Baylor's SAT expectations?

Hey guys! I'm keen on applying to Baylor and would like to know what SAT score range they typically look for? How important are SAT scores in Baylor's review process?

Baylor University, like many institutions, employs a holistic review process when assessing its applicants, which means they consider all aspects of your application, not just your SAT scores. Your GPA, curriculum rigor, extracurriculars, and personal essays also significantly contribute to the overall picture they have of you as an applicant.

However, your question is specifically about Baylor's SAT expectations. Typically, the middle 50% SAT score range for admitted students at Baylor falls between roughly 1160 to 1350. This statistic means that 25% of admitted students scored below 1160, while another 25% scored above 1350, and the remaining 50% fell within this range.

It's important to remember that these numbers are not a strict cutoff and being within this range does not guarantee acceptance, just as scoring below or above it does not predict a rejection. If your score falls below the range, other strong elements of your application—like an outstanding GPA or exceptional extracurricular achievements—can significantly enhance your candidacy. Similarly, an above-average SAT score does not overshadow weaknesses in other parts of your application.

Although Baylor University does take SAT scores into account during its admissions process, it's one component of many, and a holistic review process means that your application's strength doesn't solely depend on your test scores. It's about the overall narrative your application tells about you and your potential to succeed both academically and personally at Baylor.

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, whether by raising your SAT score slightly or some other step, like 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 blog post from CollegeVine, which breaks down how to tackle Baylor's school-specific supplemental essays: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-baylor-university-essays/. The essays are a great opportunity to showcase what you have to offer beyond the numbers.

Finally, it's worth noting that Baylor is officially test-optional, so you actually are not 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 application!