<p>I'm a little concerned about the religious affiliation. I personally am not religious at all. I have Christian friends and I don't hate religion or anything, but I personally identify as atheist/agnostic.</p>
<p>How Christian is the campus? Are all the students very religious or is there a good mix of people from different backgrounds? Will the religious affiliation affect my education/social life at Pepperdine?
As a non-religious student, will I feel left out at all?</p>
<p>I honestly don't think I would feel comfortable going to a school where every single student was Christian and I had no one to talk to who shared my own views. I am looking for a school that is somewhat diverse in regards to student's religious affiliation rather than all Christian/Atheist/Etc.</p>
<p>Also, how does it compare to University of San Diego and Chapman? More religious or less? </p>
<p>Thanks.</p>
<p>Hey there! I’m a freshman at Pepperdine this year. I’m going to try to give you the most accurate answer possible. </p>
<p>How Christian is the campus?
In general, you won’t notice anything about Pepperdine unlike a normal college campus (besides the fact that it’s gorgeous :] ) There’s a large cross at the entrance of campus and a beautiful chapel that overlooks the ocean. People aren’t necessarily religiously outspoken, and I haven’t experienced anyone shoving their beliefs down someone’s throat, but it is generally accepted that Christian morals are observed. I’m sure you are aware of Pepperdine’s most infamous campus living rules:
- Dry campus. Absolutely no alcohol on campus, regardless of age.
- Students must be out of the opposite sex’s rooms by 1 a.m. and dorm lobbies by 2 a.m., lobby hours extended to 24 hours during finals week.
- 16 chapels per semester.</p>
<p>Are all the students very religious or is there a good mix of people from different backgrounds?
No, not all the students are Christian. The majority are, but they are also from different Christian backgrounds and choose to worship or display their religion differently. Students’ level of religious conviction will vary. Some are very serious about it and attend every possible event, others you can barely tell are Christian beyond their Facebook profile. I know more atheists and agnostics than I do people of other religions — maybe one Jew and a handful of Muslims. All of whom are respectful of Christianity.</p>
<p>Will the religious affiliation affect my education/social life at Pepperdine?
Not really. Nothing I’ve noticed. The dry campus may affect your social life a bit if you’re planning on having an American Pie-esque college career.</p>
<p>As a non-religious student, will I feel left out at all?
Nope.</p>
<p>Hope that helps. Let me know if you have any other questions.</p>
<p>Thank you. What does “16 chapels per semester” mean?</p>
<p>is that the convocation on wednesdays thing?</p>
<p>I’m not sure the gorgeous campus/location is a good enough reason to go, if the schools mission doesn’t appeal to you. The essay questions and the admitted students day really seemed to make that point to our family.</p>
<p>BTW, neither I, nor my D ended up attending, although it was one of her top choices.</p>
<p>The 16 chapels refer to convocation, which are 30 minute-1 hour worships/speakers that you must attend. You have hundreds of options though, which vary in how religious they are. Some are just “how to have healthy relationships,” etc.</p>