Most students enter the Computer Science Fellows Program as freshmen. A student must first be accepted to Baylor before applying. In order to receive word by the May 1st college notification deadline, the applicant must ensure that the completed form, the required essay, and three letters of recommendation arrive in the CSF office by April 1st. Otherwise, applications will be accepted and reviewed until the beginning of the semester in which the student matriculates or transfers. The director of the program and the CS Review Committee will select all students admitted into the program.

The major is open to incoming freshmen, transfer students with less than 36 Baylor credit hours after previous school credits have transferred, current Baylor students with less than 36 Baylor credit hours at time of application, or current students in good standing transferring from the University Scholars Program. Acceptances are made on a rolling basis, and letters of admission are sent in the month following receipt of a complete application.

Criteria for Admission

In order of priority, the following are the five criteria for admission into Computer Science Fellows:

1. Because of the great disparity in the level of secondary school programs throughout the country, primary emphasis is necessarily placed on SAT/ACT scores.
2. Class rank and GPA.
3. A detailed essay stating the student's reasons for applying to the program and the applicant's planned course of study.
• The applicant should discuss how the Computer Science Fellows program will help them attain their academic and professional goals.
• This essay/plan should sufficiently detail the applicant's planned course of study over their four years at Baylor University.
• The 4-year plan should be updated as any changes occur in the applicant's planned course of study.
4. Three letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the applicant's academic record and potential for success at the university level.
5. Since Computer Science Fellows are exempt from taking many of the specialized course requirements of a traditional major, the number and type of Advanced Placement or college-level courses previously taken will be considered.

Late Entries and Transfers

In order that students derive the full benefit from the program, Computer Science Fellows will not ordinarily accept students who have fewer than three years or 90 hours remaining to complete their undergraduate degree at Baylor. Computer Science Fellows are therefore generally expected to complete at least 90 hours as students within the program. Students who enter late, i.e., after their freshman year or as a transfer student with more than 36 Baylor credit hours, need to seek a special waiver to this requirement from the Program Director before they can be admitted to the program.

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