I am a freshman in high school. I know it may seem to be a little early to start looking at colleges, but my school stresses that I start looking at schools and preparing for the future. I really want to travel and live by the beach, so now I have my heart set on Pepperdine University. Also, they have a journalism major, which is exactly what I want. I have had straight A’s all the way up to 8th grade, where I got my first B. Now being a freshman, I have all A’s and a B. My current high school GPA is about 3.75. I got an advanced score on both sections of the Algebra Keystones AND the PSSA’s (Pennsylvania’s state test), so I received the opportunity to take the SATs a few days after I got out of 8th grade. I took them and I received a score of 1210, which is an average score for an 8th grader. I can guarantee that by the time I take the test during my junior year, I’ll get a much better score. I did not, however, have the chance to take the ACTs. I understand that Pepperdine is a Christian school and likes you to be involved with your church and other activities. This worries me because although I am a Catholic, I don’t go to church. I do have a strong belief in God, I just don’t have time to go to church every weekend. I also did only one extra-curricular activity, and that was cheerleading. I hated it and do not plan on doing it the next 3 years. I am not involved in any clubs or activities because I like to be focused 100% on my education. I don’t go to church, I don’t do clubs or sports, but I am very smart. Will I get into Pepperdine?
Just keep doing as well as you can. It is really impossible to tell you any specifics so early in your career.
I dont recommend that you focus 100% on your education because Pepperdine looks at the applicant as a well rounded person. I was admitted to Pepperdine with a 3.6 GPA but was very involved in clubs, charity work and church. my friend with a 4.0 and 2 extra curriculars was denied. It is ok that you don’t go to church, as long as you can express your beliefs and how they have impacted you in your admissions essay then you should be fine. beware if you do get into Pepperdine you have to attend 14hrs of convocations a semester so church will become a part of your routine. Pepperdine’s mission statement is purpose-service-leadership so try to shape your choices around that and you are heading in the right direction!