Baylor University Admission: SAT Score Expectations?

Hey everyone, hope all is well. By any chance, does anyone know the average or range of SAT scores that Baylor University typically expects for their applicants? Searching around has given me mixed results. Any insights on this would be greatly appreciated!

Hey! According to the most recent data directly from Baylor's Office of Institutional Research, the middle 50% SAT range for this institution is between 1160-1340.

What this statistic means is that 25% of admitted Baylor students scored below 1160, 25% scored above 1340, and 50% of students fell within that 1160-1340 range. So, if you want to improve your chances of admission, aiming for a score in this range or higher may be beneficial.

However, keep in mind that these statistics are just guidelines, not absolute cut-offs. Baylor will review your application in a holistic manner, by taking into account your academic performance, extracurricular involvement, and your essays, along with your SAT scores. So even if your score falls slightly below this range, you can still be accepted to Baylor, so long as you focus on showcasing your strengths in other areas.

If you want to know how your application as a whole stacks up at Baylor, I'd check out CollegeVine's free chancing engine, which accounts for all quantifiable elements of your application, including not just test scores but also GPA, course rigor, and extracurriculars to give you personalized odds of acceptance at Baylor and hundreds of other colleges: https://www.collegevine.com/admissions-calculator

This tool will also give you suggestions on how to improve your chances, for example by raising your SAT score slightly or earning a leadership position in one of your extracurriculars.

Or, if you want tips on how to strengthen the more intangible aspects of your application, I'd check out this CollegeVine blog post, which breaks down how to tackle Baylor's current school-specific supplemental essay prompt(s): https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-baylor-university-essays/. The essays are a great opportunity to explain what you have to offer beyond the numbers.

Finally, it is worth noting that Baylor is officially test-optional, so you actually aren't required to submit an SAT (or ACT) score. However, you're smart to still be thinking about target SAT scores, as there can still be instances where including a standardized test score with your application can be a good idea. For detailed guidance on how to navigate test-optional policies, check out this blog post from CollegeVine: https://blog.collegevine.com/does-test-optional-mean-test-optional

Good luck with your admissions journey!