2020-2021 Application Process

STEP 1: CHOOSE YOUR APPLICATION DEADLINE

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NOVEMBER 2 Early Decision 1 (binding; for students who commit to attending Baylor if accepted; receive a decision by December 15) Early Action (non-binding; receive a decision by January 15)	FEBRUARY 1 Early Decision 2 (binding; for students who commit to attending Baylor if accepted; receive a decision by March 1) Regular Admission (non-binding; receive a decision by April 10)
NOVEMBER 15 - SPRING ADMISSION Regular Admission (non-binding; rolling decisions)

STEP 2: CHOOSE YOUR APPLICATION METHOD

• Baylor Online Application
• Common Application
• ApplyTexas 

We do not have a preference on which application you choose. Regardless of your application choice, you must create a goBAYLOR account to track your application status. This is where we will communicate what is needed to complete your application file and additional enrollment steps for accepted students.

PRO TIP: Whatever email address you apply with will be used to communicate important information throughout the application cycle and in the summer after you graduate. We recommend using a personal, non-school-affiliated email address that you will check often and use long-term.

Summer of Discovery Students: You should apply with the Baylor Online Application and follow the normal admissions steps. If you made a 3.0 this summer, you'll move to the front of the line for acceptance into next year's class! 

STEP 3: REVIEW THE APPLICATION CHECKLIST

Your goBAYLOR account will show you exactly what items we have received and what is needed to complete your file by the deadline. Here are the documents that will be included on your checklist.

1. Completed Application for Admission

• Baylor Online Application
• Common Application
• ApplyTexas 

Be sure to create a goBAYLOR account to track your application status.

2. Essay

If you are applying via the Baylor Online Application, the essay will be available in your goBAYLOR account. If you are applying via the Common Application or ApplyTexas, the essay will be part of your application.

3. High School Transcript

Transcripts must be received or postmarked by the application deadline to be considered for admission.

OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS:

An official transcript includes the school's official seal or the signature of a school administrator and is either sent directly from the school or submitted in an envelope sealed by the school.

UNOFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS: 

Unofficial transcripts are sufficient to complete your application file, however, please note that final enrollment at Baylor is contingent upon receipt of an official transcript.  If you would like to submit an unofficial transcript to complete your application file, simply upload a scanned copy in your goBAYLOR account or email admissions@baylor.edu and include as an attachment.

HOW WE ACCEPT THEM:

Electronic copies are only official if they are sent from a secure source (i.e. Parchment, Naviance, TRex, Slate.org, Scribbles). Electronic transcripts are processed in 3-5 days. Note: Due to challenges created by COVID-19, Baylor will accept transcripts emailed directly from the High School Counselor or Registrar to admissions@baylor.edu as official. Copies and faxes are not accepted.

Paper transcripts may be mailed to the following address and are processed in 2-4 weeks. 

Baylor University
Undergraduate Admissions
One Bear Place #97056
Waco, TX 76798

REQUIREMENTS:

Your transcript must show: 

• Name
• Grades received through the end of the junior year
• GPA

You will see a check mark in your goBAYLOR account after we have reviewed your transcript and determined it satisfies the requirement.

4. Test Scores

We accept SAT or ACT scores in these three ways:

• SELF-REPORTED: You may self-report your best test scores on your application for admission. We will use these scores when we review your file, so please make sure they are accurate and correct - entering false information, even by accident, could disqualify your application. If accepted, you will need to have the testing agency send your official scores to our office by May 1.
• SUBMITTED FROM THE TESTING AGENCY: Test scores can be sent through the College Board or ACT student website. Baylor's SAT code is 6032, and Baylor's ACT code is 4062. Please allow 2-3 weeks for delivery.
• SUBMITTED ON AN OFFICIAL HIGH SCHOOL TRANSCRIPT: We can accept test scores listed on an official high school transcript.

*Baylor is collecting CLT (Classical Learning Test) scores for research purposes.  If you have taken the CLT and would like to submit your score to Baylor, please send your exam results via the CLT website and we will add them to your application file as an additional piece of information.

PRO TIP: Send us all your test scores. We will combine your highest section scores from all test dates and review your best total score with your application.

Important Note: Students are not required to submit standardized test scores for admission. When you apply, you will be required to choose the following when responding to the “Preferred testing plan” question:

“I opt in to having my test scores reviewed for admission.” OR “I opt out.”

The decision to apply with or without test scores should be carefully thought through and is considered final. However, given the challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic, Baylor will make every effort to be as flexible with applicants as possible. If an applicant has previously submitted test scores to Baylor but indicates on the application that they would not like their scores considered, test scores will not be viewed during application review. Students applying from secondary schools outside of the U.S. who apply without test scores have the option to complete an interview as part of the application process so that we may get to know you better. Learn more about our Test Optional policy.

5. Apply for Financial Aid - FAFSA & CSS Profile

To be considered for the maximum amount of financial aid, you must submit both the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the CSS Profile. Both applications open annually on October 1 and should be submitted by the priority date to be considered for the most available funds. 

Priority Dates:

• Freshman Early Decision 1 and Early Action: November 1
• Freshman Early Decision 2 and Regular Admission: February 1

If you miss this priority date, please submit the applications as soon as possible and you will be reviewed for eligibility on any funds that are available.

 

6. Other Requirements

Other steps might be required based on your individual circumstances. Check your goBAYLOR account to see if you need to submit any of these items. Some of the most common extra requirements include:

• Early graduation - If you plan to graduate from high school in less than four academic years, please have your counselor submit documentation of this decision to Baylor. Early graduation statements can be emailed to admissions@baylor.edu.

7. Recommended Items

These items allow us to get to know you better and can enhance your application file. Submit them through your goBAYLOR account after submitting your application for admission.

• Résumé
• 2 Letters of Recommendation
• Short Answer Response (required for Early Decision applicants)
  • The response we ask for really is short - only about 450 words. The question we ask is: What are you looking for in a university, why do you want to attend Baylor, and how do you see yourself contributing to the Baylor community?.

STEP 4: SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION MATERIALS

Application materials can also be mailed to:

Undergraduate Admissions
One Bear Place #97056
Waco, TX 76798-7056

You may send materials separately, but clearly indicate your full name and date of birth on each item to help us match it to your application file.