Baylor University

Date: Nov 25 2003
Major: Business - Management and Administration (This Major's Salary over time)
My perspective of Baylor has totally changed from the time I was a freshmen, to now, one year out in the working world. I think, Baylor offered me the right environment for an 18 year old, sheltered, upper middle class, Christian kid. I know now that I could have made it anywhere, but I am truly grateful for the high academic standards, wonderful friends, beautiful campus and religious environment. It has helped me get into the graduate school of my choice.

Most important thing to know about Baylor: Christian School! Although Baylor’s religious environment can be stifling, especially for those who are not Baptist, like me, or for the many that are just going to Baylor to have an edge on getting into the law or medical school, it still offers outstanding open-minded Christian education. My religious education included chapel, studying the seven major religions, visiting synagogues, hearing Muslim speakers, and Old and New Testament Classes. You need to know what you are getting yourself into prior to going to Baylor. It is the largest private Baptist University in the world and although the percent of Baptist students has dwindled to now only about 50%, the Christian presence is still very strong. I have good stories and bad hurtful stories about the bombardment of the Christian message everywhere on the campus. My advice would be to stay open-minded.

Academics: Don’t expect to have a bunch of TAs teaching your class. Baylor prides itself on knowing the students; the actual professors teach your classes, attend office hours and will call you by name in passing and invite you over for dinner. There is also an array of foreign exchange programs, for students as well as teachers, I had one prof that came over from Oxford. Baylor does not cut corners on the academic programs and is moving to being one the top ranked universities in the country.

Greek Life: Huge! Get ready for rush, ooh excuse me recruitment. Greek life at Baylor is for some the most important thing; in fact I have see girls transfer after not getting a bid for a sorority. However, there are many organizations and groups students can get involved in. I’ve been told that not being associated to a fraternity or sorority can be alienating, but in my opinion that is a matter of your perspective and attitude.

Waco: Baylor is the Oldest University in Texas, and although it moved cities once it is located in the oldest part of Waco. Heck, the little community college is in a more scenic and safer part of town than BU. But the school is growing and buying up some of the old messy part of town and developing a beautiful downtown area. Some area include the warehouse district and the Waco River Walk, even if the Brazos’ water is brown, the development is a good thing.

Best of luck! Keep an open mind and the best way to research a school it to go to the campus.