What kinds of interview questions does Pepperdine usually ask applicants?

Pepperdine interviews are usually pretty conversational rather than aggressive or technical.

You should expect some version of “Tell me about yourself,” “Why Pepperdine?,” and “What do you want to study?” They may also ask about your activities, leadership, a challenge you’ve faced, what matters most to you, and how you spend your time outside class.

It’s also common to get reflective questions like “What are you proud of?,” “What’s a meaningful experience that shaped you?,” or “What would your teachers or friends say about you?” Some applicants also get questions about academic interests, career goals, or how they handle setbacks.

The best preparation is to have clear, honest answers for a few core areas: your academic interests, 2 or 3 activities that matter to you, why Pepperdine appeals to you beyond the location, and how you’d contribute to the campus community. Try to speak in specific examples instead of general traits.

It also helps to prepare a couple of thoughtful questions for the interviewer, such as student life, service opportunities, or what kinds of students thrive there.