Jonathan Cottrill

Assistant Director of Admission

Home Town: Columbus, OH
Pepperdine University Class of 2021
Major: Public Relations
Email: Jonathan.Cottrill@pepperdine.edu
Phone: (310) 506-4392

Favorite Spot on Campus

Drescher campus. No matter what direction you’re facing, it's a scenic and zen location on the Malibu campus. Looking at the rocky mountains above or gazing out over the cascading greenspaces leading to the ocean below. You’ll be awestruck every time. 

Tips For Applying

Top 3 recommendations for applying

1. Before opening the application, have a brainstorm session on what sets you apart from other applicants.

2. Start the application the day it opens. You’ll complete it sooner and this will create for a much more enjoyable application process as a whole.

3. Make sure the application and essays focus on YOU. We love to hear about who/what has influenced you but make sure you keep yourself at the center of the application narrative. 

Advice for essays and supplemental question

1. Read it over more than you think you should.
2. Have someone proofread it and give their input (Parents, teacher, professor, family friend). 
3. Think about the best way to get the most information in the least amount of words. Utilize every inch and word of your essay.

Other General Advice

If you’re ever unsure of something, reach out to our office. We have a lovely group of committed staff members excited to assist you. You can also chat with current students and gain firsthand knowledge. You can connect with a student online! 

Working in the Office of Admission

My favorite aspect about working in the Office of Admission

The encounters we are able to have with students discerning their next steps. With each round of prospective students, I am uplifted to hear stories that have shaped their lives, success they have spent extended time working towards, and diverse obstacles students have overcome. No story is identical and I appreciate the opportunity to witness the authentic parts of humanity and hold space for them through the application process. 

Highlights From My Time at Pepperdine

The main reason I decided to attend Pepperdine

Pepperdine's high level academic reputation paired with its existence as an institution seated on a foundation of leadership in both purpose and service were notable aspects to me. Through this I was able to understand who Pepperdine was and understood that it was the unique school best suited for me.

My favorite class

My Christianity and sustainability course was super interesting and one of the most thought-provoking classes I took during my time at Pepperdine. Additionally, I enjoyed my journalism program where I was able to film a news segment and showcase it on the news station here in Los Angeles. 

Activities, clubs, and service projects I was involved with

Green Team (Environmental Club), Songfest, Study Abroad, House Group, Step Forward Day, and The Midnight Mission.

The highlight of my Pepperdine experience

Going abroad and bungee jumping from one of the tallest jumping locations was a pretty big highlight for me. If you ask my parents they may choose a memory where both my feet are on the ground, but I’ll never forget that experience with my friends.

Where I studied abroad

New Zealand