Ashley Nguyen

Director of Admission

Hometown: Santa Clarita, CA
Seaver College Class of 2011
Major: Liberal Arts
Email: ashley.l.nguyen@pepperdine.edu
Phone: 310-506-4392

My Favorite Spot on Campus

The courtyard in front of the Chapel. It's a beautiful place to soak in some quiet time and enjoy the ocean views from our campus--you might even spot a whale or a pod of dolphins!

Tips for Applying

Top 3 recommendations for applying

1. Come and visit our beautiful campus. Get to know the Pepperdine community firsthand by attending an event or a campus visit.
2. The letter of recommendation can be very powerful in your admission decision. Ask your recommender early, ask someone who likes you, whose class you did well in, and someone who can advocate well for you.
3. Enjoy your senior year! The college application process can be time consuming and stressful but don't forget to enjoy your final year of high school.

Advice for writing the essays and supplemental question

Remember that your audience does not know you well. Fill in gaps, let us get to know a new aspect of you through your writing.

Working in the Office of Admission

My favorite aspect about working in the Office of Admission

My favorite part about working in the Office of Admission is that we have an opportunity to shape the Pepperdine community. I loved my community at Pepperdine as a student and as a staff member I hope to continue to replicate that community for future Waves to come.

What I enjoy most about traveling the country meeting prospective students and their families

What I enjoy most about traveling is meeting new prospective students and their loved ones. It's exciting to share with them what makes Pepperdine unique and all the opportunities that will be at your fingertips when you become a Wave.

Highlights From My Time at Pepperdine

The first thing I thought when I learned I was accepted to Pepperdine

I was a bag of mixed emotions. I couldn't believe that my hard work had paid off but as a first generation college student I had no idea what my next steps would be.

Activities, clubs, and service projects I was involved with

During my time at Pepperdine I was a member of the sorority Tri-Delta and served as Treasurer and Sponsor Chairman. As a student worker in the Pepperdine Volunteer Center I was involved with America Reads as a tutor and program coordinator, as well as a Service Learning Advocate where I hosted two weeks on campus called The Week of Hunger and Homelessness and the Week of Peace, Hope, and Justice.

My favorite professor

My favorite professor is Dr. Stella Erbes. She is hilarious and a wonderful mentor to many students. We still meet regularly for lunch.

How I developed spiritually at Pepperdine

I grew most in my faith during my time studying abroad. As a Southern California native, I was very anxious about being so far away from home and not knowing the language. During my time in Switzerland, I really learned to trust God and to lean on Him through the unknowns.

The highlight of my Pepperdine experience

One of the many highlights from my time at Pepperdine was meeting amazing friends and creating our own home within the Pepperdine community. We had a great time staying up late studying for finals, exploring the LA area, volunteering on service projects, and more. College is a time for growth through simply having a lot of fun!

Where I studied abroad

Lausanne, Switzerland