Admission Plans
November 1 Binding (Early Decision) and November 1 Non-Binding (Early Action) allow students to receive an admission decision earlier than their peers who apply February 1 Non-Binding (Regular Decision). Once accepted, students can pay the enrollment deposit and complete the Housing Application.
For more information, see the Key Documents Chart.
November 1 Binding (Early Decision)
November 1 Binding (Early Decision) is an official agreement for students who will commit to Baylor, if accepted. This is a decision plan for those that have Baylor as their first choice for college. With this agreement, the student, a parent and a high school counselor must sign a contract stating that the student will deposit and enroll at Baylor upon acceptance. Those applying November 1 Binding (Early Decision) may still apply to other institutions with a non-binding application. However, if accepted to Baylor under this plan, they must withdraw all other schools' applications. Applicants are encouraged to submit recommended items as well, which include recommendation letters, a résumé, and a Self-reported Transcript and Academic Record System (STARS).
Students applying November 1 Binding (Early Decision) must complete their online application for Baylor as well as send in a high school transcript, test scores (if applicable), essay and a short answer response by November 1. They will receive a decision back no later than December 15 and have a deposit deadline of February 1.
Benefit:
Students admitted through Early Decision, who meet all application and deposit deadlines, will receive:
- First Choice Housing Preference: New first-year students who submit a completed application by November 1 as an Early Decision applicant (binding admission plan), submit their enrollment deposit by the Early Decision Deposit Deadline, and apply for housing by the Housing Priority Deadline (April 15) will receive:
- First choice of housing, space permitting (Living-Learning Communities and Residential Colleges require meeting minimum program requirements)
- A "Choose Your Room" timeslot assigned ahead of the general incoming class, based on your deposit date
- The opportunity to participate in Roommate Matching early
- Priority Academic Advising Registration: Get early access to schedule your academic advising appointment before the general incoming student population. Students who select an earlier appointment time will have the opportunity to plan their schedule sooner, which may provide access to a wider selection of available courses.
- $3,000 Non-Renewable Scholarship: Receive a one-time scholarship in recognition of your Early Decision commitment to Baylor.
Questions? Check out our November 1 Binding (Early Decision) FAQs or contact your Admissions Counselor for further details.
November 1 Non-Binding (Early Action)
The November 1 Non-Binding (Early Action) deadline is designed for students who want to complete the admissions process early in their senior year. Applying November 1 Non-Binding (Early Action) does not restrict a student from applying to other schools or for scholarships and financial aid. These applicants must complete their application and submit required materials by November 1. They will receive an admission decision no later than February 1. If accepted, they must submit the nonrefundable deposit by May 1.
Benefit:
Students who apply by November 1 (Early Action) are automatically considered for merit-based award and are eligible for specialty scholarship events.
February 1 Non-Binding (Regular Decision)
February 1 Non-Binding (Regular Decision) is our latest and final application deadline. This is designed for students who would like a non-binding decision and do not complete their application by the above November 1 Binding (Early Decision) or Non-Binding (Early Action) plans. With this decision plan, students must complete their application and submit required materials by February 1. February 1 Non-Binding (Regular Decision) students will receive an admission decision no later than April 10. If accepted, they must submit the nonrefundable deposit by May 1.
Benefit:
Students who apply by February 1 (Regular Decision) are automatically considered for merit-based award. While not eligible for specialty scholarship events, you may still qualify for numerous additional scholarships in Scholarship Universe if accepted.