Hello,
Background: I’m from San Diego, an avid surfer, and am christian. Pepperdine is $22,000 a year for me, and UCSD is about $25,000 a year. I don’t know what I want to do in life yet but maybe teach biology or go into research/sell biomedical devices?
I got into both schools for biology and I was wondering which one I should go to? I know it’s a typical post but I’m honestly stuck and don’t know which one to attend ):
I had the same exact situation as you but wanted to major in math.
I know Math and Biology are “better” at UCSD and it’s more well-known, but for me I ended up committing to Pepperdine on Friday at the Malibu Reception.
I was more focused on atmosphere though. I really just wanted to be somewhere surrounded by Christians and in a place where I didn’t feel like I was competing with my peers for a passing grade. Also Pepperdine has an awesome study abroad program which I want to become a part of.
I think both have pros and cons. It just depends on what you value more. UCSD is more well known and has better programs, but Pepperdine is a smaller, Christian school. I just felt at home when I visited Pepperdine, but that might be just because a few of my siblings attend. Obviously I am a bit biased though since I chose Pepperdine.
@wavybro123 Since my sister is at Pepperdine, here are some of the pros and cons she has told me about it (not really academic, more like general experiences).
Cons:
–Pre-med-- They brag about having a high medical school acceptance rate, but it’s probably because the woman in charge of the program’s job is to scare away those in the program so that only the “smarter/ more condfident” students would remain and keep those stats up. This obviously only affects pre-med students though. I’m assuming this might be common at schools since all schools want high stats, but I really don’t know.
–There isn’t much to do in Malibu and on the weekends campus is socially dead, so if you don’t have a car it kind of stinks (I won’t have a car lol). I think UCSD has a similar issue to though.
–There are sort of a lot of rich kids. Obviously there is nothing wrong with how much money your parents make, but for lower class people like my family it does feel weird when there are all these girls dressed up for class and driving fancy cars.
–60% girls and there is a somewhat high percentage of gay guys. Most people don’t care, but there are some people in college looking for MRS degrees so Pepperdine is not the best choice for those types of girls(good choice for those types of guys though). Obviously I’m pretty sure this is a minor factor in most people’s decisions, but this is apparently a common complaint some girls at Pepperdine have.
–Since it’s a smaller school there are obviously less majors/minors offered and less dining halls and thus food options. But hey there is a Starbucks on campus so…
–Pretty well-known by employers on the West Coast, but those on the East Coast have probably never heard of it. UC’s in general will be recognized more across the country as good schools.
Pros:
–Amazing study abroad programs. There are Pepperdine campuses in other countries so it eases the transition and most people study abroad for a full year.
–Smaller class sizes. My sister is friends with some of her Professors and often professors will invite their classes to their houses for dinner.
–Since it costs so much (for those without scholarships at least), there are lots of fun free events and concerts.
–It is a Christian University. most people have similar views to you and growing up all my friends have been super hard-core atheists so it is very refreshing.
–Not a party school. For me personally, this is a pro. There are some parties held off-campus, but there definitely isn’t a lot of them and they aren’t nearly as crazy as UC parties. I know a decent amount of people transfer out of Pepperdine their freshman year because they wanted to go to a party school and assumed Pepperdine was one.
– Same tuition for in-state and out-of-state so you see more than just Californians and get to know people from all across the US.
–THE VIEW AND WEATHER!!!
Like I said before I chose Pepperdine, but both UCSD and Pepperdine are amazing schools. I know I might have sounded a bit harsh/judgmental, but I’m just trying to give my honest feedback about what I have heard and am sorry if anyone thinks I’m a jerk.
@cathtakescollege Thank you for your reply. I’m happy to hear that you chose Pepperdine! Loved your advice and I will be praying about it because I’m still torn
Hi! I go to Pepperdine now, but I also got into UCSD and considered it. In my opinion, it comes down to whether you see yourself at a small school or a big school. Pepperdine is great if you want a small, intimate environment, but that’s not for everyone. I will say that if you’re a surfer and a Christian you’ll fit in great at Pepperdine! :)) Best of luck deciding!
Oof, tough choice. Both are gorgeous schools in beautiful, safe suburban locations. I think for biomedical devices, it would be a mistake to pass up UCSD. It’s not a top 3 bioengineering school for no reason: there are a ton of cutting-edge research opportunities and a metric ton of biomedical companies in the area. If you’re not sure what you want to go into, I’d pick the school that guarantees more opportunities. You can excel as a teacher or salesperson from either school. Will you be able to break into biomedical device engineering or sales if you go to Pepperdine? Not as easily as at UCSD, I believe.
Regarding potential hangups with SD, the surfing is (I’ve heard) great and there is a HUGE Christian community. Massive. It’s easily the most prominent category of student orgs, there have to be at least a dozen churches on campus. I will willingly bet money that there are more active Christians at UCSD than at Pepperdine—you’ll have no trouble finding a faith-based group of friends. Some of my close friends are Christians and they’re literally always at events with their communities.
While residential colleges kind of help UCSD have a stronger small-community focus, it can feel a little impersonal in large lecture halls. It’s also not nearly as dead as rumors would suggest, so while it’s not an in-your-face party school there will be many drunk freshmen coming back to your dorms. If you get the chance to tour both schools and the surrounding areas, it should make your decision easier. Will you be okay with living close to home?
@DoctorP Thank you for your advice very much. It was insightful and I learned a lot! I’ve always wanted a faith based education and am thinking about heading towards Pepperdine in order to receive it.