Student-centric advice and objective recommendations
Higher education has never been more confusing or expensive. Our goal is to help you navigate the very big decisions related to higher ed with objective information and expert advice. Each piece of content on the site is original, based on extensive research, and reviewed by multiple editors, including a subject matter expert. This ensures that all of our content is up-to-date, useful, accurate, and thorough.
Our reviews and recommendations are based on extensive research, testing, and feedback. We may receive commission from links on our website, but that doesn’t affect our editors’ opinions. Our marketing partners don’t review, approve or endorse our editorial content. It’s accurate to the best of our knowledge when posted. You can find a complete list of our partners here.
How to Respond to the 2023/2024 Pepperdine University Supplemental Essay Prompt
By
Katie Dixon
Katie Dixon is a former content writer at Scholarships360. Katie is an undergraduate student at Louisiana State University pursuing a degree in Mass Communications with a concentration in Journalism. Katie worked as a reporter for the LSU Reveille Newspaper and now works at the State Library of Louisiana.
Full BioLearn about our editorial policies
Bill Jack has over a decade of experience in college admissions and financial aid. Since 2008, he has worked at Colby College, Wesleyan University, University of Maine at Farmington, and Bates College.
Full BioLearn about our editorial policies
Maria Geiger is Director of Content at Scholarships360. She is a former online educational technology instructor and adjunct writing instructor. In addition to education reform, Maria’s interests include viewpoint diversity, blended/flipped learning, digital communication, and integrating media/web tools into the curriculum to better facilitate student engagement. Maria earned both a B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature from Monmouth University, an M. Ed. in Education from Monmouth University, and a Virtual Online Teaching Certificate (VOLT) from the University of Pennsylvania.
Full BioLearn about our editorial policies
Pepperdine University is continuously ranked as one of the most beautiful places to attend college. Located in scenic Malibu, California, Pepperdine is a private Christian university. The Pepperdine University supplemental essays ask applicants to share how their faith will thrive on the Pepperdine campus. Keep on reading to learn how to write an essay that stands out!
Prompt #1
“Pepperdine is a Christian university where all are welcomed and encouraged to challenge each other in the pursuit of truth. Students, faculty, and staff members from all backgrounds participate in conversations of faith inside and outside of the classroom. Considering that Pepperdine is a Christian university, why are you interested in attending and how would you contribute to conversations of faith on campus?” (one essay of 300-500 words
First, you should spend some time researching Pepperdine in order to include specific examples throughout your response. Check out Pepperdine’s mission and vision as well as their belonging statement to get a feel for the school.
Questions to consider:
- What are you looking to gain from your Pepperdine experience (besides a degree)?
- How will you practice, grow, and share your faith on campus?
- How will you converse about faith to classmates and faculty?
Think of when you started practicing your faith. If you were raised in a religious household, you are likely to have many personal experiences. How have you taken your faith further than just what your parents ask of you? If you recently began your religious journey, write about what prompted you to do so.
Think of different stories and personal experiences that show a good representation of your faith. The Pepperdine supplemental essay is an opportunity to show the university how you will grow your faith and encourage your classmates to do the same. A good way to do this is by giving examples of how you’ve done this in the past.
Related:
Points to emphasize
Pepperdine University takes respect seriously. Consider dedicating a portion of your essay to showing how you will respond to faith that does not look like yours. Consider how you treated a person in your life when they talked to you about how they practice a religion different from yours. Write about how you encouraged and accepted their practices.
Pepperdine also advocates for their students to show humble leadership. Think of a time that brought out a leadership role in you. Maybe you’ve volunteered as a summer church camp counselor or stepped up at a school function? Real-life examples like this demonstrate that you live your faith in real ways.
Do you practice sustainability? Good news, Pepperdine made a commitment towards sustainability in 1972! Tell them how you’ve tried to go green and how you will continue to do so in their community. Write how you will encourage others to join you; this will also portray your leadership.
Final thoughts for students
Show the university your faith through experiences rather than just telling them. They exemplify faith throughout campus, how will you encourage that? Read different links listed under their website ‘about’ tab to learn more ways you will connect with them.
Try not to overthink writing your Pepperdine University supplemental essays, as the process is not so complicated to complete. After learning about their community, write a rough draft without a word restriction. Afterwards, choose your best work to include in your final draft. Using these tips will help you write an outstanding response!
Additional writing and college application resources
- How to write an essay about yourself
- “Show, don’t tell” essay primer
- How to write a 250 or 500 word essay
- 10 tips for a successful college application
