My dream school is Pepperdine, but the problem is I’m not that impressive as an applicant. I’ve heard some people say that your chance of admission gets a boost if you can pay the tuition. Also, does anyone know if they claim to be need-blind or need-aware? I can’t find that info anywhere. Thanks
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Ability to pay is really nice, but ability to pay does not over ride meeting admission requirements.
It won’t get you into a college you are not otherwise qualified to attend if that is your question. But if you are academically qualified then being full-pay can be a plus at need aware colleges.
As a bit of unsolicited advice I’d recommend that you give up the idea of a dream school and work to create a solid college list that includes reach, match, and safety schools that appear affordable (find out your parents’ budget and run the net price calculator for each school) and that you would be happy to attend. The people I see who get hurt by the college admission process are the ones who focus on one or two schools and then don’t get in. Cast a wide net and recognize that there are a lot of colleges that can give you a great 4 year experience and get you where you want to go in life.
The bump you might get for being full pay is most likely to be significant at schools that are both need aware AND promise to meet full demonstrated need of any student admitted. Not sure if Pepperdine meets both those criteria.
It’s human nature to have a dream school. Use that as a template for building the rest of your list. Figure out what it is about Pepperdine that you love. Be honest with yourself. Then start building a list of schools that have the characteristics that are most important to you.
Thank you guys for the replys. All of my threads were written out of pure panic when I was sure I wouldn’t get in. Although Pepperdine is still my dream school, I believe if I show them who I really am to the best of my ability, I have a great chance of being accepted. If not, then they don’t know what they’re missing! PS I am doing really good in school and working hard to be the best I can be!
I like your attitude. 
As others said, look at what you like about Pepperdine, then let that guide you toward other schools that offer many of those same things. They are out there - and many will be happy to see your application and to admit you. So yes, apply to Pepperdine, but develop this list of other schools as well.