Pepperdine Seaver Admission

Official Tumblr page for Seaver College Office of Admission at Pepperdine University. Questions? Contact Us!

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Pepperdine is Home: Alyssa Boyer

In the month of November, we will be talking to current Pepperdine students about when they knew Pepperdine was right for them. We will be featuring students from all of Seaver College’s eight academic divisions. This spotlight is on a student from our International Studies and Language division.

Alyssa Boyer, Junior at Seaver College

Major: French and International Studies

Hometown: Brentwood, California

What were you looking for in a college?

My main priority when I was looking at potential schools was whether or not I could study abroad. That was something I had wanted to do since I was little. Other than that I had wanted to be on one of the coasts and to have a college town vibe.

How did you know Pepperdine was the school for you?

I knew Pepperdine was the school for me because of International Programs. It was easier, by far, to study abroad at Pepperdine than any other school I looked at.

How has this played out in your Pepperdine experience?

I just spent my sophomore year abroad in Lausanne, Switzerland so Pepperdine has definitely helped me achieve some of the goals I had coming in. Through that I have met some amazing people and I have also learned a lot about myself and the world. It has also contributed greatly to my happiness here.

What one piece of advice would you give to prospective students looking at Pepperdine?

My advice is to just try to know for sure what you want out of a school, because I know how stressful and hard it can be to choose one. If you know what you really want though, you'll end up where you're supposed to be. And if where you want to be is abroad for a year then Pepperdine would be an amazing choice.

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Pepperdine is Home: Stuart Slayton

In the month of November, we will be talking to current Pepperdine students about when they knew Pepperdine was right for them. We will be featuring students from all of Seaver College’s eight academic divisions. This spotlight is on a student from our Social Sciences Division.

Stuart Slayton, Senior at Seaver College

Major: Psychology

Hometown: Dallas, Texas

What were you looking for in a college?

I was looking for a university that developed the the person as a whole, rather than overemphasizing the intellectual and academic part of the person. 

How did you know Pepperdine was the school for you?

I knew that Pepperdine was right for me as soon as I started to learn more about the university. Their mission of developing students to lead lives of purpose, service, and leadership through moral, intellectual, and spiritual formation was exactly what I wanted to get out of my education. They prepare you to live a full life with practical tools, so that you are ready to make a meaningful difference in the world as soon as you graduate, if not sooner. 

How has this played out in your Pepperdine experience?

Every part of my education and activities has helped to shape me into a better person. In the classroom, the professors teach you the theory, but they encourage students to apply that theory to their personal lives. For example, in my rhetorical theory class, we looked at the election and how each candidate used rhetoric to advance their agendas, as well as how we can use rhetoric ourselves to help change the dialogue and be civil and collaborative with our peers. In my extracurricular activities, I have had the privilege of serving as president of my fraternity, Psi Upsilon. Psi Upsilon is a service fraternity, and because of that, many weekends we are out in the community doing a service project. Last year, each brother served 27 hours on average and helped raise over $31,000 for different charities. 

What one piece of advice would you give to prospective students looking at Pepperdine?

For prospective students, I would encourage you to think about the kind of person you are now and the kind of person you want to be in four years. Notice how those two versions of yourself are different, and then look at each university to which you are applying. The mission, curriculum, activities, and focus of each university will be different, and you should figure out which one will be the best in getting you from where you are now to where you want to be in four years.

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Pepperdine is Home: Jamie Wagner

In the month of November, we will be talking to current Pepperdine students about when they knew Pepperdine was right for them. We will be featuring students from all of Seaver College’s eight academic divisions. This spotlight is on a student from our Business Administration division.

Jamie Wagner, Freshman at Seaver College

Major: International Business

Hometown: West Chester, Pennsylvania 

What were you looking for in a college?

A small, but not too small, school that could challenge me and offered unique international opportunities.  A community in which I could grow both academically and spiritually. 

Describe the moment you knew Pepperdine was the perfect school for you:

I came to visit during finals week of all weeks and met the director of the international programs and he described to me what sounded like the perfect international experience.  I also met with a financial adviser who prayed with me and my family before we left just further assuring me that this would be the place for me.  Then, before we left, someone had left over caf points and bought my lunch for me which definitely just closed the deal.  

How has Pepperdine helped you grow professionally, personally and spiritually?

I have been able to make many new friends who are able to challenge me both personally and spiritually.  I have been able to continue growing in my faith and have formed relationships with people who I can talk about it with.  The small size of classes has also allowed me to truly engage in my learning.  There are opportunities every month to engage in the "job world" and meet people from top companies and get my resume out there.  

What one piece of advice would you give to prospective students looking at Pepperdine?

If you aren't looking for a close-knit school that will allow you to grow in so many new ways, then Pepperdine isn't for you.  But if you are looking for a new challenge, a second family, and opportunities that can change your life, Pepperdine should definitely be on your radar!

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Pepperdine is Home: Lauren Davila

In the month of November, we will be talking to current Pepperdine students about when they knew Pepperdine was right for them. We will be featuring students from all of Seaver College’s eight academic divisions. Our third spotlight is on a student from our Humanities and Teacher Education Division.

Lauren Davila, Senior at Seaver College

Major(s): Creative Writing and English Literature 

Hometown: Claremont, California

What were you looking for in a college?

As a first generation college Latina, I knew I was looking for a college atmosphere that would be welcoming to me as a prospective student. I also wanted somewhere close to home, as I am very close to my mom and my little sister and wanted to be able to go back and visit whenever I wanted. I didn't know what to expect from college, but I just wanted it to be somewhere I could thrive both academically and spiritually.

Describe the moment you knew Pepperdine was the perfect school for you:

I participated in the Youth Citizenship Seminar held at Pepperdine the summer of my Junior year (before even starting the undergraduate application process). This week was the first time away from home and I found an oasis of peace here at Pepperdine that let me know I was in the right place.

How has Pepperdine helped you grow professionally, personally and spiritually?

Pepperdine has let me grow in so many ways, both spiritually and personally, by allowing me to voice my opinions and try to make a difference in the Malibu community. By learning to juggle multiple jobs, work at Pepperdine Graphic Media as the Associate Editor, double majors, participating in my spiritual community at Our Lady of  Malibu, and developing life-long friendships, I have become a well-rounded woman who is ready to continue her academic endeavors after graduation in a few months.

What one piece of advice would you give to prospective students looking at Pepperdine?

My advice to students would be to reach out to current Pepperdine students and professors and inquire about life on campus. Reach out to organizations, clubs, journals, even spiritual communities you may be interested and start a conversation. Pepperdine can be your home away from home if you allow it to be, so open yourself up to the wonderful opportunities available to you here in Malibu.

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Pepperdine is Home: Kathrine Kuhlmann

In the month of November, we will be talking to current Pepperdine students about when they knew Pepperdine was right for them. We will be featuring students from all of Seaver College’s eight academic divisions. Our second spotlight is on a student from our communication division.

Kathrine Kuhlmann, Senior at Seaver College.

Major: Interpersonal Communication

Hometown: Kansas City, Missouri

What were you looking for in a college?

I began looking for schools based off their swimming programs and if they had respectable academics to match. 

Describe the moment you knew Pepperdine was the perfect school for you:

When I came to visit the school before I committed to the swim team, I remember just standing above the chapel and looking out at the ocean and knowing this was the place I wanted to call home. 

How has Pepperdine helped you grow professionally, personally and spiritually?

Pepperdine has the most amazing resources to help you develop over the four years. With small class sizes, you get to know your professors and develop solid relationships with them. They provide endless connections and opportunities and really help their students grow. Pepperdine is also filled with the most incredible people I have ever met. The people I have met in my four years here have challenged me, amazed me, and helped me become more of the human I want to be. I found God on this campus, was baptized by one of my professors, and find constant support in my faith. Looking back to freshman year, I am amazed at all that Pepperdine has done, and continues to do, for me. 

What one piece of advice would you give to prospective students looking at Pepperdine?

Come visit and ask questions! You really get to know a school and it's students by coming to campus and meeting people. Plus, a trip to Malibu isn't the worst thing in the world. 

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Pepperdine is Home: Imia Hawkins

In the month of November, we will be talking to current Pepperdine students about when they knew Pepperdine was right for them. We will be featuring students from all of Seaver College’s eight academic divisions. Our first spotlight is on a student from our fine art division.

Imia Hawkins, Senior at Seaver College

Major: Theatre and Media Production

Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona

What were you looking for in a college? 

When I was looking for a college to go to I was searching for a place that made me feel comfortable, welcomed, and safe.

Describe the moment you knew Pepperdine was the perfect school for you:

I realized that Pepperdine was the school for me when I was on the campus tour. They talked about the small class sizes, and the fact that you can start your major classes when you are a freshman, and NSO is like an event created to make sure the students and their parents have an easy transition into this phase of life. And I remember my parents asking me over and over again why I wasn't asking the tour guide questions, or talking to other prospective students, or even smiling. Honestly, I couldn't do any of that because I was so shocked that all the things I wanted actually existed in one school. It was surreal, and at the time I couldn't find the words to explain that to them, so they left that day thinking we wouldn't be returning to Pepperdine any time soon. 

How has Pepperdine helped you grow professionally, personally and spiritually?

I worry about everything. And the one thing that my major, my personal experience, and my spiritual experience over the past four years has taught me is that worrying solves nothing. Both my media production classes and my theatre classes encourage us to dive in head first, and figure the rest out as we go. The same happened with my personal and spiritual life, there were a lot of unknown factors going into my junior year, and there was just no time to worry. I just had to trust that God would be there to catch me if I fell, and He always was! 

What one piece of advice would you give to prospective students looking at Pepperdine?

I would say that college is an experience, so don't base your decision on the beach, or the class sizes, or the pretty library that will be there soon. Base your decision on whether or not you can see yourself enjoying, and inevitably, finding your place in the Pepperdine experience as a whole. 

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September Video Blog

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Experience the Rush

I couldn’t believe it. I was actually going to experience Rush week. Up until then, I hadn’t plugged in to a lot of things on campus. There were a number of events to go to (such as Culture Fest for example), but just by the nature of quantity, not all of them interested me.

After NSO, I was really looking for another exciting experience. A friend told me that I should rush. I had thought about it before, but not in the way most people would imagine! I didn’t want to rush at first because I didn’t feel the need to. I had made an insane amount of friends through NSO, and I always had time to hang out and talk to them if I so chose!

Nonetheless, I went to first Rush night and had an amazing time! Had I not gone, I never would have pledged Sigma Chi. I’m not an active, but the hard work and diligence I’ve learned so far through this process is nothing short of life changing! Through the pledge experience I’ve learned to stay on top of my studies, I’ve begun to depend on my pledge brothers, and I’ve even started to accomplish more in one day than I thought possible.

I chose this subject because it has already made my experience at Pepperdine that much more memorable! Regardless of what the Internet says, Pepperdine has an amazing Greek Life that I suggest any student should experience. Rush week gives you the opportunity to meet upperclassmen, different activities (like Go Karting) are provided, and it keeps your nights exciting! So I’ll tell you like my friend told me: At least rush a fraternity/sorority. Always be willing to try something new!

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October Blog: Hills to Climb

On October 30 a major emergency occurred: the entire Pepperdine campus lost power.  Imagine classes being cancelled entirely, getting food from the Café in the dark, and watching a guy running around screaming that the world is going to end. This was Pepperdine on October 30, 2015.

The full extent of just how much of a struggle a power outage is hit me when I was at work. Don’t get me wrong: where I work, Campus Ministry, is seriously the best place ever. Come visit (we’re located in the Joslyn Plaza), and get ready to be blown away. We’re constantly having amazing events like beach campouts and paintballing.  I couldn’t have asked for a better job.

However, October 30, 2015 was different. One of my jobs that day was to pick up speakers for our Halloween party. On any normal day, this task would have been an easy process. On this special day, however, the lovely elevator I would have normally used to complete the task was out. I have no idea why it took me so long to realize I actually had no clue what I was going to do. All I remember was realizing just how steep the giant hill that I’d have to climb was. Worse—I had no idea how I could possibly get the cart of speakers down the flight of stairs closest to the office.  

What ensued for the next ten minutes was little, impatient me constantly checking my phone with hopes that I would regain signal to call for help.

I didn’t.

Still not knowing what I was doing, I decided to make the trek up the hill praying that miraculously I’d find a secret trap hole that would lead me straight to the office.

I didn’t.

But that’s also when I learned two other things I already knew: (1) Pepperdine has the nicest staff workers and (2) there is a ramp by the library (which meant I didn’t have to roll the speakers down the stairs). I had spent less than five minutes pushing the cart up the hill when one of the staff workers completely stopped whatever he was previously doing to lend me a hand and reveal to me the ramp by the library.

What started as a problematic day turned into a great day. We had a really good conversation. And the party the next day couldn’t have been more epic. Most importantly, I learned a lot from that day.

I’m really into journaling. For me, it’s hilarious to look back at a “struggle” I had and realize I don’t even remember what it was I was I was worried about. As I journey through my college career, I’m seeing prayers that I had even in 7th grade being answered. I’m able to look back at journal entries from even this year and see how much I’ve grown. And at the same time, when I journal, I’m able to understand that my worries of the day will be memories I can look back and grow from on a different day.  

For me, it’s easy to get caught up in all the craziness of the day. I will be the first to admit that I do not have my life under control. However, days like October 30, 2015 continuously remind me what I already know (but always seem to forget): there is a God who loves me unconditionally. As crazy as my day might be, whatever struggles I have, however steep the hill that I have to climb may seem, the one who made the stars is the one who is always in control.

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Rising Tide September Vlog: Esther discusses her goals for her first semester of college. 

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Learning to Surf

April 10, 2015. Pepperdine University. Malibu Reception. In front of the Firestone Fieldhouse.

With trembling arms, sweat dripping down the sides of my face, mallet in hand, I took a swing at the circle gong placed on top of the “commit to Pepperdine table.”

And at the sound of the ear-deafening bang, a swarm of butterflies and a million dancing leprechauns erupted within me as I realized my 9th grade dream to go to a college by an ocean and a mountain was finally becoming a reality.

I attribute this very moment, when I committed to Pepperdine, to the beginnings of my career as a professional surfer.

Oh, wait.

It’s been 48 days since Pepperdine became my home and 184 days since the Malibu Reception. Within all that time, I still haven’t even touched a surfboard. What about body surfing? It’s more like “body being thrown by the waves into the sand.”

As I sit here, staring out into the vast expanse of blue water, realization is hitting me. Hard. I am not a professional surfer. I might never become a professional surfer or body surfer (if professional body surfing is even a thing). But I’m learning that even though my plan didn’t come to fruition, it’s totally okay.

What my 48 days here has taught me is that I can’t plan out every moment of my life. So much has happened during this crazy time of transition from my cozy home in Fresno, CA to Pepperdine University. There were some things I could plan for: what I was going to bring, the books I needed to get, the decorations in my room, etc. But there were so many more things I could never have planned for: my first job ever, the spontaneous trips to the beach, the overwhelming feeling of homesickness I had, the amount to which I’ve grown in faith, and every moment spent bonding with the amazing community of friends that I am constantly surrounded by.

Between the lazy hours spent hammocking and the late night runs to the HAWC, I keep remembering back to that Malibu Reception day. I might not have become a professional surfer. But I’m learning, that at least metaphorically, I can grab a surfboard and enjoy the highs and lows of the waves of life.

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Katelynn spent one of her first weekends of college trekking out to Yosemite with Pepperdine’s Campus Rec. Her first video blog recaps the trip!

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A New Ocean

Now this may come as a shock, but in Kansas, I did not live by an ocean. Hard to believe, I know, but I promise that I would not lie to you. Moving out to Malibu has been the dream - my walk to class every morning filled with a breathtaking sunrise and glistening ocean. Many people back home watch me on social media and come to the understanding that Pepperdine is all glitter and rainbows and every afternoon is filled with dedicated studying while laying by the ocean. In actuality, I am crunched over my desk (which does have a very pretty view of a courtyard, but not quite the ocean blue) and still trying to figure out life on my own.  It is easy to look at someone from a distance and think that they have their life together. Hah. So far I have:

1) Gotten a C on my first college test. I have only gotten a C on a test once before and it was AP Chemistry. I am not one to struggle academically, so this was a bit of a wake-up call. #oops

2) Eaten entirely too much froyo and added a few pounds because of it. I like to convince myself that it is the muscle I am developing from the hills, but I don’t actually think that’s the case.

3) Skipped my workouts far too many times. During rush, my fitness plan went down hill. I have gotten back on track since, but found myself really struggling to go the gym, after I had developed a consistent habit of working out for the past year and a half.

4) Run out of patience with sweet dorm-mates. I do not always speak as kindly as I should or take the time to listen to others. I focus too often on myself and not on the other people I am living with.

5) Left my laundry in the dryer over night on multiple occasions. This is a no-no. I am thankful for gracious dorm-mates, however do not do this because it is irritating to others!!

6) Tripped up far too many stairs. I pretty much make a fool of myself on a consistent basis. Tonight I almost face planted in front of all of crossfit. It was very embarrassing.

7) Managed my time poorly. I spent too much time on Instagram and not enough time on reading the Iliad. Great Books reading just can’t always take priority, okay?

8) Forgotten the verb in my thesis statement of a major paper!! Okay this is not actually that major of a thing, but let’s just say that is not the first impression you want to give your professor…

9) Face planted in front of 20+ boys at a fraternity bowling mixer. It was basically humiliating. Enough said.

10) Become addicted to caffeine. I literally get a headache if I do not have coffee every morning. Good thing I have a Keurig?

11) Disregarded my roommate’s distaste for Greek yogurt. I eat it every morning, even though she hates the smell. ILY SARA, you’re the best!!

While these are not the end of the world, I still feel like a failure. Despite my mistakes, I am reminded of God’s grace. One of my favorite songs, Oceans by Hillsong, proclaims, “your grace abounds in deepest waters”.

My slip-ups in college do not define me. My relationship with Jesus defines me. He covers my errors with His abounding grace. Every time I walk outside, I have a beautiful reminder of God’s ultimate forgiveness and hope for me. At Pepperdine, I have met a new ocean. Its name is not the Pacific, however, but merciful God - a God who loves me, cares for me, and continue to show me how to navigate my new home. He has given me abundant grace, and now I need to give myself the same. I am figuring things out and learning to love and embrace the challenges. Here’s to diving in.

DISCLAIMER: This makes it sound like my first month at college has been a giant struggle. In actuality, I am loving life and 97% of my days are wonderful! But everyone has their moments, and God is teaching me through those. I am so thankful for awesome suitemates, dorm-mates, friends, sorority sisters, and professors who are there help me succeed. Every mistake I have made is helping me become a better college student, for which I am very thankful!

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Rising Tide September Vlog: After a short weekend trip home, Olivia reflects on how much has changed in her first month of college, and looks ahead. 

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Caffeine Crazy

Caffeine is a crazy thing. Like absolutely crazy. But sometimes crazy is what you need to get you through an adventure. I’m just going to go ahead and start with the fun fact that my regular Starbucks order is a grande iced caramel macchiato.

My love for this particular drink led to one of my many not so good decisions; at the same time it led me to one of the most eventful days yet. It started at 7AM when my head reluctantly lifted itself off the pillow and ended at 2AM the next day. Wednesday’s are crazy days. Now for most people it’s great: they sleep in until 10, go to convo, get some caf food, and most likely head to the beach. Preferably Ralph’s beach because of the chill vibes.

But instead of going to Ralph’s Beach, I went to Ralph’s Grocery. As I stood in the freezer aisle (my substitute for no air conditioning), I saw a packaged Starbucks caramel macchiato which was the equivalent of 6 drinks. I basically drank the entire thing in less than an hour, probably not the best choice…but I mean… #college. My Wednesday’s are far from “chill”. Specifically last Wednesday which was low key the biggest struggle. I got to a point where I couldn’t stop laughing and I kind of just hit a wall. Exhibit A of my need for high caffeine levels is displayed in this screenshot of my schedule:

First of all, THANK YOU GOOGLE CALENDAR YOU ROCK MY SOCKS. Second, seeing this schedule Wednesday morning just made me feel tired in itself. During the Student Government Meeting we talked about Blue and Orange Madness and our upcoming resolutions. I’ve quickly realized that SGA works in so many ways behind the scene to change the school in a positive way. Did you know the HAWC used to sell peanut butter and bread….PEANUT BUTTER AND BREAD. I seriously don’t know how I would have survived rush week without the brownie sundae! The rest of my day consisted of work and sorority study hours. Let me just say, I absolutely LOVE my job!

For my first tour I had one person…for my second tour I had FOURTY-ONE PEOPLE. That escalated very quickly! But seriously, we’re like a family in the Office of Admission! An intern made this picture and I don’t know whether to laugh or feel uncomfortably awkward! (I’m in the top right corner, @RisingTideKatelynn is on the bottom left!)

We handle weird phone calls, give crazy tours, and show people why we love Pepperdine! My day was planned out from 8AM-8PM, but the truth is, I loved every second of it. The cool thing about college is that you’re not just doing things to fill up a common app. You’re doing each thing because you absolutely love it and know that you want to invest you time into it. Time in college is so so precious! But what you do with that time is SO worth every second. So if this busy schedule requires me to have multiple caramel macchiatos throughout my day and feel overly energetic, I’m totally okay with that! The craziness of college is getting real, but sometimes crazy is what you need to get you through an adventure. P.S. I typed this out while hiking up the CCB Stairs! #legdayeveryday

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Day in the Life: Shanghai

By Miles Ellis

This city. So darn cool. Before arriving in Shanghai, so many stereotypes & preemptive conclusions had been drawn in my mind...but that wasn't fair on my part. Sure, some of them are true & other tendencies of theirs may seem weird to me, but that's the reason that I came here in the first place. To experience a different culture. You're thrust into so many situations on a daily basis that would be perceived as 'strange' or 'weird' in America, but that's just the customary lifestyle here. Here's a day in the life of me:

I wake up & help with breakfast. The facility workers here only speak Chinese, so it's a cool way of interacting with Shanghai locals who challenge you in their language.

Class. Classes are held in the Jia (the home / Pepperdine facilities), so they're super accessible. The teachers are all great, and there are a few American ex-Pats who come in to teach the core classes.

Lunch. You're given a prepaid amount of money for every lunch, and you are allowed to eat at whatever restaurant you choose. Basically Pepperdine's meal plan, but Shanghai's food is better than the caf.

Chill. After lunch and/or afternoon class, you're free to do what you want. I usually bike around the French Concession of Shanghai, take a solid nap, do homework, etc. You won't regret it if you go out & explore. It's so freaking cool.

Group Dinner. Monday-Thursday, Pepperdine chooses a restaurant for us to eat dinner at. Most of them are a variety of Asian food, but you are given $$ to order what you want.

Nights. Everyone does what they want. The curfew is sunrise, so the night is yours! Nightly bike rides, boba runs, and journaling at coffee shops are pretty common!

And that's just a school day. The weekends are filled with Shanghai explorations, going to the markets, traveling & whatever else you want. It's such a unique environment that you won't find anywhere else. Holy cow am I glad that I'm here.

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Day in the Life: Lausanne Program

This weekend was one for the books. A few of us Lausanners traveled to Paris to meet up with friends from Heidelberg and London. We planned to meet in front of the Notre Dame Friday morning, and after a train ride, a flight, a bus ride, and a two mile walk, we were reunited – and that’s when the fun started.

We walked all around the city, not really with any plans, just enjoying each other’s company and the beauty of the city that we were in.

For dinner, we went to a grocery store to buy $4 dinners consisting of a baguette, salami, and cheese. As we are all college students travelling on a very tight budget, we stayed at a hostile in a room with 12 strangers (one of whom snored louder than anyone I have ever known).

By the end of the weekend, we were tired and poor, but we all agreed that we had had one of the best weekends of our lives. It was tough saying goodbye and going back to our houses in different countries, but it made it easier knowing that another adventure like this one was sure to happen again somewhere in Europe.