Baylor is the
largest, most prominent Baptist university in the world, and many students are attracted to the religious affiliation. An increasing number, however, stress that the academics, student
body, and campus are what initially drew them to Baylor. A sophomore from Houston says, “The best thing about Baylor is that I feel at home here. I love the campus--it is so beautiful, like you are walking around in a big park. The school gives you the feel of a big campus, with the intimacy and relational atmosphere of a smaller school. Many old stereotypes still persist, including the image of Baylor being full of conservative
“Bible-beaters” who want to shove their agendas down other students’
throats. In response to this, a student
notes: “Of course some people are too conservative and Bible beaters, but the majority of people are laid back Christians that party and don’t judge others for what they do.” Another student disagrees: “Baylor claims to be a Christian campus but it focuses more on exclusion and judgment than the acceptance and love they claim to preach.” Homosexuality is still frowned upon in most circles, and many openly gay students have a hard time adjusting to the atmosphere here.
Baylor’s academics focus on keeping class sizes small and making professors accessible to students. “Most classes are pretty small, so this means the teachers get to interact more with the students, creating a much better learning environment.”A junior economics major writes, “Many professors are open to independent study with students, and it is not uncommon for profs to invite smaller, upper-level classes over for dinner at some point in the semester." Some students have a rough time with the
mandatory chapel and theology class requirements (“It has a very strong overriding Christian attitude that many times supersedes academic curriculums”),
but they generally hold Baylor’s academics in high regard, including well-respected
pre-med, business, and social work programs. Baylor also has a rigorous
honors program for students seeking an extra challenge and strong alumni network post-graduation.
Baylor’s campus is quite beautiful, with wide, grassy meadows and buildings dating back to the 19th century, but the student body rails against its Waco setting. “I believe one of the primary obstacles in getting students to come to Baylor is the Waco Problem," says one student. "Baylor is a school of mostly upper middle class students surrounded by one of the most poverty ridden towns in the U.S. Not only is there little in the area of scenic views, but there is also little night life available for students.” Waco is despised by most and only marginally less despised by others who are encouraged by Waco’s efforts to rebuild its downtown area. Still, most students share this freshman's sentiment: “There is absolutely nothing to do in Waco. It is a gross and dangerous city.” Luckily, Dallas and Austin are both just a little over an hour away, and many
students pack up and visit friends or go home during the weekends.
Because of the “Waco Problem,” most students stay close to the campus during their Baylor careers, creating
what many students call the “Baylor Bubble.” Students stress this
isn’t necessarily a bad thing—many say their most cherished memories spring from their involvement in extracurricular activities and on-campus clubs. “I can't stress enough how important it is to get involved in some group, and you'll meet your best friends for life,”
says one student. Greek life is very popular,
and students will often join a frat or sorority sharing their interests. Common Grounds, the student coffee house, hosts live music acts, and there are often big parties on
campus before and after football games.
“There is no reason to ever be bored.”
While some students compliment Baylor’s great school
spirit and love for the Bears-- "FOOTBALL is an amazing experience even when we're not winning!!” — others remark on the lack of support for sports teams: “One bad thing about Baylor is there is no spirit. The Floyd Casey is never full, and same with the Ferrel Center.” Nonetheless, Baylor does have some
outstanding athletics, including strong baseball, tennis, and women's basketball programs. Baylor’s
homecoming parade is one of the oldest and most celebrated in
collegiate history.
Despite the opposition to Baylor's controversial "2012" program that divides administrators and many students, the school still sticks to its original quest to combine faith and education in a typical college atmosphere. A sophomore writes: “If you are coming to college looking to party, you are going to find people who party. Baylor is a big school and there is a large number of students who party just as hard as any other state school. On the other hand, because Baylor is a Baptist university, if you are looking for a place to find friends who are growing in their faith and developing their relationship with God, Baylor is perfect.”
