<p>Why was I waitlisted to Pepperdine? This was my top choice. Do I just totally suck because it sure feels like my world is crumbling around me. </p>
<p>Stats:
GPA: 4.7
Unweighted: 3.9
SAT: 1710
ACT: 24
Rank: 1 out of 250
Race: White
Valedictorian
EC's- SB Prez 2 Years, NHS Member, various clubs</p>
<p>First Pepperdine now I find out Chapman is Decision Complete status. Excuse me while I crawl into a dark hole.</p>
<p>Any advice on how to get in?</p>
<p>I honestly think a lot is weighted on the essays</p>
<p>I’m sure you already know this, but your test scores are well below average. I was told by an admissions counselor (not at Pepperdine, but he was speaking in generalities) that a very high GPA and very low test scores are a red flag that kids are either at really easy high schools with lots of low performing students or at schools where grade inflation is huge. Grades can’t be compared apples to apples; test scores can. That’s why almost all colleges require standardized tests. It’s the only way to specifically compare students.</p>
<p>Of course, as we all know, test scores aren’t everything, and they shouldn’t be. You wouldn’t have been waitlisted if your high grades and I’m assuming good ECs didn’t make up for your low SAT/ACT. Who knows what the waitlist will look like after May 1? Good luck!!</p>
<p>You know, I think Pepperdine’s admissions criteria are really messed up. I got a 32 on the ACT, have great essays, and really great extra-curriculars, and I got waitlisted too. I wouldn’t worry about it too much. Plus, I heard that they have grad students read the admissions essays. I’m sure you’ll get into some other great schools.</p>
<p>^ Yep. I am in at two top ten schools and waitlisted at Pepperdine. Weird, huh? It just goes to show that you can never tell who will be a good fit at any particular school or what an adcom is looking for. I would have considered Pepperdine even with offers at other schools. Still, I am thrilled with the schools I’m in and wish all future Pepperdine students well. I will always be a little jealous of the beauty of the place and the ready access to the beach!</p>
<p>Just curious, what other schools have you been accepted?</p>
<p>jdhjdh… Of course I know that my test scores are low but one bad day shouldn’t be the cause of not getting into a great college. Maybe my grades were high because I worked my butt off all four years. My school was by no means easy. Personally, I feel that tests cannot measure a student. Hopefully I have a chance. Thanks.</p>
<p>CassAz… Wow, that is horrible. I thought mine was unfair. Wish you nothing but luck.</p>
<p>kmatt…</p>
<p>Pepperdine: Waitlisted
Chapman: Waitlisted
Gonzaga
Southern Utah U
Westmont</p>
<p>Any advice on which to choose? Not thrilled about any…</p>
<p>disney, question for you</p>
<p>with that high GPA but relatively low SAT, why did you not apply to many more colleges, since you never know when that special college would prefer the high GPA over the SAT score?</p>
<p>For instance, UCSC, UCR and UCSB, Occidental and URedlands</p>
<p>John…</p>
<p>Sounds pretty silly but I still do not know where I want to go to college and therefore could not find colleges I wanted to apply to back in December. It was a tough decision then and even harder now…</p>