<p>Hi there guys!</p>
<p>I'm a marketing/economics graduate student from Italy, with a couple of experiences in the US (UCLA, SDSU).
This year I applied both to Pepperdine and to CSULA. The first for a Master in Public Policy, the second for a Master in Information Systems.</p>
<p>While Pepperdine admitted me with a scolarship, I'm still waiting for a decision from CSULA. Furthermore, while Pepperdine's staff was always quick and realiable when contacted regarding my application, I NEVER recevied consistent answers from the CalState.
I tried to explain them that the visa process is long, and that I need a decision as soon as possible, but still NOTHING.</p>
<p>Every person @CalState keep pointing me to another one, sometimes telling me that my application is INcomplete with missing scores or transcripts, sometimes that is complete (even if I sent everything, even a double application, months ago), and lastly every once in a while they tell me that they will get back to me. Then of course without any more communication.</p>
<p>Now I'm just reflecting on the fact that if their behaviour is this, just on the application process (which anyway is not free), I was wondering how it could be dealing every day with them when studying there.</p>
<p>Any other had similar difficulties with CalState LA?</p>
<p>cheers
Enrico from Italy</p>
<p>Can I give you a tip here? Go to Pepperdine.</p>
<p>A) CSU is a public school and California is in very BIG budget problem right now- it’s about to run out of cash. Which means trouble for public state universities. Pepperdine is a private school so it will still be there in the fall.</p>
<p>B) Any school that’s disorganized like that for graduate work is bad news. If you’ve been at it with them for quite few weeks now, then it’s not worth the effort to keep doing it. If they can’t get your admission stuff together, can you expect them to get your degree stuff together in time for your graduation?</p>
<p>I agree with TickleMe, attend Pepperdine.
CSU schools are solid good public schools, but they provide neither the prestige of a UC (like Berkeley or UCLA) nor the private school hand holding you should expect for your tuition dollars; especially since you would pay OOS tuition at CUSLA</p>
<p>I do think CSULA will still be there in the fall, but why fight the government mess when you can opt for private. I really do not know Pepperdine’s precise ranking, but it is generally well known in CA and respectable. I would think a private school would offer more support for internships and career assistance.</p>
<p>Thanks for your suggestions!
I agree that UCLA would be a different experience (I spent there last July for a summer course with my university)</p>
<p>I was only holding for Pepperdine because I’d prefer to study Information Systems rather than a Public Policy, with obscure international opportunities and recognition (especially in Italy).</p>