Baylor Prepares to Greet Largest Freshman Class in Its History
Baylor sets record-breaking admissions numbers for inquiries, applications, campus visits and deposits
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Contact: Lori Fogleman, 254-710-6275
WACO, Texas (June 16, 2014) — From athletics to academics, it has been a record-breaking year for Baylor University, and more students than ever want to share in that success. So much so that Baylor is preparing to welcome its largest class in the University’s 169-year history.
More students than at any other time in Baylor’s history have placed deposits to secure their place in the incoming class, and Baylor is considering a variety of changes to its admissions process for next year to accommodate increased demand.
Year-over-year deposits, an indicator of which students will enroll, has surged nearly 13 percent. In addition, minority student deposits have increased 20 percent, while international student deposits are up almost 5 percent, underscoring the strong and growing diversity of Baylor’s campus. Out-of-state net deposits have topped the 30 percent mark for the first time.
“It is very clear that Baylor has become a popular choice for students who are, in record numbers, acting to ensure their spot in our incoming class,” said Jennifer Carron, assistant vice president of admission services. “Our enrollment systems have been a bit overwhelmed by the volume of students paying deposits and entering our orientation process, but we are delighted by the record rise in students deciding to attend Baylor, and we will be ready for them when they arrive. This year’s class will be one of the most talented and diverse in Baylor history.”
Inquiries and student applications for the class enrolling in 2014 also have broken all previous records.
Record visitors
While more and more students are inquiring about Baylor and applying to the University, they also have been visiting campus in greater numbers. The University hosted more than 52,000 prospective students and their family members in 2013, a significant jump from the 35,000 that toured the campus in 2010. This year’s Spring Premiere Event, a weekend open house event for prospective students, was attended by more than 1,900 students and over 3,500 family members, becoming the largest recruitment event in Baylor’s history.
After a church mission trip to Haiti in 2013, National Merit Finalist and incoming Baylor freshman Cheryl Aguas felt called to fuse her faith with her academic study to help women and children affected by human trafficking. During her college search, Aguas said she was struck by Baylor’s commitment to academic excellence and Christian faith, which would allow her to succeed in scholarship at the highest level while engaging in meaningful, discipline-related service in a global setting.
“God kept pulling on my heart, and I knew I couldn’t just focus on pursuing a career just for my comfort. I have to help others,” Aguas said. “Since I recently decided to be an OBGYN doctor, Baylor’s medical program and its high reputation definitely appealed to me, and a well-established study abroad program also was an uncompromising factor in my decision. The best part about Baylor is that I will be able to share my faith abroad as well. I can’t wait to join the University this fall.”
Jump in applications, legacies and Line Camp interest
In addition, completed student applications rose 19 percent from 2013, the highest percentage increase in Baylor’s history, while legacy applications from the children of Baylor alumni have increased nearly 14 percent from last year.
Incoming freshmen also have registered for Baylor Line Camp in record numbers. Nearly 2,000 members of the freshman class have signed up to attend Line Camp, the University’s extended orientation experience that helps incoming freshmen build friendships with future classmates and develop a deep connection to the University’s beloved traditions. Camp sessions are held throughout June and July.
Baylor’s largest-ever freshman class of 3,259 students enrolled in 2010. The University has welcomed six consecutive first-year classes of more than 3,000 freshmen.
ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY
Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked research institution, characterized as having “high research activity” by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The University provides a vibrant campus community for approximately 15,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 11 nationally recognized academic divisions. Baylor sponsors 19 varsity athletic teams and is a founding member of the Big 12 Conference.