Baylor University

Perhaps my favorite thing about Baylor is the opportunity I have had as an honor student to have the interdisciplinary major called University Scholars. If you have high enough SAT's and enough AP classes and a good application essay, you can be excused from most undergrad required classes such as required English and Science classes. This means even as a Freshman you can begin your major classes. It also makes it easier to spend a semester doing an internship or to have multiple concentrations instead of a single major.

That's not to mention that Baylor has small classes with involved teachers. I can honestly say that every teacher I have had so far has known my name and seems to genuinely care that we learn the information. The classes here are definitely challenging, but with helpful teachers, I have certainly learned a lot.

We toured different classrooms when I visited and it was really great to see that the majority of them are small (more time to ask for help and get to know your teacher!). I also spoke with several different department leaders and it truly touched my heart that they were so passionate about everything Baylor has to offer. It was kind of like you feel them wanting to teach you - and not just academically, but life lessons too.

Every single teacher cares about their students. Each professor wants you to truly care about the subject they're teaching you. It's really inspiring to see how passionate a professor is in the classroom. It makes you pay so much more attention than a teacher who doesn't care.

It depends on what courses you take. If you took AP language don't bother with a 2320 level class. I learned all of that in 10th grade. Baylor has these Great Texts courses where you read ancient literature and delve into the deep meanings and themes and reflect on human nature. In High School The Odyssey put me to sleep but my professor's discussions about all the material were fascinating. I also learned much in my Honors calculus based physics class. Honors courses are small and personal.

Baylor’s education program was one of the main reasons I choose this school. I love the learning atmosphere because the teachers interact with the students. I enjoy having small classrooms where the teacher knows me by name. Having a smaller classroom size of 20-50 students compared to 300 plus students just makes it easier to ask more questions. If the teacher is not enough there are free tutors on campus and SI instructors that are very helpful. I am always one of the slower students so having these opportunities are essential. Besides education religion is really another foundation of Baylor. I at first thought that the Baptist part of Baylor was just a label but that was not the case. Baylor encourages an education in the basis and practices of Christianity. Baylor sponsors several organizations involving mission trips and allows guest speakers that create awareness on issues that an average student like myself can make a difference in. However, I learned so much more outside the classroom. I enriched my education by getting involved in club organizations and projects. I have learned how to be a better person by becoming more patient, gaining better organization and leadership skills, practicing service and learning about more different cultures. The most important lesson I learned at Baylor was, why wait to make a difference?

Baylor will keep you busy. You will be learning from the best and the brightest. These professors are not like your High School teachers. They will push you to think critically (even though the subject that you are learning about may not be in your field of study) and address classrooms with passion. As a student, I always feel engaged and challenged.

The professors know their materials and teach it well. They will be glad to help you if you just ask.

The academic quality here at Baylor is superb. The classes are interesting and the professors work to stimulate your thinking; of course, like all colleges there are professors and classes here that are less-than-worthy of even considering taking, but it comes down to the effort you put into choosing your classes and professors. Go to the BUBOOKS.COM website to see the professor ratings..I did that, and I enjoyed every single class I have taken. Excellent academics and resources to help in the schoolwork process.

When I finished my last final and finished up my first semester at Baylor, my head was jammed with information and knowledge that I would have never believed it could contain. Baylor's student teacher ratio honestly contributed to my learning and I got to know every one of my professors. (except for my Biology teacher because he was extremely rude but I still got an A in his class.) Baylor is a school with people that really want you to succeed and will do whatever it takes to help if you are struggling. They understand how important a GPA is to a college student. When I found myself struggling in Pre-Calculus for example, my professor was there for me to give me extra practice after class and during his office hours. If anyone is serious about learning THIS IS THE COLLEGE FOR YOU!!!

The professors at Baylor have a genuine concern for the advancement of your education. Even with a large student population most classrooms are structured fairly small. Freshman year I attended classes with twenty people or less and a couple big general studies courses with eighty people or more. Opportunities for success are everywhere, the Sid Richardson Success Center provides tutoring and counseling, The Writing Lab offers help from graduate students, and most classes offer supplemental instruction.
Most professors are either trying to receive or have doctorates in the fields they teach. What they have to teach is their passion therefore at times challenging but you will learn useful material from individuals who are renowned in their field.
Baylor is not just an academic experience. The experiences you get from branching out to Waco and extracurricular activities will benefit your future greatly. There are endless opportunities to do well and learn.