Pepperdine University vs University of Rochester

University of Rochester is the more selective of the two at 34%, versus 35% at Pepperdine University. Here is how they compare on selectivity, test scores, and what they weigh, plus a free way to estimate your odds at each.

Pepperdine University
Selective
35%
acceptance rate
SAT 75th pct: 1400
Private · California
University of Rochester
Selective
34%
acceptance rate
SAT 75th pct: 1460
Private · New York

Pepperdine University vs University of Rochester: the differences that matter

How Pepperdine University and University of Rochester stack up on selectivity, scores, and what they value.

Pepperdine University and University of Rochester are almost equally selective (35% vs 34%), so neither is a clear safety relative to the other. Your odds at each come down to fit, not headline difficulty.

The two also read applications a little differently. Pepperdine University leans more on talent / ability, while University of Rochester puts more weight on recommendations. The same profile can land differently at each, which is why a per-school estimate matters more than a single GPA.

On test scores, Pepperdine University's admitted 75th-percentile SAT is around 1400 and University of Rochester's is around 1460. Admitted students at University of Rochester post somewhat higher scores. Run your own numbers below to see where you stand at each.

What each school weighs

Factors either school weighs heavily, side by side.

FactorPepperdine UniversityUniversity of Rochester
Rigor of secondary school recordvery importantvery important
Academic GPAvery importantvery important
Standardized test scoresimportantimportant
Application essayvery importantvery important
Recommendationsimportantvery important
Extracurricular activitiesimportantimportant
Talent / abilityvery importantimportant
Character / personal qualitiesvery importantvery important
Calculate your chances at both →

Frequently asked questions

Is Pepperdine University or University of Rochester harder to get into?

University of Rochester is harder to get into, with a 34% acceptance rate versus 35% at Pepperdine University.

What's the difference in SAT scores between Pepperdine University and University of Rochester?

Pepperdine University's admitted 75th-percentile SAT is around 1400, and University of Rochester's is around 1460.

What are my chances at Pepperdine University and University of Rochester?

That depends on your full profile. CollegeCalcAI gives a free, personalized estimate for each school in a few minutes.