<p>Just curious...
What are the acceptances you are considering along with Pepperdine?
what does your pro & con list look like?</p>
<p>Pepperdine vs. Santa Clara vs. Cal Poly vs. Univ. of Richmond vs. Rollins vs. Univ. of Delaware....</p>
<p>I'm having a really hard time deciding and it will likely come down to money.</p>
<p>Pepperdine vs. George Washington vs. a state school with Honors.</p>
<p>I've already ruled out a few, including Santa Clara and Fordham, because of less-than-stellar financial aid packages. Also, I'm waiting on financial aid from LMU, but so far, the cheapest school for me is the most expensive school in the country.</p>
<p>It ultimately comes down to money for me too, though.</p>
<p>Looks like Pepperdine vs. Duke at our house. Santa Clara still in the picture with the best merit offer ( of 8 or so private school acceptances) by far, but not much of a stretch from my D's current life. We really only know what we've read about Pepperdine, and from their "tour" in N.Cal which REALLY impressed D. A lot will ride on a visit and any merit offer. Dad and I would like Berkeley (D says no way ), UCSB or Davis with honors on the table, but only because of cost. Major differences in depth of offerings (+ for Duke) and social norms (+ for Pep).</p>
<p>My D also was deciding between Pepperdine and Santa Clara...it was hard so I can sympathize.</p>
<p>Any other posts?</p>
<p>JC; Did you note anything about Pep vs SCU merit offers?</p>
<p>Looks like Pepperdine vs. Rhodes, Furman, Rollins, then Stetson, Wofford, Sewanee and ultimate safety ( local) Oglethorpe. Choice will depend ( we have twins and are still not sure if they will attend the same school): Malibu visit for next weekend, merit $, if Pepperdine will move S to Fall or allow D to move to Spring 2009 ( and take any merit $ they may award???).</p>
<p>The social environment, academics, setting are big for our kids-but with two in school at same time, merit $ is a big consideration. Both kids have received nice merit offers at every other school they have been accepted at. Am almost tempted to delay Malibu visit untll after FA pkgs. come out on the 15th,m but time is too short before May 1. </p>
<p>I would say after Pepperdine probably Furman and Rhodes-but it changes minute to minute in our home. Who knew stress could increase after the 1st? I feel like the opening 30 seconds of "60 minutes" with the clock ticking away!</p>
<p>Does anyone have knowledge of what a "typical" merit pkg. is like for admitted students? We are definately not a "need-based" family.</p>
<p>My D was offered a better financial package at Pepperdine, but it was not merit, so sorry no info on that. I do believe that at either school if you need more they may work with you. Another way to anticipate a school's offer is to check their endowment compared to enrollment which I think you can find in their common data set. The higher the ratio, the more $$$ they have to play with.</p>
<p>Pepperdine has been a contender, since in addition to academic & social scene, it seems to have the right percent getting merit aid, and average amount of merit aid, per USNWR. This was a strategy suggested here on CC.
We are considering delaying the visit to Pep too. There are so many admitted student events on April 12th. I wonder how Pep knows thinks about the fact that people might not want to come until they know about merit ?</p>
<p>I understand, I definitely will ask that. D was accepted off WL and they accepted and gave her her fin. aid package over the phone with a hard copy within a few days. So I don't have experience with the "usual" procedure.</p>
<p>Pepperdine, UCLA, Indiana Unversity</p>
<p>This is what my decision comes down to:
Stay in the town that I was born in and lived in for my entire life and never have to even think about worrying about money (scholarships and grants cover all costs so I don't have to take out a single loan)
OR
Pursue my lifelong dream of going to California for college but be in debt for the rest of my life!</p>
<p>pepperdine vs ucsd</p>
<p>Pepperdine vs. Claremont Mckenna vs. Santa Clara</p>
<p>My S just fin aid package from CMC and it was wonderful as they met everything except a little bit to earn during the summer. Being a need-based family and a single parent who is also a full-time student, $ is going to be the main factor. SCU had a nice package but we're still left with much more than we can handle. I'm imagining Pepp's offer to be similar to SCU, but I'm not sure. </p>
<p>S is also concerned that he may not fit in a Pepp even though he loved the school. He is labeled a "liberal" at his Christian school and has had to deal with being on the outside of the pack. We've read some posts from students on another site, and there were some statements that made him concerned that he may be facing the same situation at Pepp. Any thoughts?</p>
<p>My D is a liberal Catholic and has a full range of friends. Her brothers are considered quite out there. One is a "rock musician" and lives as such. She is very proud of them and doesn't hide their alternate lifestyle at all and no one seems bothered at all.</p>
<p>I have heard that CMC gives wonderful financial aid packages...good luck with the decision!</p>
<p>He is labeled a "liberal" at his Christian school ..</p>
<p>Mine too... she coerced the "Young Republicans" to include her in a trip to Disneyland for ethnic, political, & financial diversity (she's the one with the $ $.)</p>
<p>How ironic-our twins are the "liberal Episcopalians" at a very strict, Catholic-prep school. Their religion teachers the past two years have really been challenged by our kids questions and discussions. Yet, they both want an environment where alcohol and drugs are not the norm-or pervasive. That is one of the main factors that have continued to draw them to Pepperdine-combining academics, positive social atmosphere. </p>
<p>Thanks, JC for the advice on projecting FA. I have wondered, also, how many other people are thinking of delaying Pepp. visit until after the 15th. Traveling from Atlanta and actually staying long enough to visit campus could potentially pay for a month of tuition for entire family to travel. I want kids to be able to attend a class-which means going out an additional day before. How many families on this thread have had kids attend a class at Pepperdine? Since the website says they do not offer overnights, I think this is especially important. Anxious to hear what others think.</p>
<p>Hahaha Shrinkrap, I love it!</p>
<p>Georgia, my D had same ideals, liberal, but not into the drinking/drug scene. It was a factor in choosing Pepperdine. She was really disappointed visiting a couple of Catholic campuses and witnessed way too much partying on campus.
I have to admit since she became drinking age, she indulges on occasion:( but responsibly:)</p>
<p>I have not been on this site for about a year now. I've enjoyed reading through these threads concerning Pepperdine. We were in the same position last year...waiting for the acceptance, merit aid, etc.</p>
<p>As a mother, you can probably put me into the same category as JC on this thread. My son was accepted at every college he applied to, and received merit money from most--all except Pepperdine. That was a hard pill to swallow. We went to the admitted student day last year just so mad that we weren't offered any $, but with a few changes to our lifestyle, we are making it work. Son absolutely felt that he was being led there. Ultimately, we felt the same. It has been the most wonderful freshman year. He has made so many great friends, enjoys the classes and the profs. Some of you seem to feel like you may not fit in due to religion or financial background-honestly, I think this is the most welcoming place on earth! In his suite alone, eight guys of different backgrounds, all very good friends. It's amazing to me! </p>
<p>Good luck to eveyone on your decisions.</p>
<p>dito IHg, Every so often I ask my D, in hindsight was this the best place for you and she emphatically says yes, even through a very painful relationship break-up her first year. The support she received from friends as well as faculty has been unbelievable. She is a student who has to work very hard to achieve her grades and she feels very supported academically also. It is all about what feels right and of course finances are always a consideration. I am a school adminstrator at a tuition based school and many of my parents struggle to pay the tuition. My husband and I have had to make many lifestyle choices in the name of trying to give our children the best possible education. There is a fine line between making spending choices and financial irresponsibility, but I always felt that education has been the best investment I could ever give to my children.</p>
<p>Good luck with your decisions and choices!</p>