Transfer Students: Frequently Asked Questions

Seaver College receives nearly 700 applications for students who wish to transfer to Pepperdine every fall. Two hundred students are generally accepted, and about 100 transfer students arrive in August for New Student Orientation. While transfer students are generally savvy about how the admission process works, some questions tend to arise often. Below are answers to some common questions about Pepperdine's transfer admission process.

What are Pepperdine's course requirements for transfer students?

Pepperdine does not have course requirements.

1. While there are no specific course requirements for transfer students, we do consider the classes you've taken and appreciate students who can handle a more rigorous academic course load while also working or participating in extracurricular activities.
2. We suggest you take courses that will satisfy Pepperdine's general education requirements, which can be found in our academic catalog. Pepperdine will accept up to 64 units of transferable credits.
3. If you attend a California community college, you may also want to see if your college is included in the University's Articulation Agreements.

What is the minimum number of college units required in order to transfer to Pepperdine?

The good news is that we do not require a minimum number of college units be completed prior to transferring to Pepperdine. Instead, we offer two transfer pathways:

1. If you have twenty-nine units or fewer completed at the time of application, the Admission Committee reviews your Common App, high school transcript, SAT or ACT score, college transcript and letter of recommendation to render a decision.
2. If you have 30 or more units completed at the time of application, the Admission Committee reviews your Common App, high school transcript, college transcript, and letter of recommendation to render a decision.

The main difference is that we will waive the test score (SAT or ACT) if you have completed 30 or more college units, and we will place more emphasis on your college transcript than on your high school work.

Can you advise me on which classes will transfer to Pepperdine?

Unfortunately, we do not offer pre-advising services to our transfer students. As noted above, we have some great resources to help guide you. If you are admitted, our academic advising team will review your transcript, and you will receive a transfer credit summary prior to the enrollment deadline, which will allow you to make an informed enrollment decision.

Do I need to submit my high school transcript? Will it affect my admission decision?

We require official proof of high school completion. You must submit an official final high school transcript or your high school equivalency in order to be considered for admission.

If you feel that your high school transcript does not reflect your growth as a student in college, I would encourage you to complete at least 30 units of college credit prior to applying to Pepperdine. Our admission committee will place more emphasis on your college coursework if you have completed 30 or more units.

What is the transfer community like at Pepperdine?

As a small, tight-knit community, Pepperdine embraces our transfer students. Our associate dean of students, Stacy Montgomery, works hard to ensure that transfer and commuter students have a great experience. In addition to Montgomery, there are a number of staff on campus who are committed to streamlining experiences for all our transfer students.

For additional insight as to what life is like as a transfer student at Pepperdine, check out some testimonials from current transfer students.