Not sure how to approach the Baylor University essay? CollegeAdvisor.com’s guide to the Baylor application essay will break down the Baylor essay prompts, showing you how to write an engaging Baylor essay and maximize your chances of admission.
If you need help answering the Baylor essay prompts, create your free account or schedule a complimentary advising consultation by calling (844) 343-6272.
Baylor Essay Guide Quick Facts:
- The Baylor University acceptance rate is 68.0%—U.S. News ranks Baylor University as a more selective school.
- Students can submit their Why Baylor essay through the Baylor Online Application, ApplyTexas or The Common App.
- The Baylor essay prompts include the prompts for your Personal Statement and the Why Baylor essay.
Does Baylor University require a supplemental essay?
In addition to your Common App Personal Statement, Baylor asks their applicants to write an additional Baylor application essay. If you are applying Early Decision, the Baylor University essay is required. For all other applicants, the Baylor University essay is optional. The deadlines vary by application time, so give yourself plenty of time to think about the Baylor essay prompts.
Although the Baylor application essay is not required for Regular Decision applicants, it is recommended that every student complete the Baylor essay prompts. Your Why Baylor essay is your opportunity to set yourself apart from other applicants. Your Baylor essay, therefore, should show your reader why you love Baylor—and why Baylor should love you.
How many essays does Baylor University have?
Baylor University has two essays. Whether you apply through the Baylor Online Application, ApplyTexas, or The Common App, you’ll be able to find the Baylor essay prompts within your application.
On Baylor’s website, both the Application Process page and the Parents of Applicants page list the Baylor University essay prompt under “Recommended Items.” With this in mind, we encourage you to submit a Why Baylor essay to strengthen your application.
What are Baylor University’s essays?
Your Baylor essays include both your Personal Statement and one school-specific Baylor essay. In essence, your Baylor essay is simply a Why Baylor essay. Admissions are looking for students who will thrive at Baylor and can articulate exactly why they want to become a Baylor Bear.
While your GPA, test scores, and academic courses are all important, the Baylor essay prompts are Baylor’s way of learning who you are beyond the numbers. If you take your time with the Baylor essay prompts, you’ll be sure to write a Baylor application essay that will capture exactly who you are.
How do I write my Baylor University supplemental essay?
If the Baylor University acceptance rate or the Baylor essay prompts seem intimidating, don’t worry. Your Baylor application essay lets you share parts of you not found elsewhere in your application. Although the Baylor essay prompts include both the Common App Personal Statement and the Baylor University essay, this guide will focus on the Why Baylor essay.
Need some help writing your Common App essay? Get great tips from our Common App essay guide.
We have provided the 2021-2022 Baylor essay prompts below. In this guide, you’ll find a breakdown of how to approach the Why Baylor essay. We’ve also included extra tips for writing a Baylor application essay that will help you stand out in admissions.
Baylor University Essay – Why Baylor Essay (Optional)
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? (250-450 words)
Since this prompt has multiple questions, you can break down this Baylor essay prompt into three smaller Baylor essay prompts. Your Baylor application essay should answer the questions of “What,” “Why,” and “How.”
What are you looking for in a university?
Start by brainstorming all the things Baylor ticks off your college wish list. These might include size, location, student culture, academic programs, or other features.
The more specific you can be, the better. For example, if you hope to go into nursing, what exactly about the Louise Herrington School of Nursing attracts you? Consider the size of the program, specific curriculum, relationships with local hospitals, research opportunities, and more.
Regardless of your major, visit Baylor’s Student Life and Academics pages to find details to include in your Baylor application essay. This will help you answer the next part of the Baylor essay prompts.
Why do you want to attend Baylor?
Now that you’ve discussed your interests, you need to talk about why these features matter to you.
Do you think Baylor’s community can best support you and your beliefs? Do you see Baylor as the best place to prepare you for the type of career you hope to pursue? Are you passionate about the teaching styles and classes Baylor offers? Whatever the reason, show why Baylor will give you what you need to succeed.
How do you see yourself contributing to the Baylor community?
The final part of the Baylor essay prompts lets you inspire your reader. Your Why Baylor essay should show both why Baylor is right for you and why you are right for Baylor.
Again, be specific. Is there something about your background, experience, or beliefs that you think will enrich the campus culture? Are you hoping to join a student group or even start a new one? Is there a way you imagine using your work outside the classroom to positively impact the Baylor community?
Drafting Your Essay
As you brainstorm and begin writing, don’t be surprised if your answer for one of these questions inspires the next. These Baylor essay prompts are all connected, so don’t worry about answering each question individually or writing your Baylor essay in three separate parts. You can organize your essay however you think tells your story best.
Remember, the Baylor essay prompts do have a limited word count. This means you should stay direct and focused in your Baylor essay. Finally, make sure you address all three parts of the prompt in your Baylor application essay. This shows your reader that you can pay attention to detail. After all, every part of your Baylor University essay helps the admissions team better understand why you’d be a good fit for Baylor.
If you are having trouble coming up with what to write about, ask yourself these questions inspired by Baylor’s “What We’re Looking For” list for Freshman applicants:
- What intellectual topics or pursuits excite you?
- What are your values and beliefs surrounding faith and your personal calling?
- How have you challenged yourself academically?
- What opportunities have you embraced outside of the classroom?
- How do learning and service intersect in your life?
What is the acceptance rate for Baylor University?
According to U.S. News, the Baylor University acceptance rate is 68%. The Baylor University acceptance rate is a ratio of how many students applied to how many students got accepted. You can also use the Baylor University acceptance rate to help you consider your own admissions odds.
The latest Entering Class Profile shows a medium ACT range of 26-32 and SAT range of 1210-1370. Additionally, over three-quarters of Baylor’s 2020 entering class were in the top 25% of their high school classes.
The Baylor University acceptance rate is higher for students who apply Early Decision. So, if Baylor is your top choice, you might want to apply Early Decision. Remember, if you apply ED, you are required to respond to the Baylor essay prompts and write the Why Baylor essay.
Rather than focusing on the Baylor University acceptance rate, think about whether Baylor is the right school for you. If it is, take a look at Baylor’s 2021-2022 Application Process page for step-by-step guidance on all deadlines, application materials, the Baylor essay requirements, and the Baylor essay prompts.
Additionally, spend some time on the Why Baylor essay. Writing a strong Why Baylor essay is one of the best ways to maximize your admissions odds.
Baylor University Essay: Final Thoughts
As you begin your application, don’t let the Baylor University acceptance rate, your test scores, or any other statistics affect your writing process. While your GPA and test scores tell the story of your high school career, your Baylor essay is a blank page for you to express the person you have become.
Every applicant responds to the same Baylor essay prompts, so the most important factor in writing a standout Baylor University essay is you! Focus on writing about the things that truly matter to you. If you feel strongly about what you want and why you want it, just put that passion into words.
The second most important factor, though, is time. Great essays don’t happen overnight, so start thinking about the Baylor essay prompts well ahead of the deadline. That means taking the time to brainstorm, write, edit, rewrite, and proofread your Why Baylor essay. Double-check your spelling, grammar, and punctuation. The clearer your final draft is, the easier your voice and personality will shine through.
This 2021-2022 essay guide on Baylor was written by Stefanie Tedards. For more CollegeAdvisor.com resources on Baylor, click here. Want help crafting your Baylor essay? Create your free account or schedule a complimentary advising consultation by calling (844) 343-6272.
