Application Process

• Baylor Online Application
• Common Application

Be sure to create or activate a goBAYLOR account to track your application status. Applicants via Common App will receive separate emailed instructions on how to activate their goBAYLOR account. Please allow 24-48 hours to process. 

Key documents must be postmarked by the application deadline. The key documents required vary based on the number of credit hours a student has already completed at the time they submit their application. 

• If you will have fewer than 24 completed credit hours at the time of application, you must also meet freshman admission standards, which means we will need:
  • Official final high school transcript with a clearly marked graduation date. 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. Your high school counselor can also email a high school transcript and it will be considered official if submitted from a school email address.
  • Official transcripts from each college attended reporting final grades for all classes attempted for each semester enrolled.
• If you will have earned more than 24 credit hours (after high school graduation), we will need:
  • Official transcripts from each college attended reporting final grades for all classes attempted for each semester enrolled.

Undergraduate enrollment will be verified per student in the National Student Clearinghouse. If you wish to apply for a new term, please reapply for admission by submitting a new application for admission.

Please note: Baylor accepts electronic transcripts through a secure source (i.e. Parchment, Naviance, TRex, Slate.org, Scribbles, National Clearinghouse, SCOIR and Greenlight). If the electronic service requires an email address please have the company email documents to admissions@baylor.edu. 

Paper transcripts may be mailed to the following address:

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

The decision to apply with or without test scores should be carefully thought through and is considered final. 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. If an applicant will not have a test score by their application deadline, they can reach out to their Admissions Counselor to discuss their options. 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.

SAT and ACT scores:

• 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.

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.

Most financial aid offers are based on demonstrated need, which is derived from the results of your College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Baylor uses the CSS Profile to determine demonstrated financial need for the university's need-based aid. The FAFSA is required for students interested in receiving federal need-based aid. 

Spring 2025 Starting Semester

To be considered for the maximum amount of financial aid, you must submit both the 2024-2025 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the CSS Profile by the priority deadline on November 15.

Fall 2025 Starting Semester

To be considered for the maximum amount of financial aid, you must submit both the 2025-2026 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the CSS Profile. These applications open in October 2024 and should be submitted by the priority deadline of February 1 to be considered for the most available funds.

Important Deadlines

Additional steps might be required or recommended 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:

• Break in education statement: This is to let us know what you have been doing since high school graduation, beginning that FALL. Examples include taking a college course, travel or work.

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
• Short Answer Response
  • 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?