<p>I really don't enough about the different UCs to rank them against Pepperdine, but my advice would be to go with the school that you feel is the best fit for you, rather than going to wherever others say is the "better" school.</p>
<p>I was accepted into UCLA and UCI (the only UCs I applied to), but chose Pepperdine because it's where I've always wanted to go. I've grown up Church of Christ, I love that it's a smaller campus, overall I've been pleased with my professors, and I've had amazing experiences through the international programs. Though it may not be on the same tier as UCLA, I can't imagine being anywhere else.</p>
<p>I wouldn't even compare UCLA to Pepperdine because they are entirely different types of schools/experiences. One might be better than the other depending on what a person is looking for. I'd pick Pepperdine, but that's just me. I have just about ZERO interest in UC schools. That doesn't mean that either education is less adequate.</p>
<p>I agree it is dificult to compare UC's with Pepperdine. They are two different animals. First you need to outline what you want in a school, campus...large, small, personal, impersonal etc. </p>
<p>I also would have you check the statistics on the professors at Pepperdine, the majority do have a doctorate degrees contrary to the previous post.</p>
<p>UCLA is a fabulous school and does carry excellent prestige, but for some it is too big and bases all it's acceptances on a number formula, whereas, Pepperdine and other liberal arts college are looking at other dynamics in a student. Being a braniac does not equate being a good all around good student and person, whcih is more in line with what Pepperdine is looking for. So yes, you may have a higher overall "equation numbers" going to UC campuses, but the type of person being sought after at Pepperdine, Oxy, etc is someone who not only has a brain, but a philosophy that will utilyze their education for the betterment of others.</p>
<p>Yah, it is definitely hard to compare Pepperdine to the UCs, they are just very different. That being said, last year a friend of mine made it into UCLA and was rejected by Pepperdine; they are both very competitive</p>