Diversity at Baylor Law School

New & Prospective Students

At Baylor Law School, diversity is an important component of our educational mission. We believe that racial and ethnic diversity in our classrooms promotes cross-racial understanding and helps to break down ethnic stereotypes. We believe that classroom discussion is livelier, more spirited, and simply more enlightened and interesting when the students have the greatest possible variety of backgrounds. The law in particular is an area where removing barriers is critical. Inclusion and participation are key components in the educational process.

Minority candidates are strongly encouraged to apply to Baylor Law School. We recognize that many racial and ethnic minorities are under-represented in the legal profession, and therefore, minority status
may be considered as a “plus factor” in the context of individualized consideration of each and every applicant. Groups of people who are classified as racial minorities for affirmative action purposes include the following: Latino/Hispanic/Chicano; Black/African American; Asian/Pacific Islander; and Alaskan/Native Indian. Other groups, because of the richness they add to our student body, are also the focus of our diversity efforts, including those who have succeeded despite social, economic, or educational disadvantages; non-traditional students; and those with military experience.

We are committed to developing and implementing a program of nondiscrimination and affirmative action. Our society is rich in diversity, and so often, lawyers are the interpreters of culture, the peacemakers, the problem-solvers, and the voice of the people. It is our responsibility to ensure that our graduates are prepared to serve society at all levels, whether locally, as they represent clients with varied needs, or at the state and national levels, as policymakers.

The File Review Process. Your application will be reviewed by members of the Admissions Committee, who are faculty members of Baylor Law School. Baylor has no set cutoff as to the LSAT score or undergraduate GPA; each file is individually reviewed in its entirety. Committee members consider carefully all facets of your application, including socioeconomic disadvantage, bilingual language skills, work experience, community involvement, leadership roles, and communications skills.

The Admissions Committee is interested in learning of any significant disadvantage that you may have encountered or endured. This information may bear on the predictive value of your undergraduate GPA and LSAT score(s). Examples of significant disadvantage could include the fact that you have personally encountered discrimination; that you are the first member of your family to pursue education beyond high school or the undergraduate level; that you had significant responsibilities while previously attending school, including working or helping to raise children; that you come from a geographical area or locale where educational opportunities were unusually limited; or that you encountered other personal hardship experiences.

Law Faculty–Part of the Process. Many Baylor law professors spend an enormous amount of their time reviewing applications and attending open houses for prospective students. Their deep involvement in the admissions process reflects the level of involvement they will have with you when you become a Baylor law student.   At Baylor, you will find open office doors because our faculty put you first. Teaching and mentoring are the single most important activities of Baylor Law faculty, unlike many schools where research productivity is the principle criterion for the granting of tenure. While Baylor Law faculty author numerous publications and are recognized experts in their fields, first and foremost, they are teachers of the law.   They want you to become the best lawyer you can be, and they will mentor you throughout your law school education to accomplishment that result.

Visiting the Law School.    Throughout the year, we have several visitation days during which you can get a feel for the law school, attending classes and visiting with students and faculty. We want you to tour the new law school facility and see the advantages it has over other law schools. You might be surprised at what Waco has to offer as well– a huge recreational lake, a revitalized downtown, an array of civic and cultural attractions, plentiful entertainment, and importantly, very affordable housing.

Multiple Entering Classes. Keep in mind that the law school has three entering classes: fall, spring and summer. Most people apply for the fall class, and as a result, the fall class is the most competitive in terms of entering credentials. Each entering class follows the same curriculum. The spring class starts in early February, and the summer class begins in early May. You will get the same great Baylor Law School education, regardless of your starting date.

More About Diversity
For more about Diversity at Baylor Law School, please see Making it Happen for You.

The Baylor Environment
There are several student organizations that specifically address minority issues.

Minority Law Student Advisor
Baylor is proud to be one of the few schools that has created a position to address the needs or concerns of current and prospective minority law students. Professor Patricia Wilson serves as the Minority Law Student Advisor. Please feel free to direct any questions you may have to her at Patricia_Wilson@baylor.edu or 254.710.6591.

Please be aware that this page may contains links to that go to online forms, flash enabled pages, and non-Law-School websites.