Hi. I just got into Pepperdine EA for Mathematics, and I am absolutely ecstatic. I jumped up in joy and texted my mom to celebrate my admission. But she seemed nonchalant about my acceptance, and she told me it was because I didn’t apply for an engineering degree. I said to her I would find a way around it, but truthfully, I’m completely lost. To any undergraduates (or graduates) attending Pepperdine, how would you go about my situation? I believe the core curriculum at Pepperdine is essential to bolster my faith, but I want to assuage my mother’s concern as well.
Congratulations on your acceptance! That’s a great achievement! I’m a senior at Pepperdine. I know that when I applied they had an option to do three years at Pepperdine and then finish two years (I think!) at a different school and earn your engineering degree. No idea if that’s the case still or not, but maybe look into that? If that program still exists, you may be able to to transfer into it once you get to Pepperdine. I’d check with an admissions counselor about that.
Outside of that, I’d base it on what you think you want to do for a career. If you’re pretty sure you’re going to need an engineering degree for whatever you want to do, you might want to check out other options. But if it’s only pressure from your mom and you’re satisfied with mathematics, have a talk with her about why you feel that way. As a senior getting ready to graduate, I want to forewarn you that I very deeply regret how much pressure I put on myself in high school and my first few years of college to do the “most”. You will absolutely find your way regardless of what you get your degree in or if you even have a degree at all. I know it’s hard, especially when your parents are putting some pressure on you too, but try really hard not to get caught up in what you think you’re supposed to do. Best of luck to you! I hope everything works out!
Congrats on your acceptance. At some point you need to think about what you want to study in college. If you want to be a math major that is one path, if you want to be an engineer then you should focus on schools that offer engineering programs.
I am not a fan of the 3+2 programs for many reasons including the fact that it is an extra year of college to fund and many people do not follow through and complete the 3 + 2 programs for different reasons (ex, don’t meet qualification requirements, don’t want to leave their original school).
@coco55 Thank you for the very kind reply! I do love mathematics, and I believe I can find a career with that major. I’ll talk to my mom about my career pathway and see if she agrees with my decision.
@happy1 I heard about the 3+2 program, and I am also concerned about whether getting an engineering degree in 5 years is a good idea. Which is why I’ll consider it if I can afford it. I have also attended a community college, and I accumulated quite a bit of credit for higher division placement which would cut me some slack for course restrictions. Thank you for the advice. I will wait to see if I get accepted to other schools I applied for an engineering degree, although Pepperdine will remain my highest priority school to attend.
@coco55 @happy1 Never mind. After looking at my financial aid, I don’t think I am able to afford even just one term. How does Pepperdine expect me to pay over 30k per term even with the generous grant? That 's practically one-third of my family’s income. I’m very disheartened rn 
I’m sorry to hear that The good news is you can get an absolutely fantastic education somewhere else for much cheaper. At the end of the day, where you go to school really doesn’t matter as much as everyone leads you to believe, but I know it’s disappointing. I hope you have some other good options that you’re feeling optimistic about! 
Pepperdine is fantastic. My son was just admitted and is considering 3-2 Pepperdine-Wash U. I’d have you consider JC for 1 year to save $ if that is the issue. I don’t know of a school as good as Wash U as cost effective going the Pepperdine route with JC to start. You may earn merit money going that route as well. Good luck.