Hey everyone, I've been kind of digging into Cal Baptist and it looks like a great fit for me. But I'm not too clear about their application process. Does anyone have any advice or insights? Like, what are the most important aspects they look for? How competitive is it?
When evaluating an application, California Baptist University generally takes a holistic approach. This means they're looking at your high school grades, the rigor of your coursework, and your standardized test scores if you choose to submit them. They've adopted a test-optional policy, so you won't be disadvantaged if you don't submit SAT or ACT scores. They'll also consider your character, leadership, and service involvement to determine your potential to contribute to their community.
The minimum GPA requirement is a 2.75, although the average GPA of admitted students tends to be higher. The middle 50% SAT score in Fall 2021 for those who chose to submit was 1080, and the ACT composite score was 22.
It’s also important to prepare a letter of recommendation. Though not required, it certainly adds weight to your application. You'll be required to submit a personal essay, too. In it, you have the opportunity to share more about your background, your goals, and why you're interested in Cal Baptist specifically. Admissions officers love to see applicants demonstrate interest and fit with their institution.
As for the level of competition, they have a reasonably high acceptance rate at around 80%, so they’re less selective than some other schools. However, every year is different, and it largely depends on the caliber of the total applicant pool in a particular year.
A piece of advice: thoroughly research their programs and opportunities in order to articulate a strong interest in the university in your essay. If possible, visit the campus or attend virtual events. This will not only give you insights for your application, but will also help you feel more confident that Cal Baptist is the right fit for you. Good luck with your application!
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