WACO, Texas — Baylor University decided to become a test-optional institution for the 2021 application cycle for incoming freshmen. Meaning, these new students would not be required to have an ACT or SAT score.
“We believe this shift will serve the complex and unique needs of freshman applicants for the 2021 class,” Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education and Institutional Effectiveness Wes Null, Ph.D. said. “We are confident that, through a holistic review process, we will be able to identify incoming first-year students who will thrive at Baylor and contribute to our campus community in significant ways.”
According to a press release from Baylor University, the pandemic has changed how current high school juniors prepare for the upcoming college admissions cycle. Usually, campus visits and standardized exams take place in the spring. Because of this, Baylor researched the possibility of a test-optional admissions policy for 2021 and received feedback from across the University to make its decision.
“In many respects, this shift to test-optional for 2021 will provide us with an opportunity to develop new strategies that will help us not only for 2021 but for 2022 and beyond as well,” Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management Jennifer Carron said.
Baylor also launched its 2020 Summer of Discovery. This is a collection of discounted summer course bundles for high school students and current Baylor students, including incoming freshmen. The courses provide an opportunity for rising high school seniors to take online Baylor courses at discounted rates for college credit and potential early admission to the University, the release said.
The role of SAT and ACT scores for the 2022 class is still unclear but a decision will be made next spring. In the meantime, the admissions and enrollment management team will begin working with academic units on adapting the 2021 test-optional policy for scholarships, major-specific entrance requirements, prerequisites and other areas, according to the release.
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