<p>Hi!
I’m a pre-med student in my freshman year at a regional school in North Carolina and have identified Baylor as a transfer option. I’ve been accepted to Baylor and was wondering if anyone could shed some light on the neuroscience major and it’s preparation for top medical schools. </p>
<p>Also, and more to the point, I’ve seen and experienced a wide variety of reactions to Baylor. On one hand, my acceptance has resonated around my midsize town. To the point where random people stop by my house and speak to my parents about how “Baylor is the Duke of Texas” and give them contacts to professors. (This person is the father of a Baylor professor). It’s like people compare it to the Ivys. But on the other hand, Baylor basically sucks according to many people on this forum. US News ranks it as 75 nationally which isn’t horrible by any stretch of the imagination, but it could be better. I’d just like to know where the hate comes from specifically. </p>
<p>I’ve seen the 60% acceptance rate cited as a reason Baylor is sub-par. I find this difficult to swallow as my current university has a 37% acceptance rate and it truly does suck. </p>
<p>How accurate are the rankings by these various outlets and what is the true value of a Baylor education?</p>
<p>Baylor is no Harvard, but if you’re looking for the whole college experience/campus feel, Baylor has a lot to offer. Keep in mind that Baylor doesn’t meet “100% of financial need” like Ivies do, so I imagine the price probably deters many applicants and pushes the acceptance rates up.</p>
<p>I would think calling Baylor the “Duke of Texas” would be pretty accurate. Their reputation is certainly on the rise here in TX. They have athletics and academics, not too big though, and serious college pride. </p>
<p>Hate comes from UT, TTech and every other Big 12 grad </p>
<p>We were at OSU (Oklahoma State) this week for a presentation by the engineering department and Baylor was singled out for hate in the Admissions presentation which I found strange having expecting OU to be the target. </p>
<p>To note, D2 took OSU off list of potentials, but, trip was not a wash as we were able to attend WWB Big12 Championship game and see Baylor win for the 4th consecutive time! </p>
<p>I think that academically you can get what you want out of Baylor. My daughter, a freshman at Baylor, is in the honors college and finds her classes in the honors college, as well as her honors college peers, challenging and stimulating. She is also a neuroscience major, and loves the department, both classes and professors. There are opportunities to get involved in interesting research, and since it is a smaller department than say, biology, you can really get to know the professors right away. Advising is very good too, so as far as keeping on track for med school there shouldn’t be a problem, plus, the professors/advisors get to know you which helps for your rec letters when the time comes.</p>
<p>Outside the honors classes there may not be as much rigor in lower level classes, but you will be past that as a transfer. We were looking at much smaller schools, and didn’t choose Baylor for athletics, but I can say that the athletics and overall school pride and spirit is amazing and so much fun. I will never forget when on a trip to Baylor before school began someone in the airplane jumped up and gave my daughter a “sic’ em bears” she didn’t know how to react, but now whenever or wherever it may happens she gives an enthusiastic response!</p>
<p>Thank you everyone for the helpful responses! I’ve decided Baylor is where I want to spend the remainder of my college experience. I recently toured and the pre-health department completely won me over. The 70-75% acceptance of students into medical was the cherry on top than I needed. Can’t wait!</p>
<p>Congratulations on your decision! If you can, I would try to live on campus. Baylor has residential colleges as well as living-learning-experiences (LLC’s) that could help your transition by giving you some built in friends. They even have a “transfer experience” LLC. Living on campus will help you feel like part of the school faster. Also, if you can attend one of the fun summer line camps that will help you also.</p>
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