400 and the ACT scores were around 27-32. But remember, these are ranges, so even if your test scores don't fall within this range, it doesn't necessarily mean you won't be accepted.

The average high school GPA for incoming Pepperdine freshmen in 2024 was around 3.64 on a 4.0 scale. Applying with a GPA that meets or exceeds this average could certainly enhance your candidacy.

Pepperdine, like most universities, uses a holistic approach to admissions. This means they consider more than just your GPA and test scores. They look at your extracurricular activities, your letters of recommendation, and your personal essay, among other factors. A robust list of Tier 1-3 extracurricular activities and a compelling essay can really make your application stand out.

Lastly, the admissions team at Pepperdine will also be interested in your course rigor - in other words, how challenging your high school classes have been. If your school offers Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) classes, enrolling in them can demonstrate your preparedness for college-level coursework.

Although these stats and information give a general understanding of what Pepperdine University is looking for, remember that there is no exact formula for acceptance. A variety of factors are always at play in the final decision.