Pepperdine VS. UC Riverside!!!!!!

carolyn
Wed, 06 Apr 2005 21:31:15 +0000

A few things to consider:


Pepperdine has more international students if that matters to you at all. Pepperdine also has a more organized international student support program.
UC Riverside has a large commuter population and many of the students who do live on campus go home on the weekends, which can limit social life, especially if you do not have a car. Not as true at Pepperdine.
Pepperdine has a MUCH stronger reputation here in California, especially for business. Your family may be hearing the words “University of California” and thinking that is what will provide “connections.” You probably need to remind them that UC Riverside is NOT the same as the more world-reknowned UCLA or UC Berkeley and does not provide the same sort of connections as those two schools, at least here in the states. UC Riverside is considered by many to be the “least” of the UC schools in terms of academic quality. This does not, in my opinion, mean that the academics are bad, but PEpperdine’s academics are definitely stronger overall and their business program is definitely stronger.
The Riverside area is not particularly attractive — one of the smoggiest areas in southern california. Pepperdine is located overlooking the ocean in beautiful malibu - you know, where all the movie stars live. You will have a totally different quality of life at the the two schools. At both schools you will be somewhat limited to campus if you do not have a car - would you prefer to be stuck on a campus overlooking the ocean or in the often hot and smoggy inland?


-PEpperdine’s administration is conservative and religious and that filters down to student life quite a bit. If you are not comfortable with a Christian orientation, you may prefer U of Riverside.


Classes at Pepperdine will be smaller than Riverside, at least in your first two years. Also, the California state budget crisis has led to cut backs that have affected the availability of some classes in the UC schools. Pepperdine may cost more but you will be almost guaranteed of graduating in 4 years - it can be difficult to get classes at UC Riverside which may mean an extra semester or two or even a year or two to finish up. Thus, the cost differential may not be all that great. If being certain of graduating in 4 years is important to you, Pepperdine is the surer bet.


Good luck in making your decision!.