The Office of Admissions has begun its series of Preview Days in which prospective students and their families are invited to come onto campus and attend a variety of events aiding them in their decision to apply to the university.
“It’s a chance for students and families of students who are interested in applying to Pepperdine to experience a day-in-the-life of a current Wave said Associate Director of Admission Lauren Kalinkewicz.
For the second year in a row, Preview Day will be multiple days, stretched out into three different Fridays rather than one large event on a Saturday. The idea was conceptualized in spring of 2008.
We made the switch because dividing the groups of students and families up affords students the individualized interaction they can expect during their time enrolled at Pepperdine Kalinkewicz said.
Each Preview Day showcases a different group of academic divisions. Humanities, Teacher Education, Religion, and International Studies and Languages met Nov. 6. The Natural Science, Business and Social Science divisions will meet Nov. 13, and Nov. 20 will host the Fine Arts and Communication. Students will have the chance to speak with academic counselors and professors themselves.
Fridays are a more accurate portrayal of a typical day in the life of a student … because more professors are around chapel is held athletic events are happening there are more students out-and-about for our guests to interact with etc.” Kalinkewicz said.
Like several offices across the university’s five schools the Office of Admissions had to reduce their budget.While no lay-offs were made it was not allowed to fill a vacant admissions counselor position making this year the second consecutive admission cycle where there are four counselors instead of five.
“While doing the events on a weekday is definitely cheaper the main motivation in switching to the three-day model was to serve students at a more individualistic level and to host an open house on a weekday Kalinkewicz said.
After check-in between 9 and 10 a.m., Preview Day began with a student-led celebration chapel, followed by campus and residence hall tours.
High school senior and prospective student Jamie Howard said she appreciated the faith-based emphasis of the university. Having worship in the beginning was very inspiring she said.
Prospective students and their families were able to tour the fully renovated campus, an experience that last year’s applicants were unable to have.
High school senior and applicant Jennifer Seymour was happy to see the finished product.
I was here in June and the construction was still going on. It’s a beautiful campus it looks really nice she said.
In addition to the academic session, Preview Day featured a student session, in which a candid panel of current students gave a half-hour inside look at campus life.
Students said they appreciated the candid session.
My favorite part was the panel of five students. I got to find out about stuff I actually wanted to know like about dorm life said prospective student Katelyn Montalvo.
Following the student session was a financial assistance panel for parents and an hour-long closing session where various departments including Athletics, International Programs, Student Activities presented information regarding the services they offer to Seaver students.
Alex Aguilera, a prospective student, took notice of the international programs.
What really got me hooked was the fantastic international programs which is something I really want to do he said.
Montalvo said upon learning about Pepperdine, she wants the chance to join the efforts of Riptide.
I liked hearing about Riptide since I’m very school-spirited Montalvo said.
Students have until Jan. 15 to submit applications for the 2010-2011 school year, and all applicants will be notified of their admission decisions by no later than April 1.