Frequently Asked Questions

Admissions

1. Can I apply to Seaver Graduate Programs on line?
2. Can I still get a paper application?
3. What is the application deadline for the Fall semester?
4. What documents are required as a part of the application process?
5. What is the minimum GPA required?
6. What is the minimum GRE score required?
7. Can I apply to more than one department?
8. How long does it take to process an application?
9. How can I find out the status of my application?
10. How can I get additional information about specific degrees when applying?
11. How do I reapply if my application has been denied or I have withdrawn my application?
12. How do I reapply if I do not enroll for the term I am admitted?

GRE Test Requirements

13. Where should I have my test scores sent?
14. Does Pepperdine require that applicants submit GRE and TOEFL scores?
15. What is the minimum GRE score required?
16. What are the GRE and TOEFL test dates?
17. Why is the TOEFL required?
18. Can the TOEFL exam requirement be waived
19. I cannot take the GRE until after the application deadline. Will my application still be considered?
20. Will you accept a copy of my GRE scores?
21. I took the GRE several years ago. Can I submit that score?
22. I have not applied yet, but I had my scores sent to you. Have you received them? I have applied; but I do not know my test scores. Can you tell me what they are?
23. Do Graduate students teach undergraduate classes?

International Student Information

24. Do I have to submit financial statement with my application for admission?
25. I've been accepted, what documents do you need?

General Questions

26. Can I receive a hard copy of the Catalog?
27. How do new students register for classes?
28. Do you mail grades to my home?
29. How do I obtain information about student health insurance plans?

Admissions

1. Can I apply to Seaver Graduate Programs on line?
Yes. You can complete the application on line. Your recommenders can also submit their recommendations on-line.

2. Can I still get a paper application?
At this time we are no longer accepting paper applications. If you are unable to complete the online application, please contact us.

3. What is the application deadline for the Fall semester?
The deadline for priority financial aid and housing consideration is Feb 1 and the final application deadline is March 15.

4. What documents are required as a part of the application process?
For complete instructions, be sure to review the checklist for your program.

5. What is the minimum GPA required?
Preference is given to students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

6. What is the minimum GRE score required?
Preference is given to students whose scores fall in the 50th percentile or above.

7. Can I apply to more than one department?
Yes, however you must complete an application and pay an application fee for each department to which you apply.

8. How long does it take to process an application?
It depends. Some departments hold applications and make decisions on them all at one time (after each deadline); in such cases the processing time may be longer. Other departments make decisions monthly, or as they receive each application. Departments will not make decisions on incomplete files. With the department's recommendation, the Dean of Seaver College will make the final admission decision. You will receive a letter stating the admission decision.

9. How can I find out the status of my application?
Soon you will be able to check the status on line. Until that aspect of our web is fully functional, please call the Graduate Programs office at 310-506-6079. It is the responsibility of the student to make sure that the application is complete and all materials have been received. We highly recommend that you check the status of your application.

10. How can I get additional information about specific degrees when applying?
Visit each department's web site or contact them directly for information on curriculum and degree specifics.

11. How do I reapply if my application has been denied or I have withdrawn my application?
The Graduate Programs office archives applications for 2 years. If you wish to be apply again, please contact us and ask us to reactivate your application. If it has been more than 2 years since you applied, you will need to complete a new application. You may wish to supply a new essay.

12. How do I reapply if I do not enroll for the term I am admitted?
We do not defer admission. We will keep your application on file for 2 years. If you wish to reapply, please contact us and ask us to reactivate your application.  If it has been more than 2 years since you applied, you will need to complete a new application. You may wish to supply a new essay.  If you have completed any new coursework, you will need to submit updated transcripts. Your application will be considered with a new pool of applicants; therefore the same decision may or may not be reached regarding your admission.

GRE Test Requirements

13. Where should I have my test scores sent?
Your test scores should be sent to Pepperdine University Malibu. Use the institutional code provided by ETS. They will send your scores to us electronically.

14. Does Pepperdine require that applicants submit GRE and TOEFL scores?
The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is required of applicants applying to Communiation or Religion. American Studies applicants may choose to submit the CSET instead.  MFA applicants are encouraged to take the GRE but it is optional.  Visit gre.org to find test dates and information. The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is required of all international students whose native language is not English. A minimum total score of 600 (paper-based) or 250 (computer-based) is required. Information concerning this test in your country is available from TOEFL, Tel: (609) 921-9000 or ets.org.

15. What is the minimum GRE score required?
Preference is given to students whose scores fall in the 50th percentile or above.

16. What are the GRE and TOEFL test dates?
Test dates vary by location and can be found at ets.org. This site is an important resource for anyone planning to attend Graduate School.

17. Why is the TOEFL required?
The TOEFL ensures that students enter the university with sufficient English skills. These skills are necessary for students to function in a graduate program.

18. Can the TOEFL exam requirement be waived?
The TOEFL is waived in some situations, particularly when English proficiency is demonstrated in other experiences. For example, students who have completed high school and college at an English speaking school often receive a waiver. A student must request that the TOEFL be waived.

19. I cannot take the GRE until after the application deadline. Will my application still be considered?
Applications are not considered for decision until they are complete. The GRE is an integral part of the application. We do not waive the GRE for those programs that require it.  You may request an extension of the application deadline.  Decisions are made on a case by case basis.

20. Will you accept a copy of my GRE scores?
No. We only accept original scores.

21. I took the GRE several years ago. Can I submit that score?
GRE scores are valid for 5 years. If your score is less than 5 years old, please contact ETS and have them send it to us. If it is more than 5 years old, you will need to retake the test.

22. I have not applied yet, but I had my scores sent to you. Have you received them? I have applied; but I do not know my test scores. Can you tell me what they are?
Both of these questions have the same answer. We can tell prospective students whether or not their scores have arrived, and that is the only information we can release. In order to protect your privacy, we cannot divulge test scores over the phone because we cannot verify the identity of the caller.

23. Do graduate students teach undergraduate classes as teaching assistants?
No. The University does not employ graduate teaching assistants to teach undergraduate classes.  However, each department has a limited number of graduate assistant positions available.  The responsibilities vary.  Please contact the individual division for information regarding assistantships available for their students. A graduate student may apply for additional financial aid through the Federal Stafford Loan Program or independent scholarships which have no relationship to the University.

International Student Information

24. Do I have to submit financial statement with my application for admission?
The financial statement must be submitted along with the application for admission; without this form your application would be considered incomplete and would not be considered for decision. 

25. I've been accepted, what documents do you need?
Once you are accepted, contact International Student Services at to complete the process to be able to enter the country as a student. Contact details are as follows: (310) 506-4246, Fax (310) 506 7403, Email:  oiss@pepperdine.edu

General Questions

26. Can I receive a hard copy of the Catalog?
We no longer print copies of the Catalog. The full Catalog may be found online for your reference.

27. How do new students register for classes?
Students will register for the first term during Orientation which is typically the Friday before the first day of classes. After that students may register for classes online from any computer through WaveNet. During orientation, you will receive information on how to register for future semesters.

28. Do you mail grades to my home?
No. We no longer mail grades. Grades are available on WaveNet at the end of each term.  We cannot give grades out over the phone as we cannot verify the identity of the caller.

29. How do I obtain information about student health insurance plans?
Contact the Student Insurance Coordinator (http://www.pepperdine.edu/healthcenter/geninfo/insurance.htm). All Seaver students are required to have insurance. If you already have insurance please be sure to notify the student insurance office.