<p>Ok heres the deal. USC is a reach for me and I'm not sure I want to go there. I think I'd fit in best at all small liberal arts school that isn't too religious. For the same reason I eliminated University of San Diego and Westmont, I don't want a school that is super religious. Pepperdine is sorta waning off my list because of it's religious emphasis. I am a religious person, just not any of the forementioned schools' denominations. I'm mormon, and don't want to spend four years pressured into someone else's religion. Chapman is a top choice because although affiliated with the Disciples of Christ, it is more of an optionally religious college and that's why I'm visiting it, Pepperdine, and Occidental in two weeks to find out just how religious these schools are. I'm also interviewing with the Chapman director of admissions who started the Chapman Lacrosse program (also meeting with their coach) so I've got a bonus there. Anyway, just my thoughts currently. Basically Chapman still looking great (What do you all think about chances) and USC, Pepperdine, and UC__? are more of seconds. What do you think....?</p>
<p>You should be OK for Pepperdine with Eagle Scouts and Church activities. Get a letter of rec from a church youth group member or Eagle Scouts Leader. However, that said Pepperdine is not a safety for anyone. Pitzer is nothing at all like Pepperdine and is the least attractive of the Claremonts campus wise, but is still a great school as is all of them. You may want to check out CMC, another amazing school.Chapman is a safety and you would probably get a scholarship there. Best of luck!</p>
<p>ArizonaMom thanks for the reply. I believe I mentioned earlier that my dad is a Vanderbilt Professor so through him I get a tuition benefit...guess how much? I get 70% of the tuition to anywhere I go so that's pretty fridgin sweet. I'm not really looking for scholarships, maybe just a lacrosse letter of intent (Which won't happen, they're all club teams) but unlike 99% of the CC community, a large influence of my college choice is athletics, which I know will get bashed by the 4.0/1600 types on this board but it's how I am and I want to have a life at college and play lacrosse. Chapman's lacrosse program is amazing and only Claremont McKenna has a team, and it's a B team, so is Occidental. so I'd rather play at Chapman. Pepperdine's team is also a B team. As far as recommendations I have some good teachers, counselor, bishop (equivalent of pastor in my religion) who is also my neighbor, and some political people I know from volunteering. If needed I've also got red cross and lacrosse.</p>
<p>anyone know if applying from a catholic high school gives you an advantage at pepperdine?</p>
<p>Someone, on this board said it is a disadvantage but I would do a search. I am not sure who wrote that but it stuck in my mind. I think they are looking for people with faith and who are active in giving back to their community with volunteer work. My D applied, it is a beautiful campus,and the students we met there seemed very happy , down to earth and funloving. I truly can't imagine that being any particular religion would put you at a disadvantage but that is not grounded in anything but my gut impression. Students were talked to said academics were challenging, and professors amazing. There are outstanding panoramic views of the ocean from evey spot on campus, especially the library-not sure I could actually study there!</p>
<p>Everyone seems to be mixed on the religiousness of Pepperdine and Chapman so good thing I'm visiting in two weeks to find out for myself. Any other opinions?</p>
<p>So, anyone else? </p>
<p>-Alex</p>
<p>The Claremont Schools are great. You may also want to look at SCU, it's a nice school and a safety for you.
IS there a reason why you want to go to California or could you go somewhere else? There are a lot of great schools out there that are not in California.
There are so many great secular liberal arts colleges all over the country that you could get into.</p>
<p>Yes, the Claremont's are nice. I like Claremont McKenna. I dont think I have the stats for Pomona or Harvey Mudd. Scripps is all women and I don't know much about Pitzer. </p>
<p>As far as why California, I was born in Los Angeles and I just absolutley love it out there. My loves are Lacrosse, Scuba Diving, and Politics and I can find all three in California while also being in a great environment. Now, I am a true southern boy with my camoflouge hats and big loud trucks, but I think I'd fit in well in California. Also, I'm very close to my grandparents who live in Southern California so I'd like to be near them. I'm not running from anything in Tennessee, and I love it here I love my high school and I've got probably too much school spirit, however, most students here go to local state schools and thats just not me. I really believe that if I want to make it in politics or law I've got to get me the heck out of dodge! </p>
<p>I want to thank everyone for their replies so far. Recently people have been posting their stats on acceptance, but no one on Occidental, Pepperdine, or Chapman. USC is still a very competitive school. As far as the UC's go, the only two I'd really consider are UCI and UCLA. Both competitive out of state, but UCI I think I could get into. However, UCLA would be a major reach for me and I'm not sure about it. Like I've stated earlier I think I'd do better at a small liberal arts school of about 4000 students rather than a conglomerate city of 16000 students. </p>
<p>Anyone else have opinions on my chances. I've got about 9 more months till applications, so time to go do homework. Also, I'm thinking about doing NSLC US Politics and Policy this summer. Anyone have any thoughts on this (National Student Leadership Conference).</p>
<p>Also, I leave for California this Saturday and have a full week of college visits next week. I'm meeting with Pepperdine and attending a class their, touring Occidental, and can't wait to tour Chapman and meet their Admissions Director as well as their Lacrosse coach. Might drive around USC, UCLA, and UCI. Thanks again, sorry for the long post!</p>
<p>-Alex</p>
<p>Well I said a whole lot in my last post so I'll keep this short. I'm on my way back to Tennessee but I'm stranded in Atlanta because of the storms. Anyway, I visisted Chapman, Pepperdine, and UC's last week. I stayed true to my word and eliminated all UC's and USC because of size. I'm still looking at other colleges out of California (U Miami, Vandy, etc) but in California just two, well actually one....So I went to Pepperdine and yes, it is a gorgeous campus, but I could never go to school there. My visit sucked and it was so mechanical and unpersonal. They were in session and no students even gave my tour group a second glance. It was awful! I felt like the campus had a sense of snobby and stuck-up attitudes. Anyway, the next day I went to Chapman...and I loved it. I met tons of people and they were on Spring Break! I had an amazing interview that went really well. My campus tour was awesome, and then I met their lacrosse coach. Everyone was really nice and super welcoming. I think I've got a good shot there and maybe even at some scholarships (Chapman's a rich school). The location is beautiful, and I went out on the Block with some students I know. Everyone in So Cal has great things to say about Chapman and I agree. It may be small but it looks like a great school in a great location with great students/faculty. Well just my opinion...Still searching....</p>
<p>-Alex</p>
<p>Its so funny because i'm from LA and everybody seems to want to come here... I guess i sort of take it for granted. Pepperdine and Chapman will be no problem for you just know that Pepperdine is very relgious. Because you're from out of state i'm sure you have a good chance at SC and they love high SAT scores, which you have. There is really no way to tell wtih the UC's but apply anyways.. it's easy. Good Luck!</p>
<p>JTShocker33...I think you could probably get into USC. Between Chapman (live 10 minutes away from it and family member teaches there) or Pepperdine...well Pepperdine is in that beachy area and Chapman is in the middle of Old Town Orange. According to US News and World Report Chapman is 12 under the UniversitiesMaster's (West). Pepperdine is ranked as National Universities, 52. So...not even in the same category there but it might tell you something. Chapman is small, fairly easy to get into, and you really do know all your professors and they know your names and all that. THey've been doing a lot of construction lately..just redid their library and added an all-faith chapel. Oh and let us know what major you want to pursue it will help with your decision. I don't know as much about Pepperdine..but hopefully that helps!</p>
<p>Thanks for the replies. Kellosnax of course everyone wants to go to LA it's beautiful, well at least Orange County is. Yes, Pepperdine is pretty religious and you can sense that from the campus. Acacia, what else do you know about Chapman? Everything you said was pretty much the reason I want to attend Chapman. Chapman is not currently recognized by US News for their undergraduate but they have been put on the map the last few years and continue to increase in prestige and recognition. I want to either double major or major/minor combination is Business and Political Science. Thanks</p>
<p>-Alex</p>
<p>Bump.....still curious as not much has changed...any new opinions??</p>
<p><em>NEW</em> ACT Composite: 32</p>
<p>You started early.</p>
<p>Chapman is a safety and a good school. Since you're conservative, you won't mind that type of place.</p>
<p>Pepperdine is a match and a disgusting school as you seem to have realized.</p>
<p>USC is unpredictable but with your new ACT, it may be a match.</p>
<p>Occidental is an excellent school and a match. It is, however, very liberal. Which you may not like?</p>
<p>Did you interview at Chapman, USC, and Occidental? Very important to do so.</p>
<p>Also consider Loyola Marymount, which you would probably get into. Great school, moderate politics.</p>