mattyj375

I don't know where to go. Santa Barbara seems to have the better academic reputation and is cheaper, but I don't know if I would party too much there. I like the location of Pepperdine, but the party scene looks dismal. The students at Pepperdine and UCSB seem very similiar, I don't know what to do. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks for the help.

mboyle1988

if partying is important to you, go to Santa Barbara...but I disagree about the reputation thing. They are competitor schools in terms of reputation.

SoCal18

Well... I plan on applying to both of these schools next year, so here's my opinion.

You can't go wrong with either school. I would most likely choose UCSB, because I loved UCSB's chill atmosphere, and the fact that everyone loves Gaucho Soccer (National Champs)!!

But I love Pepperdine too. I think the school offers plenty of social opportunities (and this is coming from someone who is applying to Miami, SDSU, and ASU). First of all there is the beach. And about 25% of the student body is greek. Also Santa Monica, Westwood, Beverly Hills, and Hollywood are all just a short drive away. Also Pepperdine has some pretty awesome sports teams.

Good luck with your decision.

ucplaya05

if u can get enough aid where ucsb and pepperdine will cost the same anount of money then of course go to pepperdine.

Ronris

any more input on this topic??? Im facing the same situation right now and like more opinions

JC*

I know students at both schools and academically, I think the Pepperdine students are more focused, but I also think that the UC system offers a great education.

In weighing these two schools, outside of academics because they are both good schools, you need to decide what you are looking for. UCSB is a large school in a small community that is infamous for partying. Pepperdine is a small school in a small community but close to the greater Los Angeles.
The community at Pepperdine is small and much of the social life is within the community, that is not to say there aren't parties off campus in Malibu and Calabasas (and occasional trips to Santa Barbara!) In Santa Barbara you have a much larger community with more social options.
Once you figure out if you are a large campus or small campus person, the choice should be clear....cost set aside of course.

It seems to me that before applying it would be best to come up with a profile of the type of school you are looking for because these two schools are apples and oranges!