Your College Checklist

The earlier your student takes it, the more time they’ll have to retake it and improve their score if they want to. Because of the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, many schools offer a test-optional approach, meaning  a test score isn’t needed for admittance, so do your research! Baker University offers a test-optional admissions process.

Visiting a school in person can help your student picture themselves on campus and get a feel for the community. If an in-person visit isn’t possible, check for virtual options. 

Baker offers many visit opportunities.

Plan a Visit        

Encourage your student to follow the social media accounts of the schools they’re interested in. This will give them a good idea of what’s happening at the school and events unique to a particular school. 

Follow Baker University:

@BakerUniversity

@BakerUniversity

@BakerUniversity

@BakerUniversity

Be sure to talk with your student about how costs will be covered. Most schools require a FAFSA to be eligible for scholarships and financial aid. Talent- or participation-based scholarships are also available, so check activities and programs your student is interested in for these opportunities.  

96% of Baker students receive financial aid in the form of scholarships and grants—totaling thousands of dollars per student. Learn more about financial aid options at Baker.

Application materials and deadlines vary by school. Compile a list of admission, financial aid, and scholarship deadlines at each school and try to complete them early. 

Admissions counselors and school officials are prepared to answer your questions, so ask away! They are valuable resources during the admissions process. Consider asking other parents with children in college or asking current students what they wish they had known during their college search. Your student’s high school guidance counselor has resources as well. 

Meet Baker’s admissions counselors.

Maintain clear and consistent communication with your student. Give them space to explore and make decisions, but be sure you’re available to discuss options and questions. 

A liberal arts education involves classes that are focused on critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and teamwork. The curriculum, regardless of major, includes courses in humanities, social sciences, natural sciences and formal sciences. Liberal arts colleges have more staff members dedicated to teaching full time, rather than a combination of graduate student teaching assistants and research professors.

At Baker, our liberal arts curriculum fosters student–professor interaction, mentorship, and collaboration, with a low student-to-teacher ratio.

Most colleges and universities require general education courses in several areas before students concentrate on their major. These courses provide the foundation of an undergraduate degree and, depending on the school, can make up one-third to half of the hours required to gradate. Most often, gen eds include courses in English, math, natural science, social science, humanities, and diversity.

Baker offers a unique approach to gen eds: The Baker Core. Instead of simply checking off requirements to meet credit hour totals, students gain comprehensive knowledge through integrated courses that support a theme they have chosen. These courses are taken over all four years of the college experience. This leads to graduates who enter the workforce prepared for any career because they have the skills to think critically, communicate effectively, and solve problems creatively.

If your student doesn’t know, they’re not alone. According to Inside Higher Ed magazine, “Almost a third of first-time college students choose a major and then change it at least once within three years.”

One of the benefits of liberal arts and general education curriculum is that students get to learn about a variety of subjects. This is a great opportunity to explore different disciplines and helps many students choose a major. Be wary of picking a school for a specific program because your student might change their mind. Encourage them to choose a school that is a good overall fit.

Baker University offers a variety of student programs, organizations, and activities for students to challenge themselves in and outside the classroom. Baker students have opportunities for research, pre-professional conferences, and leadership positions.

Living on campus allows your student to connect with friends, get involved, and interact with faculty and staff. Be sure to check requirements at each school because on-campus living guidelines vary by school. Become familiar with the community surrounding the school and encourage your student to get involved.

All full-time students at Baker are required to live on campus or in a sorority or fraternity chapter house unless they qualify for a residency exemption. With several options, on-campus living promotes a positive and enriching environment for our students. All residence halls are located within a five-minute walk to all activities and buildings on campus, allowing students to be in the middle of the action, both on campus and in the Baldwin City community.

Learn more about residential life at Baker University.

Visiting campus and the surrounding area is a great way to find out whether a college will feel like home. Consider these questions:

How far is too far from home? Determine how far your student wants to travel over holidays, how often they’d like to come home, and how much your family is willing to pay for travel-related expenses.

Rural or urban? Talk with your student about the type of environment they would be comfortable in.  Does your student seek the cultural and entertainment opportunities of a big city? Does a small campus in a quaint, quiet town sound intriguing? Is it important to be close to outdoor activities like camping, hiking, and kayaking? Take note of the opportunities and experiences available near the college.

Located in Baldwin City, Kansas, Baker University is a 25-minute drive from Lawrence, Kansas, which has a thriving music and arts scene, many restaurants and shopping opportunities, and trails for hiking and biking. The Kansas City metropolitan area, with all the attractions of a diverse city, is a 45-minute drive away.

There are benefits to all sizes. Discuss priorities with your student. Consider their learning style and preferences in socializing. Do they constantly seek new experiences or are they most comfortable with the familiar?

Small colleges and their small class sizes offer a more personalized experience. In academics this means more ability to  develop mentor relationships with faculty, few large lecture classes, and more opportunity for hands-on participation and  discussion.  It is usually easier to navigate administrative tasks like changing majors at a small colleges.  You’ll get to know nearly everyone on campus and see friendly faces everywhere. You’ll have more opportunity to develop leadership skills because there is less competition.

Large colleges can offer a more diverse experience, with a wider selection of academic programs, state-of-the-art facilities, and vast opportunities to meet new people and try new activities. There is usually more variety in housing choices.

A medium-sized college can offer benefits from both small and large colleges, but on a smaller scale.

Clubs and organizations are a big part of campus life and provide learning experiences and leadership opportunities outside of the classroom.

Are first-year students welcomed into organizations, or do they need to wait their turn? Do music and theater groups allow nonmajors? Do you have to be a journalism student to write or take photos for the newspaper?

93% of Baker students are involved in clubs, athletics, internships, study abroad, and student government. Students have no trouble finding their place, making friends, and creating a memorable college experience. Learn about  Baker’s student groups.