Cullen Player

Admission Counselor

Home Town: San Antonio, TX
Seaver College Class of 2021
Major: Economics
Minor: Applied Mathematics
Email: cullen.player@pepperdine.edu
Phone: 310-506-4392

Favorite Spot on Campus

My favorite spot on campus is the wraparound patio outside of the Caf.  With 180° views of the Pacific Ocean, this is one of the best spots on campus to sit down and enjoy a good meal, great conversation, or even just some time alone to think, pray, and take in the natural beauty of Malibu.

Tips For Applying

Top 3 recommendations for applying

1. Do your research! Check out our mission statement to see if Pepperdine could be the right fit for you. Then, through your application, show us how we can help you reach your goals.
2. Don't wait until the last minute! Give yourself time to include thorough answers and explanations for each component of the application so we can get the best picture of who you are and what you've accomplished.
3. Don't be afraid to ask for help—you aren't alone in this process! There are so many resources at your disposal throughout your college search. If you aren't sure where to start, send me an email!

Advice for essays and supplemental question

The other portions of the Common Application serve as more of a resume of your activities and accomplishments. Rather than just restating something you've already included there, take this opportunity to tell us more about yourself and who you are. Expand upon a passion, interest, experience, or really anything else that gives us a window into your life.

Other general advice

Try to picture yourself waking up on campus and what a typical day would look like for you. College is so much more than just the education you'll be receiving; make sure you're going to enjoy the experience as well.

My biggest piece of advice for any new college student is to go to office hours and make use of your professors as the phenomenal resource that they are. I think this advice is relevant to the college search as well: find out how accessible the professors are at each school you apply to so you'll know more about what your future academic experience will look like.

Working in the Office of Admission

My favorite aspect about working in the Office of Admission

I love getting to know prospective students and helping them discover if Pepperdine is a good fit for them. I love sharing my own experiences and connecting students to other resources on campus as well to help them fall in love with Pepperdine just like I did!

Highlights From My Time at Pepperdine

The main reason I decided to attend Pepperdine

There were so many factors! Some of the most important for me were location, Christian mission, international programs, and the Great Books Colloquium.

Activities, clubs, and service projects I was involved with

I served as a first-year resident advisor for Housing and Residence Life, and I worked as a tutor in the Student Success Center and as a tour guide in the Office of Admission. Additionally, I participated in multiple club convos and some intramurals!

My favorite professor

My favorite professor was my Great Books professor, Dr. Michael Gose. Dr. Gose has been an educator for 50 years, and he makes it evident how deeply he cares about his students and their success in and out of the classroom. Additionally, I love the way he presents the ideas in his courses and engages all of his students in class discussions and other "heuristic" activities.

How I developed spiritually at Pepperdine

I was always finding ways to further challenge and deepen my faith throughout my four years at Pepperdine. One pivotal moment in this development was when I took Mason Marshall's Reasons for Faith class my senior year. A philosophy G.E., this class—and Mason—really helped me understand the Christian Faith in a new way. I was able to grow stronger in my convictions and have a better grasp on why I believe what I believe.

The highlight of my Pepperdine experience

The highlight of my Pepperdine experience was studying abroad in Lausanne, Switzerland. Over the course of my sophomore year, I visited 17 different countries including Croatia, Tanzania, Morocco, and Norway!

Where I studied abroad

I spent the entirety of my sophomore year in Lausanne, Switzerland.