<p>I narrowed down my choices to those two schools. I'm kind of torn right now.</p>
<p>Syracuse gave me a great merit scholarship and a good sized grant. My parents can afford this school. But the problem is that it is across the coast from where I live. I'm afraid of getting really homesick. Some of the pros are that they have a great study abroad program and they are a big school.</p>
<p>Pepperdine is ten grand more expensive a year. My parents kind of want me to go to this school. It is a lot smaller and they have smaller class sizes as well. Also, it is a lot closer to home. Plus, booze free campus/christian = parents love it. The campus is ranked like number one with beauty and I heard they give easy A's.</p>
<p>I want to major in law. Both schools have a law school and have pretty good reputations.</p>
<p>Edit: Sorry, please move this to the college search and selection thread. Thank you.</p>
<p>Syracuse is a superior institution and it is less expensive (even with flights) in terms of tuition and cost of living (by far). I would go to Syracuse in a heartbeat.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Going to either will have no impact on attending either’s respective law school. Law school should have no bearing on your decisiion.</p></li>
<li><p>Some people want college to be an opportunity to encounter difference and diversity; if you agree, sounds like Syracuse will fit you better. Others want the comfort of familiar values and attitudes; if you agree, Peperdine may be your choice.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Pepperdine is a beautiful school – one of the most beautiful campuses – and both schools have great reputations (I think Syracuse has a better reputation, though). However, you will save $40,000 (plus interest) over the span of four years – $40,000 that can go in the coffers for law school.</p>
<p>I think I’d go to Syracuse.</p>
<p>You don’t want a school that gives easy As. You want a school that will prepare you for law school and will challenge you, otherwise you will flounder as a 1L.</p>
<p>A significant difference between the two, from the Pepperdine website:</p>
<p>“Each semester, all undergraduates are required to attend 14 programs in the Convocation Series, which are activities aimed at building Christian faith, affirming Christian values, or addressing ethical and moral issues within a Christian worldview posed by current events. Most frequently, students attend the Wednesday morning chapels at Firestone Fieldhouse. Other programs include student-led worship services, small group Bible studies, and individual spiritual mentoring sessions with faculty or staff sponsors. Additionally, all undergraduates are also required to take three religion courses as a graduation requirement: The History and Religion of Israel, The History and Religion of Early Christianity, and Christianity and Culture.”</p>
<p>Is that something that you’re looking for? I assure you that there is still substance abuse and partying at Pepperdine, just as there is at every campus in America. And I have no doubt that there is are active Christian student ministries at Syracuse. The religious distinctives of the Pepperdine campus however, will demand a significant investment of your time and energy. I’d recommend that you go there only if you’re excited about embracing those distinctives.</p>
<p>Okay, I am not Christian. Pepperdine being a Christian school is actually a negative to me. I don’t want to attend a school with republicans and christian views as I am fairly liberal and agnostic. However, the biggest factor is that it is closer to home. </p>
<p>And I just really love their dorm rooms. Although, that is probably a bad reason to attend there. </p>
<p>Both schools are pretty rich and affirm the stereotype of the rich white kid spending daddy’s credit card which I would have to deal with on both basis. Also, there isn’t much diversity in both schools, which is a pretty big negative to me. </p>
<p>Thanks for the cost of living info. I live in a state that does not have sales tax. So the price of living in both places will be sour grapes.</p>