Hey guys. I basically have my list of schools, but I am having a hard time choosing between the two (or both/neither). I know they are on opposite sides of the country, but I would just love an answer based on solely the college. For reference, I am interested in majoring in statistics or marketing. I want to join an a cappella group in college (or at least another choral group). Also, I am christian, but not enough for me to only want to go to a religious school. Also don’t mention cost. I know that these are very expensive colleges and I have talked about it with my parents and we can afford both. I just would love if these things were compared between URichmond & Pepperdine:
Which is a more well known school nationally and to employers?
Which has more internship opportunities?
What is the general campus life for both?
Which is better for my major(s)?
What are the students like at each of these schools? (this is important to me)
Two interesting choices…not super similar at first glance! Were you able to visit both? Why do you have to choose now…it’s not acceptance time?
I can only go from my impressions from my visits with two separate kids, so we weren’t comparing the two. Richmond…beautiful pristine upscale camp/resort type campus. Our impression of students was preppy and well dressed, we got kind of a wealthy vibe. Friendly, happy, school pride. And basically, same at Pepperdine! Of course the campus setting is different but beautiful in its own right.
Richmond seems to have a strength towards pre professional majors such as business, and has the Richmond Guarantee for internships…look it up. As for reputation, IDK…do you want to end up on the west coast after graduation, east coast, or somewhere in between? I think knowledge of the schools by employers will be a little bit based on geography. Our Pepperdine tour was theater based so I don’t have much for you there. There is the Christian feel at Pepperdine, that would be a part of the culture that you just won’t have at Richmond ( I don’t mean that to say that there wouldn’t be Christian or religious groups or activities at Richmond, just that it won’t be a built in part of the entire college culture).
You could see if these two are in the Fiske Guide to colleges book, and there are other college sites that might give you insight into the students.
@TS0104 that was actually so helpful. Unfortunately, I was not able to visit the campuses due to COVID. I am from CT, so Richmond would be a more familiar environment to me. In terms of why I am trying to choose now… I am going to apply EA, and the deadline for both colleges is November 1st, so its coming up. I’m fine with any type of student body. The only type that I would shy away from are those who just party and a huge frat life. Do you know anything about the music (specifically chorus) culture at either of the schools? Is it prevalent? I am very intrigued by Richmond’s business program. I do think I will end up on the east coast (or at least closer to the east coast than to the west coast) after college. I just possibly wanted to live on the west coast for a few years of my life (but maybe that isn’t the smartest choice). I think I will end up going with Richmond, but I do like both schools so I may end up applying to both.
Are you religious and of a religion that is denominationally compatible with Pepperdine, where the religious influence on student life is significant, including required convocation attendance?
Is there a reason you cannot EA to both? I definitely would. Depending on your stats Richmond is a tough admit.
I’m sorry that you cannot visit. I’m sure that makes it very hard. One of the biggest things I was looking at (I’m the mom) at our in person tours was the other students! I’m sure you can find information about chorus groups at each schools’ websites. You may also want to check Instagram too…some schools are great at having club or dept instagram (or Facebook) so you could see how active they are or what they do.
I definitely didn’t get a frat/party culture at either. I also believe on the schools’ web sites you can get Greek life info, such as does either school have on campus frat or sorority houses? (I would guess not). And how many students participate.
I personally wouldn’t let the coastal thing be too big of a factor, that was just my attempt to answer your reputation question. I’m not a fan of choosing schools on prestige, I personally think what is more important and impactful is each students’ individual performance and experience in college that will likely impact their job search the most. Which is why we focused on schools that my kids really felt they would thrive at, regardless of rankings. I also think that college is a great opportunity to explore living somewhere different for four years.
If the religious aspect of Pepperdine intrigues you, AND seeing that Pepperdine and Richmond are both mid sized colleges, you may want to look at the list of Jesuit schools around the country. https://www.ajcunet.edu/institutions Jesuit schools have a different spiritual culture and philosophy (more liberal, universal and philsophical) than Christian schools, based in Catholicism but more geared towards service. Most Jesuit schools are medium sized.
@TS0104 thank you! Yeah I probably am going to apply to both. I really like both schools and have written the supplemental essays for both already. I think that both of these schools would be a target (with Richmond being a harder target). I love the cultures of both schools, the area for both as well.
My impression is that social life at URichmond generally revolves around greek life. Pepperdine, maybe due to its religious influence, doesn’t have that large of a greek scene. Like most schools, the reputations of these schools will be strongest in their respective regions (west coast and southeast)
We’re not familiar with URichmond, however, have visited and investigated Pepperdine. Pepperdine is probably one of the prettiest and most picturesque campuses anywhere; on a hill overlooking the Pacific in Malibu - just breathtaking. We did not do the formal tour at Pepperdine, however our observation is that the religious climate (Church of Christ, I believe?) is significant (which you said was in line with what you’re looking for) and the school is very small. I think you’d need a car because the Malibu campus is rather isolated – beautiful, but isolated. My D19 ended up not applying (she was looking for engineering, which I don’t believe is a strong suit at Pepperdine), but we both loved the campus. Good luck in your quest!
What did you end up deciding? I am Richmond alum as is my husband so my daughter had spiders in her blood. However she just felt a pull to CA and Malibu and loved Pepperdine too. So was torn but finally just decided this week - Pepperdine it is!