Incoming freshman class to be among the most selective in school history

If you’ve had a hunch that more people across the country and around the world are taking notice of Baylor, here’s one more indication that you’re right: The fall 2015 incoming class is shaping up to be the most selective in school history.

While numbers are not quite final, the acceptance rate is currently at 44% — a full 10 points lower than last year.

“The demand for a Baylor education simply outweighs our capacity,” says Jennifer Carron, assistant vice president of admission services. “The academic ability of this group is on track to be the best we’ve ever seen, so we are having to take extra time to identify the best applicants all around.”

Because of the high demand for a Baylor education, more than 3,000 applicants have been invited to join a wait list in the event that space in the entering class does become available.

Here are a few more notables:

• More legacy students than ever are continuing the Baylor tradition and making plans to enroll in the fall.
• Interest from students outside of Texas is on the rise. The incoming class could include the most out-of-state students in school history.
• Prospective students are flocking to campus to see firsthand what makes Baylor special. More than 45,000 visitors have already flowed through the Wiethorn Visitors Center this year — a pace that would break last year’s record total of 54,000 visitors.

The increased interest in attending Baylor parallels other rises across the university in recent years, from historic academic rankings and athletic success to record-setting enrollment numbers and fundraising.

Sic ’em, future bears!