2026-2027 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. 

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

Self-reported Transcript and Academic Record System (STARS)—Recommended

With the Self-Reported Transcript and Academic Record System or STARS, you’re able to self-report your academic information, including coursework and grades, which will allow Baylor Admissions to process your application more holistically (at no additional cost).

The STARS is separate from your admissions application, so you will need to link it to your application through goBAYLOR. When completing the STARS, you will want to make sure the information you enter matches your high school transcript, so we recommend having a copy of your transcript available.

 To learn more about STARS, please visit baylor.edu/STARS.

High School Transcript—Required

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. Your high school counselor can also email a high school transcript and it will be considered official if submitted from a school email address as verification.

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 high school transcript as proof of graduation. 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 it 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, National Clearinghouse, SCOIR and Greenlight). If the electronic service requires an email address please have the company email documents to admissions@baylor.edu. Electronic transcripts are received in 3-5 days. Copies and faxes are not accepted.

Paper transcripts may be mailed to the following address and are received 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 checkmark in your goBAYLOR account after we have reviewed your transcript and determined it satisfies the requirement.

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:

“Yes, I want my test scores reviewed.” OR “ No, I don’t want my test scores reviewed.”

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.
• SUBMITTED ON AN OFFICIAL HIGH SCHOOL TRANSCRIPT: We can accept test scores listed on an official high school transcript.
• ACT Superscore Update:  As of April 2025, ACT Superscores will no longer include the Science section. Scores will be based on your highest English, Math, and Reading results. This may slightly change your Superscore shown in goBaylor after submission, but the number shown is correct.

If you plan on submitting test scores as part of your application, please be aware of the latest possible test dates we will accept based on your admission plan:

• November 1 Binding (Early Decision) and November 1 Non-Binding (Early Action)
  • SAT –  October 4
  • ACT –  October 18
• February 15 Non-Binding (Regular Decision)
  • SAT –  December 6
  • ACT –  December 13

Classic Learning Test (CLT) scores:

Homeschooled students may submit CLT scores in lieu of SAT or ACT scores.  All other applicants may submit CLT scores as an additional piece of academic information to be added to their application file. If you have taken the CLT and would like to submit your score to Baylor, please send your exam results via the CLT website.

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.

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. The CSS Profile opens on October 1 and should be submitted by the deadline below that matches your chosen admission plan. The 25-26 FAFSA is currently open and is available to apply for until June 30, 2026. The application must be completed in order to receive an official financial aid offer. Visit the FAFSA website to apply for any remaining funds.

• Freshman November 1 Biding (Early Decision) and November 1 Non-Binding (Early Action) CSS Profile Priority Deadline: November 1*
• Final Deadline to submit the CSS Profile for all Freshman Admission Plans: February 1
• Priority Deadline to submit the FAFSA for all Freshman Admission Plans: February 1

If you miss the final deadline, please submit an application as soon as possible to be considered for any remaining funds.

*If you are seeking a non-custodial parent waiver you will have the opportunity to fill out a waiver if accepted. Please complete this waiver before the priority deadline of January 15 if your situation qualifies. Visit our appeals page for more information and click on CSS Profile Noncustodial Parent Waiver Request or the FAFSA/CSS Profile Application Requirement Waiver Request based on your situation and request. 

For the Noncustodial Parent Waiver Requests, if your situation does not apply and the waiver is not approved, the non-custodial parent CSS Profile should also be submitted by the final deadline of February 1 to be considered for the most available funds.

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 high school counselor or school official submit documentation of this decision to Baylor. Early graduation statements can be emailed to admissions@baylor.edu and must include a tentative graduation date, specifying at least the month and year.
• 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
• 2 Letters of Recommendation
  • A Letter of Recommendation can be from anyone who can speak to your character and ability to be successful at Baylor, but we strongly encourage at least one academic reference, especially for test optional students. Letters of Recommendation do not have to be from counselors.
• Short Answer Response (required for November 1 Binding (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?.