Pepperdine University vs Santa Clara University: Which to pick?

I'm trying to decide between attending Pepperdine and Santa Clara for college. Can anyone offer some insight into the significant differences between these two schools concerning academics, student life, and extracurricular opportunities? Any advice would be awesome!

Firstly, congratulations on being accepted to both Pepperdine University and Santa Clara University! They are both excellent institutions, but they do differ in various aspects. I'll do my best to give you an overview of their differences concerning academics, student life, and extracurricular opportunities.

1. Academics:

Pepperdine University is known for its strong programs in business, psychology, and communication. It offers a liberal arts education with a focus on developing both intellectual and moral values. Pepperdine has a smaller student-faculty ratio (13:1) compared to Santa Clara (20:1), which allows for more personalized attention from your professors.

Santa Clara University, on the other hand, has a stronger focus on STEM, especially engineering. Additionally, Santa Clara is well-known for its strong connections to Silicon Valley and its emphasis on entrepreneurship and experiential learning, with ample opportunities for internships and co-op programs particularly in the world of tech.

2. Student Life:

Pepperdine is located in Malibu and overlooks the beautiful Pacific Ocean. The campus is known for its scenic views and beach access, which attracts many students who love spending time outdoors. It is also a faith-based institution affiliated with the Churches of Christ, and many campus events and activities are influenced by its religious values.

As noted above, Santa Clara is situated in the heart of Silicon Valley, surrounded by numerous tech companies and startups. Its location offers many networking opportunities and gives students access to the bustling city of San Jose. SCU is a Jesuit institution, and some of its campus activities are centered around its Jesuit values, such as personal growth and social responsibility.

3. Extracurricular Opportunities:

Pepperdine has many extracurricular activities to choose from, including clubs, Greek life, and student government. Pepperdine's Wave program encourages students to volunteer and serve communities around the world.

Santa Clara has more than 200 clubs and organizations, with an emphasis on service, entrepreneurship, and professional development. For example, it offers the LEAD Scholars Program for first-generation college students, which provides academic and financial support for these members of the Santa Clara community.

Overall, your choice might depend on whether you prefer a more intimate campus experience (Pepperdine) or a school with more extensive connections to industry (SCU), the location (beach vs. Silicon Valley), and how important religious affiliation is to you. Take the time to visit both schools and talk to current students to get a better feel for which institution might be the right fit for you.

Good luck!