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Pepperdine Law SchoolArticle and photographs by Stephanie Saenz, Stanford University
Ranked among the top 100 law schools in the nation, Pepperdine is one of the premiere law school choices in Southern California. Of the 3,450 applicants for the last entering class, only 984 were accepted, an admissions rate which is competitive with many of the other top law schools. The admitted students for the class in question had LSAT scores ranging from a 156 for students at the 25th percentile to a 161 for students at the 75th percentile, with the average LSAT score for the entering class at a 158. Of the applicants accepted, the average undergraduate GPA was a 3.5. While the application process is standard in comparison to the process at other law schools, Pepperdine Law School does require a morality statement, where an applicant is strongly encourage to write an essay regarding his moral character. While the weight of this statement remains unclear as to the overall evaluation process, it is a distinctive portion of the application. The admissions process also includes an application, letters of recommendation, short essays (which applicants are given room to be creative with), and the usual array of academic information necessary to give weight to the student's academic performance in college. Interviews are only necessary for those seeking a scholarship and do not apply for the application process. Applicants are particularly encouraged to demonstrate interest in the law school's policies, programs and practices as Pepperdine actively seeks students whose goals are attuned to the mission of the University. In addition, the University is very much focused on the idea of personal integrity, ethics and morals as it is a Jesuit institution and associated with the Church of Christ. As with most private law schools, tuition can prove to be very expensive. Pepperdine is no exception. The annual tuition for students is over $29,000, with an additional $10,000 plus added for room and board. However, the University does offer financial aid packages and scholarships with 84% of students receiving some sort of aid and 75% of students receiving scholarships. Pepperdine's average total aid package is roughly $38,000.
First year curriculum is assigned by the administration and can be rigorous. In fact, many students found this year to be the most difficult as the workload is demanding. After the 1L year is completed, classes tend to be relatively easier and students are given the opportunity to enroll in an assortment of electives which are geared to many different interests. In addition, Pepperdine Law School has a high number of required classes, some of which are in the upper-division law classes. In any case, students found these classes to be helpful in preparing for the bar exam. It should be noted that many students feel that quality of classes is average and that the quality of each specific course is highly dependent on the professor teaching it. While this may be the general case, students were especially praising of the availability of professors and their willingness to help in almost all circumstances.
In addition to these academic options, Pepperdine also offers many extracurricular prospects, such as externships in the Los Angeles area, which is a short drive from Pepperdine's campus and a moot court program. The school allows for students to study international entertainment law, focusing on film and music, on the school's London campus. These types of opportunities only broaden the horizons for Pepperdine's students and their academics. Pepperdine Law School Legal Specialties The most talked about legal specialty offered by Pepperdine Law School is its Dispute Resolution curriculum. The focus on this specialty and the amazing professors in that area have helped Pepperdine Law School become number one in dispute resolution among law schools. Other specialties include commercial law, corporation securities law, intellectual property law, international law, and taxation. Many students also agree that there is a big focus on constitutional law and this area has many professors which maximize its strength as a specialty of the law school. In addition, Pepperdine, due to its relative location to the Los Angeles, is one of the top tiered schools in the nation for those prospective applicants wishing to pursue a career in entertainment law or in the entertainment industry. The program for entertainment law at Pepperdine is strong and has several excellent professors in the program.
For many, living in Malibu is tantamount to living the high life. Aside from sharing the same city with dozens of celebrities, students of Pepperdine University also have wonderful weather year-round, a safe and secluded campus, and views of both the beach and the canyon. The Malibu canyon provides a shelter from the hustle and bustle of the Los Angeles area, which is also conveniently accessible with just a short drive. In general, the location proves to increase the great quality of life and Malibu and Pepperdine Law School provide students with an excellent community life. Pepperdine Law School - Social Life Needless to say, there is a significant difference between the image of wild celebrity parties thrown in Malibu and the reality of the reserved social life of most Pepperdine students. Due to the fact that Pepperdine is a Jesuit institution, there are few resources for social outlets on campus. In fact, members of the opposite sex and alcohol not allowed in residences on the campus, not even in graduate housing. Nevertheless, though the city of Malibu is relatively small, it still provides hangout areas, such as bars and restaurants which are popular with its students. Also, many of the students of Pepperdine choose to indulge in nightlife in Los Angeles or on the Santa Monica Promenade. Both of these cities provide students with additional places in which to party, hang out or just escape from campus and law school life. Contact Information Application Deadline: March 1 Financial Aid Application Deadline: April 1 |
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Nestled in the Malibu Canyon, Pepperdine University has both a breath-taking beach front view of the Pacific Ocean and a laid-back atmosphere. Because it is located right off the Pacific Coast Highway and built on a hill, Pepperdine has even been touted as one of the most beautiful campuses in the nation. However, the attributes of this law school include many other facets that make it a highly coveted choice for many law school applicants. 
Pepperdine Law School - Admissions and Tuition
Pepperdine Law School Curriculum and Academics
Pepperdine Law School does offer advanced degrees and combined degrees. The Law School offers a LLM in Dispute Resolution as an advanced degree. It also offers a JD/MBA degree, which can be completed in 4 years, and other combined degrees which take 3 to 4 years to complete.