American Studies BA

Entry requirements

• High School Transcripts

• We accept high school transcripts in these two ways:

  • OFFICIAL: Official transcripts can be mailed from your high school in a sealed and signed envelope or sent digitally through a secure electronic source (Slate.org, Parchment, CommonApp, or TRex). 

  • UNOFFICIAL: Unofficial transcripts are sufficient to complete your application file, however, please note that final enrollment at Baylor is contingent upon receipt of an official transcript.  If you would like to submit an unofficial transcript to complete your application file, simply upload a scanned copy in your goBAYLOR account or email admissions@baylor.edu and include as an attachment

  • Transcripts or mark sheets must include: years of enrollment, course titles and all marks earned for each course for 6 semesters. If your school's education system only has three years of secondary school, please have the previous year submitted as well.

  • Transcripts should be submitted in the original language and accompanied by an official literal English translation.

  • Although original documents are preferred, certified photocopies are acceptable when a signature and the stamp from the school or government official is included. Copies received through fax or email are not considered official. Students can self submit transcripts as long as they are in official, sealed envelopes from their secondary school.

  • Applicants from schools with external exams or leaving certificates should have their exams or certificates submitted to Baylor directly from the testing agency (IGCSE, GCE, WAEC, CBSE, IB, etc.). If you are unsure about which transcripts or exams are required for your country's education system, see our Required Secondary School Credentials by Country page.

  • If you have not yet taken your examination, your admission may be contingent upon our receipt of your exam results.

  • If using outside credential evaluators, Baylor will only accept evaluations from Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) or World Education Services (WES). If you choose to use one of these services, Baylor requires copies of the original transcripts to accompany the evaluation.

• Submission of Documentation

  • Electronic copies are only official if sent from TRex (for Texas schools), Parchment or through the Common App.

• ​Official SAT/ACT Scores

• We accept SAT or ACT scores in these three ways:

  • SELF-REPORTED: You may self-report your best test scores on your application for admission. We will use these scores when we review your file, so please make sure they are accurate and correct - entering false information, even by accident, could disqualify your application. If accepted, you will need to have the testing agency send your official scores to our office by May 1.

  • SUBMITTED FROM THE TESTING AGENCY: Test scores can be sent through the College Board or ACT student website. Baylor's SAT code is 6032, and Baylor's ACT code is 4062. Please allow 2-3 weeks for delivery.

  • SUBMITTED ON AN OFFICIAL HIGH SCHOOL TRANSCRIPT: We can accept test scores listed on an official high school transcript.

  • Important Note: Students are not required to submit standardized test scores for admission. When you apply, you will be required to choose the following when responding to the “Preferred testing plan” question:

  • “I opt in to having my test scores reviewed for admission.” OR “I opt out.”

  • The decision to apply with or without test scores should be carefully thought through and is considered final. However, given the challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic, Baylor will make every effort to be as flexible with applicants as possible. If an applicant has previously submitted test scores to Baylor but indicates on the application that they would not like their scores considered, test scores will not be viewed during application review. International students who apply without test scores have the option to complete an interview as part of the application process so that we may get to know you better. Learn more about our Test Optional policy.

• CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE

  • Non-U.S. citizens attending a secondary school outside of the U.S. are required to submit the CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE as part of a complete application file.

  • If you are seeking need-based financial assistance as an international student, you must fill out a CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE to apply for aid. Baylor will not consider your application until you have satisfied this requirement. If you do not need financial assistance and want this requirement waived, call (254) 710-3435 to discuss with your admissions counselor.

• Essay

  • A short essay is required as part of the application process.

English requirements