Baylor University

Baylor University is a private Baptist Christian research institution located in Waco, Texas. Established in 1845, it is the oldest continuously operating university in Texas and one of the earliest educational establishments west of the Mississippi River. The university serves approximately 16,000 students from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and around 89 countries. Classified as an "R1: Doctoral Universities with Very High Research Activity," Baylor offers a range of undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and professional degrees. Its athletic teams, known as the Bears, compete in 19 intercollegiate sports within NCAA Division I as part of the Big 12 Conference.

Things To Consider Before Applying

Applying to Baylor University requires a fair portion of work, even before applying. Preparing crucial documents, curating required letters such as recommendations and statement of purpose, and preparing degree transcripts and the marks they need to carry will decide your course of action. 

Entry Requirements:

Baylor University entry requirements for students are, they must meet the following general entry requirements, as well as any specific requirements for their chosen academic programme:

Undergraduate Admission Requirements

• High School GPA: Baylor does not have a minimum GPA requirement, but the middle 50% GPA for enrolled students is 3.67-4.00.
• SAT/ACT Scores: Baylor is test-optional through the entering class of Fall. If submitted, the middle 50% SAT score is 1160-1340, and the middle 50% ACT score is 25-32.
• Recommended Application Items:
  • Self-reported academic record (SRAR)
  • Résumé
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Short answer response
• Specific Major Requirements: Some majors have additional academic entrance requirements.

International Student Requirements

• English Proficiency: Official SAT reading score of 26 or 520 or greater on Evidence-Based Reading and Writing.
• Application Deadlines:
  • Early Decision/Early Action: November 1
  • Regular Admission: February 1
  • Spring Admission: November 15
• Application Methods: Common Application, Apply Texas or Baylor's application.

Graduate Admission Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree: From an accredited institution.
• GRE/GMAT Scores: These are required for most programmes, with specific score requirements.
• English Proficiency: Minimum TOEFL or IELTS scores, depending on programme.
• Recommendation Letters, Resume, Transcripts, Statement of Purpose: Required for most graduate programmes.

Baylor seeks students who demonstrate strong academic ability, engage in extracurricular activities, and align with the university's Christian mission. The holistic review process considers all aspects of an applicant's profile.

Documents

Gathering all necessary Baylor University documents in advance can help streamline your application. Ensuring all required documents are ready before the application process can prevent delays and complications.

1. High School Transcripts/Degree Transcripts: Official transcripts from all high schools and colleges attended. These can be sent directly from the campus in a sealed envelope or electronically via secure services.
2. Standardised Test Scores (optional): SAT or ACT scores can be submitted, but Baylor is test-optional through Fall.
3. English Proficiency (for international students): Proof of English proficiency through tests like TOEFL or IELTS, if applicable.
4. Letters of Recommendation: Two letters of recommendation from teachers or counsellors.
5. Personal Statement: A short essay or personal statement may be required to provide insight into the applicant's background and motivations.

How To Apply To Baylor University?

Baylor University's admission process is streamlined with distinct procedures for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. The application processes are distinct but straightforward if you aim to pursue either. Here is a step-by-step process for applying for both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes:

Step 1: Choose Your Application Deadline

• Early Decision: November 1 (binding; decision by December 15)
• Early Action: November 1 (non-binding; decision by January 15)
• Regular Admission: February 1 (non-binding; decision by April 10)
• Spring Admission: November 15 (non-binding; rolling decisions)

Step 2: Select Your Application Method

You can apply through one of the following methods:

• Baylor Online Application
• Common Application
• ApplyTexas

Regardless of the method chosen, you must create a goBAYLOR account to track your application status and receive communications regarding your application.

Step 3: Review & Submit Application Checklist

Your goBAYLOR account will provide a checklist of required documents, which typically includes:

• Application Form: Complete the chosen application.
• High School Transcripts: Official transcripts from all high schools attended.
• Standardised Test Scores: SAT or ACT scores (optional for Fall).
• Letters of Recommendation: Two letters from teachers or counsellors.
• Personal Statement: A short essay or personal statement.
• Application Fee: There is no application fee.

Additional Tips

• Use a personal email address that you will check regularly for all communications regarding your application.
• Ensure all materials are submitted by the chosen deadline to facilitate a smooth admissions process.

Students can avail UniScholars’ free counselling services, along with a complete application guidance right till the time they prepare to leave for the university of their choice. Our experts are available 24x7 at UniScholars!

Deadlines

Baylor University deadlines follow a specific timeline for applications, which vary by programme and level of study. Here are the key deadlines:

Decision Dates

Baylor University has several important decision dates for prospective students applying for admission. The upcoming application deadlines for various programmes are as follows:

Baylor University has set specific decision dates for its application process. For students applying under Early Decision I (binding), the application deadline is November 1, and decisions will be communicated by December 15. Similarly, the Early Action (non-binding) deadline is also November 1, with notifications sent out by January 15. For those applying under Early Decision II (binding), applications are due by February 1, and decisions will be announced by March 1. Regular Decision applicants must also submit their applications by February 1, with notifications provided by April 10. Finally, for Spring Admission, the application deadline is November 15, and decisions are made on a rolling basis. These timelines help prospective students plan their applications effectively.

Baylor University Selection Criteria

Baylor University has several unique selection criteria that set it apart from many other institutions. Here are the key aspects:

Undergraduate Selection Criteria

• High School Transcript: Must include name, class rank, and all grades through the end of junior year.
• Standardised Test Scores: SAT or ACT scores are optional through Fall; if submitted, they are considered.
• Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR): Recommended for all applicants.
• Résumé or ZeeMee Profile: Optional but encouraged to showcase extracurricular involvement.
• Letters of Recommendation: Two letters required.
• Short Answer Response: Required for Early Decision applicants.
• Audition: Required for applicants to the Music and Theatre majors.
• CSS/Financial Aid Profile: Recommended for financial aid consideration.

Graduate Selection Criteria

• Bachelor's Degree: From an accredited institution.
• Standardised Test Scores: GRE or GMAT scores may be required depending on the programme.
• English Proficiency: Minimum scores for English language tests, if applicable.
• Recommendation Letters: Required from academic or professional references.
• Résumé: Required to detail educational and professional experiences.
• Transcripts: From all previous universities attended.
• Statement of Purpose: Required to outline the applicant's goals and reasons for pursuing the programme.

Additional Considerations

• Baylor values personal qualities such as faith, growth potential, and the ability to embrace challenges.
• The university conducts a holistic review of each application, considering all aspects of a candidate's profile, not just academic metrics.

Baylor University Acceptance Rate

Baylor University’s acceptance rate is 46%. Among the admitted students who submitted test scores, half achieved an SAT score between 1230 and 1410 or an ACT score ranging from 28 to 33. A quarter of the accepted applicants scored above these ranges, while another quarter scored below them. The application deadline for Baylor University is February 1st. The admissions team places significant importance on GPA as a key academic criterion, along with high school class rank and, when available, letters of recommendation. Compared to previous years, the acceptance rate for Baylor University has increased in the past few months. The following table illustrates the acceptance rate trends at Baylor University over the past years.

Fees

Baylor University’s fees vary as per the level of study, choice of programme and the students residence area. The following information will give you a clear idea of the tuition fees as well as other costs associated with studying at this esteemed university.

Undergraduate Tuition and Fees

• Tuition: $58,100 per year 
• Average Room & Meals: $15,924 per year
• Total billable costs: $74,024 per year

Graduate Tuition

• Tuition: $1,450 per credit hour

Cost of Attendance for International Students

• Tuition: $54,844 per year
• Books and supplies: $1,264 per year
• Personal expenses: $2,500 per year
• Transportation: $1,500 per year

Baylor University is committed to making education affordable and offers various financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, work-study, and loans. The actual cost for each student can vary significantly based on their financial situation and aid received.