COVID-19 Information Hub for Admission

We do not anticipate any significant changes to our application process due to COVID-19 at this time, please see this link to learn more about our requirements. We are continuing to closely monitor the testing (SAT and ACT) options made available to students.

It is important for you to know that we have a holistic admission process and our decisions are based on a variety of criteria. While academic achievement is weighed heavily, the Admission Committee will take into consideration outside factors such as COVID-19 so we would encourage you to share as much information as you feel comfortable in your application.

Pepperdine is test optional from Fall 2021 to Fall 2023. Although we do not require test scores, you have the option to submit either official test scores through the testing agency or self reported test scores through our test score form. Once your application has been processed, you will receive access to the Pepperdine Applicant Portal where you can access the test score form. If test scores are self-reported at the time of application, official test scores will be required upon admission to Pepperdine. Please note that self-reported test scores will only be accepted through Pepperdine's test score form. Test scores reported on the Common Application or transcripts will not be accepted.

If you choose to submit test scores, applicants must take the SAT I or ACT by October in order to meet the November 1 early action deadline or by December in order to meet the January 15 application deadline. The optional ACT writing test and SAT writing/essay section are neither required nor recommended. The SAT II Subject Tests are also not required.

If you are an International Student or a U.S. Citizen living abroad, please visit the Office of International Student Services webpage for further information.

The admission committee recognizes the extreme circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic that drastically changed the ways many schools and educational environments operated, including schools awarding credit/no credit in lieu of letter grades. Students will not be penalized if credit/no credit was awarded, as these courses will not be factored into their GPA. Students will still be considered for merit aid.

Credit/no credit or pass/fail courses will be accepted as transferable courses. These courses would be evaluated for transferable credit by the Office of the Registrar, should you be admitted to Pepperdine.

Unfortunately, our office will be unable to determine prior to a student's acceptance whether a course taken at a junior college, community college, or 4-year college will transfer into Pepperdine. Once a student is admitted, their coursework will be evaluated for credit transfer by the Office of the Registrar; you will receive this information before the enrollment confirmation deadline so you can include it in your decision process. Exceptions can be found in the articulation agreements Pepperdine has formed with several schools in the area. Please visit this website for further information. You may transfer no more than 64 units.

Students attending schools that do not have articulation agreements formed with Pepperdine should reference Pepperdine's General Education Requirements and the descriptions of the classes found in the Course Catalog. General education courses that appear comparable to those offered at Pepperdine have the best chance of being awarded credit.

For further information regarding transfer requirements, please visit our prospective students website.

It is important for you to know that we have a holistic admission process and our decisions are based on a variety of criteria. While academic achievement is weighed heavily, the Admission Committee will take into consideration outside factors such as COVID-19 so we would encourage you to share as much information as you feel comfortable in your application.

Pepperdine is open for on-campus tours. To register for tours, visit here. For the most updated guidelines for masks and other COVID-19 regulations, please visit our COVID-19 Planning and Preparedness website.

If you're unable to visit campus in person, we strongly encourage you to explore our virtual tour of campus via YouVisit, which provides tours of both the main campus and our residence halls.

We want to stay connected with you during these times! Please visit our Virtual Experience website to take advantage of our numerous virtual offerings, including a virtual student-led tour, a one-on-one appointment with an Admission Counselor, and a phone call with a current Pepperdine student.

We encourage you to picture yourself at Pepperdine through these online resources:  

• For an in-depth look into the experiences of our students, check out Rising Tide, a docuseries following five students as they navigate their college experience at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California. Started in the fall of 2015, Rising Tide has run for four seasons and concludes with the cast's graduation in April 2019.
• Watch Seaver Stories documentary short films that showcase the unique, transformative Seaver College experience from the eyes of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and more.
• Check out topical videos that highlight the Seaver College student experience including academics, spiritual life and service, student life, international programs, outcomes, and a peek into the men's and women's residence halls.
• Read Seaver Blog posts from the unique perspective of current college students, faculty, and administration on topics ranging from admission tips to where to dine on campus.
• Check out Seaver Voices to hear what our students have to say about the Pepperdine University community, studying abroad, service projects, spiritual development, student life, academics, faculty mentorship, and more!
• Download a copy of our digital viewbook so that you can learn more about Pepperdine and the things that interest you most.
• Explore our eight academic divisions and major and minor offerings online.