What is your overall opinion of this school?
Beautiful, beautiful campus. One of my favorite places in the world to be. And I love the weather, there's four seasons and the most awesome storms. Everything is kept green and colorful and trimmed. The peaked towers on most of the buildings give the entire area a real scholarly feel.
It's much bigger than I expected, student-to-faculty ratios turn out don't mean much. Most undergrad classes have 100-200 students. But because it's a closed campus it feels more close-knit. Baylor is a great transition to the real world. When I tell people that I go to Baylor(instead of a state school back home), they usually get a surprised look and congradulate me repeatedly.
Waco... is not the most exciting or cultured city. But I'm realizing more and more that it has everything that I really need. I usually stay on "our" side of I-35 though. I'm never bored, there's always things to do on or around campus and if not, Waco's great to get some food or go to a movie.
What are the academics like at your school?
My major isn't exactly common at colleges around America, but the neuroscience department at Baylor seems awesome. I just finished my first year there so I've only had one neuroscience class, but it was team-taught by 4 professors and absolutely fascinating. Even the lab was fun and you can take it on your own time. There's also two extracirricular clubs, Nu Rho Sci (neuroscience honor society) and the Baylor Neuroscience Society, which is open to everyone interested in neuroscience, regardless of major. Although my class was large enough where I wouldn't recognize most of them, it wasn't intimidating at all. I was completely comfortable raising my hand and asking a question during class, going up after, or emailing the professor and they're equally helpful every time. I love it so far and can't wait for some more.
Describe the students at your school.
I already said a lot about the student body under Baylor on whole. Other than that, most students are from Texas it seems like, and namely San Antonio, Houston, and Dallas. The campus in general is very politically active, we had a Straw Poll to encourage political awareness, voting, and educated decision-making that got a lot of students talking about the election as well. There's a big Baylor Democrats group and a lot of republicans around campus, I feel like both have a good representation. We have had a run-off the past two years in the Student Government.
What are the most popular student activities/groups?
Off campus: eat. Plenty of restaurants, and even the occasional movie.
On campus: I'm involved in Alpha Delta Pi, so there's always mixers, crushes, dances, etc. with that. We also do community service together and a lot of sisterhood-bonding activities, which are a ton of fun! But the greek scene on whole isn't a huge deal on campus. Since we're not allowed houses and all of the sororities share one building, I feel like it's a lot more civil and less competetive. Also, less than half of the student body rushes. It's not a huge deal to most people whether or not you're greek, although to some it is. It's just pretty much another club of people who have things in common, enjoy each others' company and plan social events. I know of plenty of people that live in houses of 4 girls, each from a different sorority. Or another in particular, two from one, one from another, and one independent (non-greek) . A person's greek house isn't their defining factor.
Baylor: SO many traditions! Dr. Pepper hour with free floats every week, SING, Steppin' Out, Homecoming, Thanksgiving Dinner, Christmas on 5th Street, other campus-wide Greek events, the Guarding of the Flame... the list goes on and on! It's awesome. It's a very old university steeped in awesome, age-old traditions.
What is the stereotype of students at your school?
We're all rich, white kids that walk around with name-brand gear looking skinny and fabulous.
Is the stereotype of students at your school accurate?
No. Of course those people exist, I'm sure there's some at every university, but there's a very diverse representation. Most of the people are broke college kids.
Here’s your chance: Say anything about your college!
I love Baylor! So, so much. It's as expensive as all get-out but it's definitely the right choice for me, I wouldn't trade it for anything.