Baylor University (BU) Introduction and Academics

Introduction

Rich in tradition and history, Baylor University is located on over 750 acres in Waco, Texas. Established in 1865, the school is a private Baptist university founded on faith and a dedication to quality education and research. With over 150 areas of study, there is something for just about everyone. There are more than 60 study abroad programs offered in order to enrich the lives of students by allowing them the opportunity to earn a degree while learning about other cultures.

The school offers the Paul L. Foster Success Center to provide students with career support throughout their academic career. The center helps students identify areas of personal and academic strength and offers support systems when a student struggles with a difficult class. It also provides support services for students with disabilities and notifies students about job fairs from around the country.

There is an extremely active campus life with a large Greek presence and nearly three hundred student clubs and organizations. The university hosts many campus events such as concerts, games, plays and religious services so that there is always something to do. Baylor also participates actively in the Habitat for Humanity program as well as many other community service activities and mission trips. An active Baptist Student Ministry and numerous religious classes help students study and understand their faith and beliefs.

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Information Summary

Ranks 6th in Texas and 112th overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	94.8
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$62,527
Admission Success rate	N/A
ACT / SAT 75%ile scores	31 / 1370
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	15 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	89% / 50%
Enrollment Total (all students)	17,217

Academics

The university offers its students numerous opportunities that cannot be found at small schools. There are over one hundred fifty baccalaureate programs in numerous fields, nearly eighty master’s programs and over twenty doctoral programs. The university offers eleven different colleges and schools from which students may choose, as well as numerous programs that are world-renowned for research in every field from astrophysics to reservoir and aquatic systems. Internationally recognized for its research programs, the school receives millions of dollars in grants dedicated to research every year.

The university has eight different schools and colleges from which students may obtain undergraduate or postgraduate degrees. These schools include:

College of Arts and Sciences
Hankamer School of Business
Louise Herrington School of Nursing

There is also the Honors College which offers students the opportunity for advanced study and challenging interdisciplinary projects. Students studying in the Honors College also graduate with special designation and may be members of special programs and clubs that reflect well on resumes. On top of these schools, there are also the Baylor Law School, Truett Seminary and the School of Social Work which offer postgraduate degrees and have separate application processes.

In addition to traditional semesters, there are also offers numerous summer programs that are conducted in two terms. The school does not offer any online programs or classes. It should be noted that students that are accepted into the nursing program will generally spend the first two years of the program at the Waco campus, then transfer for the last two years to the Dallas campus. Numerous programs for students wishing to study abroad are also available.

Most Popular Fields of Study

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Admissions

Undergraduate Admissions

Freshmen wishing to apply will need to create a goBAYLOR account online in order to access the application. The school accepts applications in two sessions but highly recommends applying early. The first deadline for the fall term is November 1 and the majority of accepted freshmen are chosen in this round. If a student does not meet the deadline, they may apply in the second round by February 1. Applications received after this date will be placed on a waiting list and will be considered on a space-available basis.

Students will need to submit an official high school transcript that lists class rank. If the student’s school does not do this, the student will need to submit a letter from a school administrator that states that the school does not rank. There are also high school curriculum requirements that applicants should become familiar with. Along with transcripts, ACT or SAT scores sent directly from the testing center are required.

Students may choose to submit letters of recommendation or a resume but are not required to. Submission is highly recommended because the application process is extremely competitive.

International students must submit proof of English proficiency in order to be considered for any program, undergraduate or graduate.

Graduate Admissions

Students seeking admission to the Law School, the School of Social Work or Truett Seminary should be aware that these schools have their own admissions offices and separate application processes. Students should refer to the individual schools to determine what documentation is necessary for application to the school.

Students applying to study in any other graduate programs will need to complete the online application, submit the appropriate graduate school preparation exam scores, and make sure to contact references and those writing recommendations. Applicants should contact these people and notify them that they have been submitted as references and make them aware of the application deadline for their written recommendations. These statements should address the student’s potential for success in the graduate school, outline academic accomplishments and should come from employers, professors, or other people who are qualified to assess academic potential. These recommendations may be submitted either online or mailed to the university.

The final step that the applicant will need to complete will be to have official undergraduate transcripts submitted to the school. It is required that all graduate students have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. International students must submit proof of an equivalent level of education.

Financial Aid

Baylor is one of the most affordable private universities in the nation and goes out of its way to ensure that students that need help paying for an education can get it. Over ninety percent of their students receive some kind of assistance. Students may be eligible for need-based or merit-based scholarships, grants, work programs or federally-subsidized loans. All applicants are automatically screened for eligibility for merit-based scholarships when they apply. This is why it is so important to apply early; many scholarships have limited funds and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Students wishing to apply for further aid will need to complete the Free Application for Financial Aid (FAFSA) available online in January. It is best to complete this application as soon as possible because no awards can be made to the student until it is received. Financial information for the student and family will be required, so applicants should have this information available prior to starting the application.

Student Financial Aid Details

Ranks 276th for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best scholarships and financial aid in Texas.

Athletics

The Bears athletic organization is an NCAA Division I team that competes in the Big 12 Conference. They offer nineteen different teams including both men’s and women’s basketball, track and field, tennis, golf and cross country. Men have the additional options of baseball and football while women may also choose from competitive cheer, equestrian, soccer, softball and volleyball.

School colors are green and gold and their fans take Bear sports very seriously. The Baylor Line, which is a freshman pep team, attend the football games and lead the cheering section on. The Bear Pit, which was originally established to cheer on the basketball team, now has over one thousand student members. Both spirit organizations wear matching jerseys (and frequently painted faces as well) and cheer the teams on regardless of where they are playing. Some notable athletes that have graduated include:

Michael Johnson and Jeremy Wariner, Olympic gold medalists
Mike Singletary, NFL Hall of Famer and NFL coach
Jason Jennings, MLB 2002 Rookie of the Year, pitcher
David Wesley, NBA guard
Melvin Hunt, NBA assistant coach

The University also proudly boasts the highest athlete graduation rate in the Big 12 Conference.

Traditions

This is a school that prides itself on tradition and heritage. There are numerous time-honored rituals that serve to bind the school together in fellowship and spirit. Following are a few of these customs and their histories.

Diadeloso

This tradition began in 1931 as a holiday from classes. In celebration of spring, students took a day off to celebrate May Day. The event was reorganized by the Chamber of Commerce in 1935 and included community activities, concerts, and campus activities such as tug-or-war, dog shows, and free food. The event continued to grow and was re-named in 1966 to “dia del oso”, or “day of the bear” and nowoccurs on a Thursday in May.

Ring Out

This tradition was begun in 1927 to symbolize the continuity of the Baylor experience. Every year on the day before Commencement, seniors pass an ivy chain on to juniors.

Chapel

Chapel originated as a requirement for all students, faculty and staff to attend chapel services daily. The requirement has since been reduced to two weeks per semester as a prerequisite for graduation and programs vary from inspirational to entertaining. The name has been changed a few times, but is now back to the original.

Slime Caps

This tradition began when students began wearing caps with their graduation years on them. It evolved into freshmen wearing caps with their hometowns and names on them, with the bills turned up so that everybody could read them. Now, the hats are presented in the form of green beanies with expected date of graduation on them on “Slime Night” and though students are no longer required to wear them, many proudly display them.

Dr. Pepper Hour

Dr. Pepper Hour began as an opportunity for relaxation and fellowship when an hour was scheduled each week in what is now the Bill Daniel Student Center for students to gather. The event was generally held in the Drawing Room and there was always hot chocolate or ice cream sodas, thus the name. Now, the beverages vary but the tradition remains.

Baylor University