<p>I'll most likely be doing a science major + pre-med. Not exactly sure yet though. I have hefty scholarships for both, so it really comes down to which school I like more. However I cannot decide. I love Pepperdine because of the short distance to LA and I also love Malibu. However it seemed like USD has more of social life with and the students have more fun than Pepperdine. I also liked USD more on how the campus felt bigger and more University like than Pepperdine. I really can't decide. I'm not that big of a fan of San Diego and prefer Los Angeles more, but should this sway my decision? Could anyone help with this decision. Also after 2 years I'm somewhat hoping to have a strong academic record and try getting into the schools I didn't get too the first time around. Which school would be a better launch pad to transfer up to a school with a bit more prestige? Thank you very much for all help!</p>
<p>I think you would get a great education at either, and I think they would be considered equally as far as transferring goes. I, like you, am not a big fan of San Diego, just in that it has become so crowded. I love the Malibu area, but I would say my kids would choose USD over Pepperdine. We live about 20 min. from Pepperdine, and know quite a few attendees, and are in the area often for different reasons. I can’t imagine a more beautiful campus, as it overlooks the ocean. That being said, there is very little social life there, especially on the weekends. It seems that most students leave on the weekends, and the campus is very dead. While it is in Malibu, it is pretty isolated, and you definitely need a car to get to anyplace where there is something to do. I would not recommend walking on the PCH in that area, as it is known as a fairly dangerous road. There is not really any publice transportation in the area. </p>
<p>My D’s best friend started off there, but transferred to USC after one year. She said there was no social life, and as she did not have a car, had a hard time finding anything to do on the weekends. She said that the campus was pretty dead even in the evenings, and it just didn’t work for her. It really is a personal choice, but as you indicated that you want a social life and a university atmosphere, it sounds like USD might be the better fit.</p>
<p>Pepperdine if you’re rich, white, and have a car so you can go clubbing in LA.</p>
<p>Don’t know much about USD. I don’t think it’s that well known or has much prestige.</p>