<p>Hi! I am interested in going into the medical field, so I want to major in either biology or chemistry. In my research, it would seem that Pepperdine is more "academically" qualified ( I have a 4.35, 33 on ACT, 5's on all 9 AP's, etc), which is important to me in regards to general quality of my learning! However, Chapman offers cellular and molecular biology majors, while Pepperdine doesn't. Can anyone enlighten me on the differing programs? Thankssss))</p>
<p>I think you would get a good education at both. Pepperdine is fairly conservative Christian with mandatory chapel, while Chapman operates more as a secular institution (despite being nominally affiliated with the Christian church.) </p>
<p>Your stats put you in the upper percentile of students at both schools. This might help with merit aid. If you are planning on graduate/med school, you will want to pay the least possible dollars for undergrad.</p>
<p>Pepperdine has an amazing study abroad program.</p>
<p>I would want a school that has my majors.</p>
<p>Thanks for the reply:)!</p>
<p>OP, have you toured both schools? I personally know two students who chose Pepperdine. One transferred after the first year; he was not prepared for the required church attendance and the very strict religious policies. The other student is still at Pepperdine and very happy there. She is a fundamentalist Christian and the school is a perfect fit for her beliefs.</p>
<p>Chapman has no religious requirements, and though a big variety of faiths have clubs on campus, participating is totally optional.</p>
<p>Field of study and cost of attendance are of course very important factors, but so is fitting in with the culture of the school.</p>
<p>Pepperdine is excellent if you are a very conservative Christian who is actively involved in her/his church and won’t mind compulsory church/chapel/bible study every week.
Otherwise, Chapman may be a better fit.
If you like Chapman, look into Whittier, Redlands, Santa Clara, St Mary’s of California.</p>
<p>Thanks! While I am Christian, I am not big on mandatory ANYTHING in regards to my faith…very interesting information:)))</p>