essay prompts for baylor

Baylor University Supplemental Essays Guide: 2021-2022

Not sure how to approach the Baylor University essay? CollegeAdvisor.com ’s guide to the Baylor application essay will break down the Baylor essay prompts, showing you how to write an engaging Baylor essay and maximize your chances of admission.

If you need help answering the Baylor essay prompts, create your free account or schedule a complimentary advising consultation by calling (844) 343-6272.

Baylor Essay Guide Quick Facts:

• The Baylor University acceptance rate is 68.0%— U.S. News ranks Baylor University as a more selective school. 
• Students can submit their Why Baylor essay through the Baylor Online Application , ApplyTexas or The Common App .
• The Baylor essay prompts include the prompts for your Personal Statement and the Why Baylor essay.

Does Baylor University require a supplemental essay?

In addition to your Common App Personal Statement, Baylor asks their applicants to write an additional Baylor application essay. If you are applying Early Decision, the Baylor University essay is required . For all other applicants, the Baylor University essay is optional . The deadlines vary by application time, so give yourself plenty of time to think about the Baylor essay prompts.

Although the Baylor application essay is not required for Regular Decision applicants, it is recommended that every student complete the Baylor essay prompts. Your Why Baylor essay is your opportunity to set yourself apart from other applicants. Your Baylor essay, therefore, should show your reader why you love Baylor—and why Baylor should love you.

How many essays does Baylor University have?

Baylor University has two essays. Whether you apply through the Baylor Online Application, ApplyTexas, or The Common App, you’ll be able to find the Baylor essay prompts within your application. 

On Baylor’s website, both the Application Process page and the Parents of Applicants page list the Baylor University essay prompt under “Recommended Items.” With this in mind, we encourage you to submit a Why Baylor essay to strengthen your application.

What are Baylor University’s essays?

Your Baylor essays include both your Personal Statement and one school-specific Baylor essay. In essence, your Baylor essay is simply a Why Baylor essay. Admissions are looking for students who will thrive at Baylor and can articulate exactly why they want to become a Baylor Bear. 

While your GPA, test scores, and academic courses are all important, the Baylor essay prompts are Baylor’s way of learning who you are beyond the numbers. If you take your time with the Baylor essay prompts, you’ll be sure to write a Baylor application essay that will capture exactly who you are.

How do I write my Baylor University supplemental essay?

If the Baylor University acceptance rate or the Baylor essay prompts seem intimidating, don’t worry. Your Baylor application essay lets you share parts of you not found elsewhere in your application. Although the Baylor essay prompts include both the Common App Personal Statement and the Baylor University essay, this guide will focus on the Why Baylor essay.

Need some help writing your Common App essay? Get great tips from our Common App essay guide .

We have provided the 2021-2022 Baylor essay prompts below. In this guide, you’ll find a breakdown of how to approach the Why Baylor essay. We’ve also included extra tips for writing a Baylor application essay that will help you stand out in admissions. 

Baylor University Essay – Why Baylor Essay (Optional)

What are you looking for in a university, why do you want to attend Baylor, and how do you see yourself contributing to the Baylor community? (250-450 words)

Since this prompt has multiple questions, you can break down this Baylor essay prompt into three smaller Baylor essay prompts. Your Baylor application essay should answer the questions of “What,” “Why,” and “How.” 

What are you looking for in a university? 

Start by brainstorming all the things Baylor ticks off your college wish list. These might include size, location, student culture, academic programs, or other features. 

The more specific you can be, the better. For example, if you hope to go into nursing, what exactly about the Louise Herrington School of Nursing attracts you? Consider the size of the program, specific curriculum, relationships with local hospitals, research opportunities, and more. 

Regardless of your major, visit Baylor’s Student Life and Academics pages to find details to include in your Baylor application essay. This will help you answer the next part of the Baylor essay prompts.

Why do you want to attend Baylor? 

Now that you’ve discussed your interests, you need to talk about why these features matter to you. 

Do you think Baylor’s community can best support you and your beliefs? Do you see Baylor as the best place to prepare you for the type of career you hope to pursue? Are you passionate about the teaching styles and classes Baylor offers? Whatever the reason, show why Baylor will give you what you need to succeed.

How do you see yourself contributing to the Baylor community? 

The final part of the Baylor essay prompts lets you inspire your reader. Your Why Baylor essay should show both why Baylor is right for you and why you are right for Baylor. 

Again, be specific. Is there something about your background, experience, or beliefs that you think will enrich the campus culture? Are you hoping to join a student group or even start a new one? Is there a way you imagine using your work outside the classroom to positively impact the Baylor community?

Drafting Your Essay

As you brainstorm and begin writing, don’t be surprised if your answer for one of these questions inspires the next. These Baylor essay prompts are all connected, so don’t worry about answering each question individually or writing your Baylor essay in three separate parts. You can organize your essay however you think tells your story best. 

Remember, the Baylor essay prompts do have a limited word count. This means you should stay direct and focused in your Baylor essay. Finally, make sure you address all three parts of the prompt in your Baylor application essay. This shows your reader that you can pay attention to detail. After all, every part of your Baylor University essay helps the admissions team better understand why you’d be a good fit for Baylor. 

If you are having trouble coming up with what to write about, ask yourself these questions inspired by Baylor’s “What We’re Looking For” list for Freshman applicants:

• What intellectual topics or pursuits excite you?
• What are your values and beliefs surrounding faith and your personal calling?
• How have you challenged yourself academically?
• What opportunities have you embraced outside of the classroom?
• How do learning and service intersect in your life?

What is the acceptance rate for Baylor University?

According to U.S. News, the Baylor University acceptance rate is 68%. The Baylor University acceptance rate is a ratio of how many students applied to how many students got accepted. You can also use the Baylor University acceptance rate to help you consider your own admissions odds. 

The latest Entering Class Profile shows a medium ACT range of 26-32 and SAT range of 1210-1370. Additionally, over three-quarters of Baylor’s 2020 entering class were in the top 25% of their high school classes.

The Baylor University acceptance rate is higher for students who apply Early Decision. So, if Baylor is your top choice, you might want to apply Early Decision. Remember, if you apply ED, you are required to respond to the Baylor essay prompts and write the Why Baylor essay. 

Rather than focusing on the Baylor University acceptance rate, think about whether Baylor is the right school for you. If it is, take a look at Baylor’s 2021-2022 Application Process page for step-by-step guidance on all deadlines, application materials, the Baylor essay requirements, and the Baylor essay prompts. 

Additionally, spend some time on the Why Baylor essay. Writing a strong Why Baylor essay is one of the best ways to maximize your admissions odds.

Baylor University Essay: Final Thoughts

As you begin your application, don’t let the Baylor University acceptance rate, your test scores, or any other statistics affect your writing process. While your GPA and test scores tell the story of your high school career, your Baylor essay is a blank page for you to express the person you have become. 

Every applicant responds to the same Baylor essay prompts, so the most important factor in writing a standout Baylor University essay is you! Focus on writing about the things that truly matter to you. If you feel strongly about what you want and why you want it, just put that passion into words. 

The second most important factor, though, is time. Great essays don’t happen overnight, so start thinking about the Baylor essay prompts well ahead of the deadline. That means taking the time to brainstorm, write, edit, rewrite, and proofread your Why Baylor essay. Double-check your spelling, grammar, and punctuation. The clearer your final draft is, the easier your voice and personality will shine through.

This 2021-2022 essay guide on Baylor was written by Stefanie Tedards. For more CollegeAdvisor.com resources on Baylor, click here . Want help crafting your Baylor essay? Create your free account or schedule a complimentary advising consultation by calling (844) 343-6272.

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How to Respond to the 2023/2024 Baylor University Supplemental Essay Prompt

Karla Ibarra is a content writer at Scholarships 360. She has worked as an English teacher and writing tutor. As a writing tutor, she has experience editing scholarships and college application essays. Karla graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in Communication and a minor in English.

Learn about our editorial policies

Bill Jack has over a decade of experience in college admissions and financial aid. Since 2008, he has worked at Colby College, Wesleyan University, University of Maine at Farmington, and Bates College.

Maria Geiger is Director of Content at Scholarships360. She is a former online educational technology instructor and adjunct writing instructor. In addition to education reform, Maria’s interests include viewpoint diversity, blended/flipped learning, digital communication, and integrating media/web tools into the curriculum to better facilitate student engagement. Maria earned both a B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature from Monmouth University, an M. Ed. in Education from Monmouth University, and a Virtual Online Teaching Certificate (VOLT) from the University of Pennsylvania.

Baylor University is a private university located in Waco, Texas. If you are a prospective applicant, you might have come across the Baylor supplemental application requirement. A stellar essay will definitely boost your application, so keep reading to learn how to use your voice to stand out!

The Baylor University supplemental essay prompt

Baylor University has only one essay prompt with three components. With a 450-word limit, students have room for more detail than the traditional 250-limit allows, but it’s still important to focus your writing. In the following guide, we help break down the parts of the prompt and share a few questions to consider before and during your writing. 

See also: How to write a 500-word essay

Baylor University supplemental application prompt

What are you looking for in a university, why do you want to attend Baylor, and how do you see yourself contributing to the Baylor community? (450 word limit)

The supplemental essay prompt is essentially made up of three questions. If Baylor is a jigsaw puzzle, the prompt asks what kind of piece you will be! 

The first part of the question simply asks students to share what they are looking for in a university. This question seeks to know more about you, your goals, and your future through the kind of university you seek. Think about what you value in your college search. It could be anything from the location, a particular program, or a unique experience. State what holds the most weight for you as you connect that to Baylor University to transition the next part of the prompt.

The next part of the question asks why you want to attend Baylor in particular. Think about why Baylor stands out from other colleges in your search. Explain why Baylor is the college for you with specific points. This is an excellent question for you to get to know Baylor and create a connection between you and the school.

The final part of the prompt asks what you will bring to the Baylor table. Where do you see yourself fitting in at Baylor,  and how will you contribute to your campus home? State the abilities and skills you have, and how you will use them to uphold Baylor’s values.

A few writing tips to keep in mind

Keep the 450-word limit in mind but don’t worry about the word count in your first draft. Try to avoid going off topic, adding extra words, or unnecessary statements. For most students, it is best to start with an outline of main points you want to share. Use the word count to your advantage and add specific details that showcase your skills, desires, and ambitions. Overall, use the word count to fully answer the prompts while conveying more about you and what you will bring to Baylor University.

Questions to consider:

• What are some qualities you seek in a college, and how does Baylor fit them?
• What are some skills, talents, or past achievements that will help you succeed at Baylor?
• How do you hope to contribute to the Baylor campus community? 

Summing it up

Baylor University wants to admit students who want to be part of the community. Baylor University does not require admission test scores. So, if you choose not to submit them, your writing skills will carry even more weight in determining whether you gain admission. While your GPA is pretty much set by now as a senior, writing a stellar essay is the perfect way to stand out as an applicant, so get started on that draft. Best of luck with your application!

Additional resources

As you continue the road to college applications, you might have other decisions to consider. Check out our other guides to help you on that road:

• How many colleges should I apply to?
• How to write an essay about yourself
• Figure out the major that’s right for you
• 10 tips for successful college applications

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How to Write Baylor and Baylor2 BS/MD Essays

Can’t bear the idea of NOT becoming a Baylor Bear? Feeling embarrassed about your Baylor essays? Ready to bare it all in your writing so you can land a spot at one of the top universities in Texas?

I’m here to make the whole essay process for Baylor much more bearable.

(Whew! Bear puns are over!)

What does that mean? Well, let’s start with the basics . Baylor University allows you to use ApplyTexas, The Common Application, or its own website to apply. In addition to following the requirements in those application portals, Baylor also has a supplemental essay for all of its undergraduates and an additional one for students who plan to apply to the Baylor2 bs/md program.

You may be wondering if it's better to submit an application via ApplyTexas, Common App, or Baylor’s site. As is directly stated, it doesn’t matter what method of submission you choose. What matters, as always, is what you are submitting.

Let’s talk about that more.

Let’s discuss how to approach the supplemental essays and even how to roughly outline them. If you haven’t started writing, or if you are stuck on how to revise, pay attention and think about how you can apply these ideas to your own writing and experiences!

BAYLOR GENERAL ESSAY:

What are you looking for in a university, why do you want to attend Baylor, and how do you see yourself contributing to the Baylor community? (750-word limit)

GENERAL STRATEGY:

This prompt has three questions, all of which should be adequately addressed in your answer. If you are recycling essays from another application that Baylor doesn’t already see (such as using ApplyTexas or UT Short Answers with a Common App Baylor submission), then you need to make sure that you are covering all the points as clearly as possible. Don’t make the reader assume that you are answering all of the questions.

That said, here is one way to think about the essay, considering the three questions. You can split it up into three parts:

Part 1: What are you looking for in a university?

Part 2: Why do you want to attend Baylor?

Part 3: How do you see yourself contributing to the Baylor community?

Parts 1-2 will take up the bulk of your essay, whereas Part 3 can be part of the conclusion.

General structure aside, you should think about experiences that you have had with education, including ones at school, through volunteering, and in extracurriculars. You want to highlight key aspects that you think are essential to effective education, whether it be, say, freedom of ideas, the collaboration of differently skilled peers, or a commitment to something morally greater.

To do this, you need to introduce your experiences, which will be not only crucial in shaping what you see as essential in education but also important for how you use resources at Baylor and how you influence the Baylor community.

Paragraph 1: Hook that is a scene related to your education experience Ex: You talk about a moment when running a coding camp for girls, how the students were behaving and “getting it” after you described something.

Paragraph 2: Introduction that explains hook and then transitions to answer the three questions of the prompt in the form of a thesis statement Ex: You explain the scene and the related details. You talk about how you see education as something that should inspire people to trust themselves to experiment and fail before succeeding. You want to go to a university that promotes this idea. You see yourself fitting into Baylor because its programs do just that, and you can inspire your peers to think this way.

Paragraph 3: Experience related to education that contributes to what you want out of a university Ex: You talk more about the coding camp for girls, first by going into why you made it and what challenges you saw in the beginning. You talk about how maybe you struggled to connect with the kids and wanted them to have all the answers immediately.

Paragraph 4: Experience related to education that contributes to what you want out of a university Ex: You expand on the coding camp experience and say how you solved your problem, how you became more willing to accept that the students would fail, and that you even designed the curriculum to give them a chance to experiment. Doing so, you were able to get them to truly learn.

Paragraph 5: How you will use Baylor’s resources based on that experience / definition of university Ex: Building off your lesson from the coding camp, you hope to take what you learned and now see as the important role that education can play and use Baylor’s resources to have a similar environment. You explain which specific programs would allow you to experiment, fail, and ultimately succeed.

Paragraph 6: How you will use Baylor’s resources based on that experience / definition of university Ex: You talk about even more resources from Baylor that fall in with this idea of experimentation and failing to succeed. Or you extend on a thought from the previous paragraph.

Paragraph 7: Conclusion and how you plan to contribute to Baylor community Ex: Finally, you say how you hope that from your experience in high school and by using the resources at Baylor, you hope to inspire others to see failure as something that is fundamental to learning and that you will give people support so that they don’t beat themselves up and demand perfection in damaging ways.

BAYLOR2 MEDICAL TRACK ESSAY:

Why do you want to pursue your career in medicine at Baylor University and Baylor College of Medicine? (500-word limit)

The strategy for this essay is similar to that of the previous essay. You have to start with your personal experience and then present how that has shaped your decision to apply to Baylor’s bs/md program. You have to explain, in your own way, for your own reasons, based on your own KEY experiences, what exactly it is about medicine that attracts you.

This isn’t the time to pull out the laundry list of medical school cliches or high school clinical experience generalities. Just think: you are using this essay as a way to get accepted to a MEDICAL SCHOOL PROGRAM. You have to submit an essay that shows you have thought deeply, maturely, and profoundly about this subject, not that you did a bunch of activities like countless other students and now should be rewarded with a spot in the program. It isn’t going to happen.

Paragraph 1: Hook of a scene volunteering or interning at hospital or clinic (or something related) Ex: You describe a scene when you volunteered at a hospital on the medical-surgical floor. You describe an experience when you observed a doctor working with a patient and how you interacted with the patient yourself. This was a meaningful moment during their recovery.

Paragraph 2: Introduction that explains scene and transitions to talking about your medical career goals (based on your life experiences) and how you will achieve them by going to Baylor bs/md program Ex: You explain the scene in the hospital -- where you were volunteering and why -- and then go into more generally what you have come to realize about yourself and what you love about medicine. In this case, you talk about how the small moments between doctors and patients are where you see yourself making the most difference. You then talk about how Baylor’s bs/md program is perfect for seeing the moral good of the medical field and getting a doctor to better understand patient psychology.

Paragraph 3: Description of medical experience (GO DEEP ON ONE) and how this has shaped your goals for a career in medicine (this paragraph builds context for the part the describes why Baylor) Ex: You talk about the details of your volunteering experience, how maybe you were initially interested in volunteering because you took classes or that you had a relative who needed to go to the hospital and get treatment. From this, you got your foot in the door, and you met patients you had never imagined meeting.

Paragraph 4: Description of medical experience (GO DEEP ON ONE) and how this has shaped your goals for a career in medicine (this paragraph builds context for the part that describes why Baylor) Ex: There was one patient in particular who you will never forget. This patient had just gotten back from surgery and nobody had come to visit him. The doctor made his rounds and stopped in the patient’s room, and they both sat quietly, and the doctor held the patient’s hand for what seemed like an hour, and you could see the patient crying but also smiling. That was the moment when you knew you wanted to be a doctor and the impact you could have on people. That’s what you hope to be the best at--connecting with people in their own individual ways.

Paragraph 5: Explanation of how you will use Baylor to promote your medical goals (as you just described in previous two paragraphs) Ex: You talk about Baylor’s bs/md program specifically and how it will build on your experience in the hospital and how you hope to gain a more personal medical touch from taking certain classes and participating in certain programs.

Paragraph 6: Conclusion that wraps up and ties together your ideas and reiterates why Baylor University and Baylor Medical School are the best places for you to build your medical career Ex: You conclude by reiterating what you hope to accomplish as a doctor and how Baylor’s bs/md program will make you reach your goals. You call back the image of the hospital from earlier.

Now you should be in the best position to write your Baylor supplemental essay(s). In other words, you have what it takes to grin and bear it!

Stuck on your Baylor essays or other bs/md program essays? Need help with college admissions essay writing in general? Check out our college admissions services and get your essays ready for the November 1st deadline!

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Baylor University Guide

The Ivy Scholars guide to Baylor University’s culture, admissions, and other essential information for prospective students and their families.

Location:  Waco, Texas

Mascot:  Bears

Type: Private Christian Research Institution

Population:  18,000 (14,000 undergrads)

About Baylor University

The oldest continuously operating university in Texas, Baylor’s 1,000-acre campus is on the banks of the Brazos River in Waco, Texas. Created by the last congress of the Republic of Texas,  the university sits between Dallas-Fort Worth and Austin and is the largest Baptist university in the world. In its own words, “Baylor provides a vibrant campus community for more than 16,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship.”

Baylor University Statistics

Year Founded:  1845

4 Year Graduation Rate:  54%

Gender Distribution: 58% male, 42% female

Acceptance Rate:  38.9%

Residency:  60% in state, 40% out of state or international

Location Type:  Urban

Schedule System: Semesters

Student/Faculty Ratio:  13:1

Average Class Size:  26

Demographics:  64% Caucasian, 14% Hispanic, 6% Asian, 6% Black, 11% Hispanic, 5% Other

National Rankings

US News Rankings:

• #20 Best Undergraduate Teaching
• #42 Most Innovative
• #75 Best Value
• #79 Overall Nationally

Independent Rankings:

• #6 Entrepreneurship Program per The Princeton Review
• #11 Best Christian Colleges per Niche
• #26 Best Colleges for Education per Niche
• #30 Best Colleges for Music per Niche
• #61 Best Value for a Private College per Kiplinger
• #89 Executive MBA program per The Financial Times

Baylor University Admissions Statistics

Application Deadlines:

• Early Decision: November 1st
• Early Action:  November 1st
• Regular Decision: February 1st
• Transfer Deadline: March 15th

Notification Dates:

• ED:  December 15th
• EA:  January 15th
• Regular Decision: April 10th

Acceptance Rates:

• Transfer: 84%

Average Applicant Pool:  34,500

Average Number of Applicants Accepted:  13,500

Average Number Enrolled:  3,800

Application Systems:  Common App, Apply Texas

Average GPA: 3.72  weighted

SAT Scores:  25th percentile – 1190, 75th percentile – 1360

ACT Scores:  25th percentile – 26, 75th percentile – 31

*Test mandatory. Writing sections optional.

Subject Test Requirements: No SAT Subject Tests are required.

Demonstrated Interest:  Baylor does consider demonstrated interest.

Click here for tips on demonstrating interest in a university.

Recommendation Letter Policies: Two letters of recommendation are recommended, but not required. Baylor states that if you have letters that have been written for other institutions, you may send those in.

Baylor University Essay Prompts for 2020:

• Common App Personal Statement (650 words)
• What are you looking for in a university, why do you want to attend Baylor, and how do you see yourself contributing to the Baylor community? (450 words)

Baylor Essay Writing Tips

Special Notes:

• When applying to certain majors , there are different or heightened requirements.
• The short essay response is only required for Early Decision applicants, although it is recommended for all applicants.

Baylor University Academics

• Diana R Garland School of Social Work
• Louise Herrington School of Nursing
• School of Music (separate application process)
• Robbins College of Health and Human Services
• College of Arts and Sciences
• School of Education
• Hankamer School of Business
• School of Engineering and Computer Science
• Other than the School of Music, when students apply, they apply to Baylor in general, not a specific college or major.

Core Requirements:

• College of Arts and Sciences Core Requirements
• Honors College Core Curriculum

What Majors and Minors Does Baylor University Offer?

• 140 Majors and Minors Offered
• Option to double major, or to declare a secondary major. A secondary major only grants  a single degree but allows for double-counting of courses within one major towards another. The student’s transcript reflects this secondary major.

Baylor University AP Credit Policy:

• Baylor awards credit for courses by exam and department, with different programs accepting different scores. Most accept AP scores and IB scores, and some accept SAT II scores.  
• Comprehensive Credit Information

Honors Programs:

• Baylor Honors College (includes optional residency, two unique majors, and the option to take classes outside the honors program)
• Dean’s List
• Graduation Awards List
• Honors Societies

Research Availability:

• Baylor’s Undergraduate Research and Scholarly Achievement ( URSA ) initiative encourages undergraduates to get involved in research.

Study Abroad: 

• Study Abroad Options

Business Options: 

• List of Business Majors and Minors   
• Baylor’s Hanmaker School of Business offers undergraduate programs and degrees, as well as graduate degrees. Students must first be accepted to and enroll in Baylor before enrolling as a pre-business student. Students wishing to continue as a Business major must maintain a 3.0 GPA, complete the prerequisite courses, and take at least 24 credit hours their first year.

Pre-Med Options:

• Baylor offers pre-medicine and pre-dentistry programs, but neither has its own major. Students must take the required preparatory classes for admission to medical school but can major in anything.

Rice/Baylor Medical Scholars Program

Pre-Medical/Pre-Dental Advisors Program

Baylor Pre-Med in Dublin

Joint Admissions Medical Program

• Baylor Squared BS/MD Program

Pre-Law Options:

• Baylor has a pre-law program , which can serve as a complement to any major.

Additional Specialty Programs: 

• Pre-Optometry
• Pre-Veterinary Medicine
• Aviation Science
• University Scholars Program
• Additional Specialty Programs

Student Life at Baylor University

School Motto:   For Church, For Texas

Mission and Values:

• Mission: The mission of Baylor University is to educate men and women for worldwide leadership and service by integrating academic excellence and Christian commitment within a caring community. 
• Additional Information

Student Testimonials ( Niche , Unigo , Cappex )

As a faith-focused university, chapel and associated religious activities are a major part of the student experience. To quote Baylor on the subject: “Baylor continues to hold firm to the conviction that the world needs a preeminent research university that is unambiguously Christian, where such a commitment does not imply a lack of scholarly inquiry, but rather requires scholarship and creative endeavors at the highest levels of quality to complement and inform its teaching and service.” In spite of this, attendance at chapel is not required, and students from all faith backgrounds can find a place at Baylor. 

Housing Statistics:

• 36% of students live on campus or in affiliated housing
• 64% of students live off-campus

Campus & Surrounding Area:  

• Spread out in its own neighborhood on the South-side of Waco;  the campus boasts a variety of sports facilities, dining options, and museums and libraries. Baylor University and its denizens are the primary feature of this neighborhood, which is almost a college town within Waco proper.
• Right next to the Brazos River, the campus is directly adjacent to downtown Waco, which is currently experiencing a revitalization. Located on the riverfront is a series of green spaces and parks, including the Turner Riverfront Complex . 
• Take the virtual tour to experience the campus for yourself. 
• Baylor has a Department of Public Safety to keep its campus secure.

Transportation:

• The Baylor University Shuttle program is offered to all students free of charge and runs on all class days from 7:25 AM through 5:25 PM.
• Member of Zipcar Program
• Parking Information

Traditions:

• Dr. Pepper Hour – A weekly gathering of students and faculty drinking Dr. Pepper floats. This tradition began in 1953 when a faculty member started hosting students for “frosted cokes” informally once a week.
• The Baylor Line , where freshmen storm the field during football games. 
• Family Weekend

F ull List of Game Day Traditions .

Student-Run Organizations: 

• Organization Database
• Sample Organizations ( The Golden Wave Band , The NoZe Brotherhood , The Baylor Chamber of Commerce , Baylor Buddies )
• D1 Athletics – Baylor is in the Big 12 Conference and has won several NCAA titles, including Men’s Tennis in 2004, and Women’s Basketball in 2005 and 2012.
• Intramural Sports
• Club Sports
• Main Rival: Texas Christian University

Greek Life: Baylor has 40+ societies , both national and international, encompassing social and academic fraternities and sororities. Around 14% of males and 21% of female undergraduates are involved in Greek life at Baylor.

• Greek parties
• Tailgating and after-parties on game days
• Apartment parties are common on and off-campus
• Bars and restaurants in downtown Waco

Financial Information

Yearly Cost of Attending Baylor University in 2020:

• Total: $67,320
• Tuition: $44,544
• Fees: $4,902
• Room & Board: $13,730
• Books: $1,444
• Personal Expenses: $2,700

For financial aid consideration, Baylor requires all students to complete the Federal Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). More than 90% of Baylor students receive at least some financial aid. Priority dates to apply: November 1st for ED/EA, February 1st for Regular Decision. Applications applying after these deadlines will have aid assigned based on a first-come-first-served basis.

Scholarships: 

All applicants are considered for academic scholarships. 86% of applicants receive an academic scholarship, and the median range of scholarships awarded is $64,000 over four years.

• Baylor University was founded before Texas was a state. 
• The live bear mascots named Joy and Lady live on campus. The first bear mascot came about when the 107th Engineers, an army troop, acquired a bear cub and gifted it to the Baylor University Chamber of Commerce. 
• The school’s costumed mascot is named Bruiser and is a separate entity from the live bears. 
• Willie Nelson and Senator Rand Paul both attended Baylor, but neither received a degree from the university.
• The Baylor University Chamber of Commerce is the university’s oldest student-run organization, and sponsored the writing and composing of Baylor’s fight song.

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How to Write the Baylor University Essay 2016-2017

Check out the baylor university application essay for 2017-2018.

As a private, Baptist institute, Baylor University offers a unique blend of a strong academic curriculum, an established athletics program, and firm religious principles. Due in part to these principles, Baylor students volunteer much of their time to engage in various service projects such as Urban Missions and Global Missions, programs that encourage students to help their local and global communities, respectively.

Furthermore, freshmen must take two semesters of chapel and attend worship service every Monday and Wednesday. Besides service projects and chapel services, the school offers 142 baccalaureate programs and is a nationally ranked research institution. Lastly, Baylor University has a well-developed athletics program with a particularly strong football team and is one of the few private schools in the NCAA Division I Big 12 Conference.

Baylor University Application Essay Prompt

What are you looking for in a university, why do you want to attend Baylor University, and how do you see yourself contributing to the Baylor community?

As an optional prompt, this essay offers you the chance to supplement your application and provide a more three-dimensional profile of yourself to admissions officers. In short, it allows you to set yourself apart from the other applicants and also to compete for a variety of merit scholarships, such as the prestigious Regents’ Gold Scholarship. Thus, we at CollegeVine highly recommend that you address this essay prompt.

The first and second parts of the prompt make up one of the most common prompts seen among universities’ supplements. They require you to conduct some research into the university and see how its offerings fit with your profile and interests. In particular, you should highlight Baylor’s emphasis on faith and service if possible given how integral these aspects are to the university’s core principles. In doing so, ensure that you tie these aspects with your own interests and experiences.

In addition to faith and service, you could mention specific programs that you are interested in. For instance, Baylor offers the Honors Program, which is designed to further develop the typical academic experience. Honors students have the opportunity to be mentored by a thesis director, engage in smaller and more challenging classes, and create a senior thesis.

Note, however, that you should abstain from speaking in overly generous terms or discussing topics that will be widely cited by other applicants. For example, you shouldn’t simply state that you want to attend Baylor for its religious values. Specificity, uniqueness, and personalization are core components of an outstanding essay.

We might argue that the last section of the prompt is perhaps the most important. You must outline ways in which you can make the Baylor community a better place — the more specific, the better. You could start by referring to your previous experiences and how you hope to extend those experiences by engaging in such-and-such program or activity at Baylor.

For example, if you had been involved in your local church’s mission trip to the Dominican Republic, you might now want to join Baylor’s Urban Missions or Global Missions. It is especially important that you are able to back up your claims on how you plan to contribute to the Baylor community by citing past experiences. In doing this, you will send a much clearer message regarding your potential contributions.

Additionally, when discussing the community and activities offered at Baylor, ensure that you discuss specific aspects that appeal to you. Being more knowledgeable about what the school has to offer will only help you and provide admissions officers with the lasting impression that Baylor University truly is the right school for you.

Want help with your college essays to improve your admissions chances? Sign up for your free CollegeVine account and get access to our essay guides and courses. You can also get your essay peer-reviewed and improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays.

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Baylor University 2020-21 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide  

Regular Decision: 

Baylor University 2020-21 Application Essay Question Explanations

The Requirements: 1 essay of 750 words

Supplemental Essay Type(s):   Why , Community

Baylor’s super sized supplemental essay combines two of the most classic prompts out there. After reading through our quickie breakdown below, be sure to check out our tips for writing killer Why and Community essays.

What are you looking for in a university, why do you want to attend Baylor, and how do you see yourself contributing to the Baylor community? (750 word limit)

If you’re scratching your head over the unprecedented 750 word limit, we’ll give you a hint: this one’s a twofer. In this question, Baylor has managed to serve up two classic prompts: the Why essay and the Community essay. Your task, then, is to create a unified response that covers both what Baylor can do for you and what you can do for Baylor – in other words, your fit. When reading this prompt, you should see the first two clauses as different angles on the same question. In other words, your reasons for attending Baylor should align with the overall experience you envision for yourself in College. If you’re looking for a snowy New England campus, Baylor’s not going to cut it. On the other hand if you’ve been searching for a world-class nursing program, you’ve probably found your ideal match in Baylor. Whatever your criteria, you’ll need to spend some time digging through the school website for details that will breathe life into your vision and reasons for applying. By that same token, you’ll want to spend some time reflecting on the personal qualities that would make you an excellent nurse or help you take your a cappella group to the next level. Again, be concrete. Try to draw a bridge between your past experiences and achievements and the new heights you hope to reach as a Baylor student.

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Secondary Essay Prompts – Baylor College of Medicine

Secondary Essay Prompts for the Baylor College of Medicine

Below are the secondary essay prompts for the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX.

2020 – 2021

If you have taken a gap year(s), please explain what you have been, or will be, doing since graduating from your undergrad institution. (2000 characters)

Is becoming a physician a second career for you? If so, what was your first career choice? (2000 characters)

Indicate any special experiences, unusual factors or other information you feel would be helpful in evaluating you, including, but not limited to, education, employment, extracurricular activities, prevailing over adversity. You may expand upon but not repeat AMCAS application information. (2000 characters)

2019 – 2020

3 ( REQUIRED ). Indicate any special experiences, unusual factors or other information you feel would be helpful in evaluating you, including, but not limited to, education, employment, extracurricular activities, prevailing over adversity. You may expand upon but not repeat AMCAS application information. (2000 characters)

2018 – 2019

• Indicate any special experiences, unusual factors or other information you feel would be helpful in evaluating you,  including, but not limited to, education, employment, extracurricular activities, prevailing over adversity.  You may expand upon but not repeat AMCAS application information.  2000 character limit.
• If you took a gap year there is a 2,000 character “What did you do during your gap year” question.
• If you are a career changer there is this: Is becoming a physician a second career for you? If so, what was your first career choice? (2,000 char)

Please describe your primary research Interests for the PhD portion of dual degree training including potential Baylor College of Medicine or Rice University faculty with whom you would like to work. (Will not limit final research project or mentor selection) Limit essay to 2000 characters.

Below are the secondary essay prompts for the Baylor College of Medicine.

2017 – 2018.

• The Baylor College of Medicine strives to ensure that its students become respectful physicians who embrace all dimensions of caring for the whole person. Please describe how your personal characteristics or life experiences will contribute to the Baylor College of Medicine community and bring educational benefits to our student body. (Baylor Medical School secondary application limit 1000 characters)
• Is there any further information that you would like the Committee on Admissions to be aware of when reviewing your file that you were not able to notate in another section of this or the AMCAS Application? (Baylor college of medicine secondary1000 characters)
• Why have you chosen to apply to the Baylor College of Medicine and how do you think your education at Georgetown will prepare you to become a physician for the future? (1 page, formatted at your discretion, upload as PDF)

2016 – 2017

• Indicate any special experiences, unusual factors or other information you feel would be helpful in evaluating you, including, but not limited to, education, employment, extracurricular activities, prevailing over adversity. You may expand upon but not repeat AMCAS application information.
• Baylor College of Medicine secondary limit 2000 characters

Secondary essay webcast with Dr. Jessica Freedman, founder and president of MedEdits Medical Admissions.   Read more about Dr. Freedman.

Baylor College of Medicine Secondary Application

Topics covered in this presentation:

• When should I submit my secondary essays?
• Pay attention to the word/character limits.
• Can I recycle secondary essay prompts for multiple schools?
• Identify topics that you left out of your primary application.
• And, much more.

Baylor College of Medicine Admissions Requirements

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*Data collected from MSAR 2022-2023, 2022 Osteopathic Medical College Information Book, and institution website.

Disclaimer: The information on this page was shared by students and/or can be found on each medical school’s website. MedEdits does not guarantee it’s accuracy or authenticity.

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

Secondary Essay Prompts – University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine

Secondary Essay Prompts – University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine

Secondary Essay Prompts – Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons

Secondary Essay Prompts – Mayo Medical School, Rochester, MN

Secondary Essay Prompts – Thomas Jefferson University Sidney Kimmel Medical College

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The Lawyer Defending Idaho’s Abortion Ban Irritated the One Justice He Needed on His Side

Justice Amy Coney Barrett famously provided the crucial fifth vote to overturn Roe v. Wade in 2022. So if you are arguing in favor of an abortion ban, you probably don’t want to alienate Barrett—by, say, condescendingly dismissing her concerns when she points out that your legal theory doesn’t make any sense. Yet that is what Joshua Turner did on Wednesday while defending Idaho’s draconian abortion restrictions, and much to Barrett’s evident irritation. Turner—who represented the Idaho solicitor general’s office in the second major abortion case to come before the high court after it promised us in its Dobbs opinion that the court was out of the abortion business in 2022—might just have lost his case by repeatedly mansplaining his self-contradictory position to Barrett and the other three women justices. In his toneless, dispassionate telling, his entirely incomprehensible position was just too complex for them to understand. And so he just kept repeating it, over and over. These justices, including Barrett, sounded increasingly fed up with his chin-stroking dissembling on an issue that’s literally life-or-death for pregnant women in red states. If the court’s male members noticed Turner’s dismissive attitude toward their colleagues, they didn’t care. The gender divide on the court has never been so revealing.

Perhaps because Dobbs was a threat to unknown future women, whereas real women are now being left to hemorrhage, lose the functioning of their reproductive organs, or be popped onto helicopters to receive out-of-state stabilizing care, none of the life-and-death harms being experienced in red states around the country feel very theoretical to anyone who has thought about pregnancy in a serious way. Yet, for male justices more worried about harms to the spending clause , nothing about potentially lethal pregnancies warranted even a moment’s pause.

Wednesday’s case, Moyle v. United States , revolves around a clash between Idaho law and a 1986 federal statute called the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (or EMTALA). Idaho’s abortion ban has no exception for the health of the patient; rather, it criminalizes abortion unless it’s “necessary to prevent the death of the pregnant woman.” EMTALA, meanwhile, requires virtually all hospitals to provide stabilizing treatment for any condition that “could reasonably be expected” to put the patient’s health “in serious jeopardy,” as well as any condition that could seriously impair bodily functions or organs.

The Biden administration argues there’s a conflict between Idaho law and EMTALA: Where Idaho allows termination only when the patient is at the brink of death, EMTALA mandates intervention earlier, to stabilize the patient before she is literally dying, including situations in which she is facing organ damage, infertility, or other serious harms. So the administration sued the state, and a federal judge issued an injunction compelling Idaho to allow emergency abortions to preserve a patient’s “health.” Now SCOTUS must decide whether the federal statute limits the ability of states like Idaho to criminalize abortions that are health-sparing but not necessarily lifesaving. And that means slipping into their white coats and stethoscopes and explaining to America’s emergency physicians how to do their jobs without risking two to five years in prison and a loss of licensure for making poor guesses about what stabilizing care involves.

Turner, representing Idaho on Wednesday, made a hodgepodge of his state’s arguments that are frankly difficult to harmonize. He seemed to make three central claims: First, that EMTALA does not mandate any particular standard of care (despite prescribing one pretty clearly); second, that even if it did, Idaho’s law would comport with that standard (even though it criminalizes abortion as stabilizing treatment); and third, that abortion is never a standard of care under Idaho law. Except for when it is, which is when it’s necessary to save a patient’s life. Which is a narrower standard than what EMTALA mandates. Which is irrelevant, because, according to Turner, EMTALA doesn’t mandate anything at all. But also, that there is a difference between the care demanded by EMTALA and Idaho, but also that there is no difference, but also that physicians shouldn’t sweat this because beneficent prosecutors probably won’t jail them on the basis of a close call.  

Confused? So were the justices. Progressive Justices Elena Kagan, Ketanji Brown Jackson, and Sonia Sotomayor all took turns trying to draw out a single scrap of consistent logic from Turner’s rhetorical detritus. Kagan pressed him to admit that EMTALA sets forth an “objective standard” of care—the stabilization of a patient—that sometimes includes abortion. He refused. She sounded aghast. Does the statute, she asked, at least require states to permit abortions for ectopic pregnancies, which will cause death if not terminated? No, Turner responded, adding: “That understanding is a humble one with respect to the federalism rule of states.” To which Kagan in turn responded: “It may be too humble for women’s health.”

Jackson questioned Turner’s insistence that EMTALA does not require anything that Idaho prohibits, rebuking his strange declaration that the state’s trigger ban simply defers to the “medical judgment” of state legislatures rather than doctors. And Sotomayor pummeled Turner with real stories, all ripped from the headlines, of women denied abortions and then forced to bleed out in agony, then asked him whether these women would be allowed to terminate under Idaho law. When Turner refused to give a yes-or-no answer, Barrett finally stepped in. “I’m kind of shocked, actually,” she told Turner, “because I thought your own expert had said below that these kinds of cases were covered. And you’re now saying they’re not?” Turner responded that he wasn’t, to which Barrett retorted: “Well, you’re hedging. I mean, Justice Sotomayor is asking you, ‘Would this be covered or not,’ and it was my understanding that the legislature’s witnesses said that these would be covered.” Turner told her, in short, not quite —the witnesses said that, in “exercising their medical judgment, they could in good faith determine that lifesaving care was necessary.” Barrett sounded irritated. “But some doctors might reach a contrary conclusion, I think is what Justice Sotomayor is asking you,” she told him. “If they reached the conclusion that the legislature’s doctors did, would they be prosecuted under Idaho law?”

Turner said no, but Barrett wasn’t convinced. “What if the prosecutor thought differently?” she went on. “What if the prosecutor thought, well, I don’t think any good-faith doctor could draw that conclusion, I’m going to put on my expert?” Remarkably, Turner told her that’s “the nature of prosecutorial discretion”—meaning prosecutors might well bring charges anyway. At that point, doctors would have to defend their decision in court while facing a two-to-five- year prison sentence. (And ER doctors also face lawsuits if they defer lifesaving care.) So in Idaho you can pretty much just decide how to end your career, while spinning the wheel until someone sues you. No wonder physicians are bolting from the state.

Barrett was, to put it mildly, not satisfied. Later, when Turner tried to blame the Department of Justice for launching this case, she again put him in his place. “Well, hold on a second,” she said. “You’re here because there’s an injunction precluding you from enforcing your law. And if your law can fully operate because EMTALA doesn’t curb Idaho’s authority to enforce its law …” But she couldn’t finish her thought, because Turner interrupted her. It was one of many interruptions she would face from the Idaho attorney. And as the morning went on, she was less and less indulgent of his let-me-explain-this-like-you’re-a-toddler style of argument. When Turner accused the solicitor general of taking an overly aggressive litigation posture, Barrett declined to engage, instead sharply informing him: “OK, well, I would like to hear the solicitor general’s response to that,” and moving on. When she called out one of his silliest claims—that the Justice Department demanded emergency abortions to treat a “mental health condition”—Barrett sounded fed up. Turner hemmed and hawed, butchering the statute so badly that she had to step in to remind him of what it actually said.

When Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar had her turn at the lectern, she faced a barrage of questions from Justices Clarence Thomas and Neil Gorsuch about whether Congress had run afoul of the spending clause when it passed EMTALA, an issue that was not briefed and should not be in the case. Samuel Alito, who brought all of his dictionary-wielding and woman-erasing skills from his star turn in Dobbs to bear, devoted his time to defending the “unborn child” who—in his view—was the real goal of EMTALA’s drafters, laying the groundwork for fetal personhood arguments that were too radioactive even for Turner to take on. Alito hectored Prelogar about her grasp of preemption, her reading of text, and her understanding of the term “unborn child,” casting her as some drunk lunatic who had staggered into court without any comprehension of the law.

Throughout the day doctors were referenced as “he” whereas every nurse was a “she.” Women were, as Alito conceded, “individuals,” but man, oh man, are they ever whiny and demanding. Alito also breathlessly cited Ronald Reagan as the deity who signed EMTALA and would never have wanted it to undermine the precious rights of “unborn children.” And a little “temporary” organ damage, he mused, might not be so bad if suffered for the benefit of a fetus. The task fell to Kagan to remind everyone that in the few months that Idaho has enforced its near-total ban, six women have already been airlifted to other states to receive emergency abortions that are criminal under Idaho law. Real women, flown out in great pain and at great expense, to get treatment that is objectively recognized as the standard of care.

It’s not clear where this case will land: Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Brett Kavanaugh asked a handful of breezy questions but didn’t tip their hands. It’s odd, though, that Wednesday’s arguments didn’t fully break through the news cycle (as tomorrow’s in the Donald Trump immunity case surely will). As Turner conceded, none of this madness will stop at Idaho; at least five other states, including Texas, have nearly identical bans. But for anyone who listened to these arguments, the symmetry was striking: Turner could spew whatever nonsense he wanted, ignoring serious questions from female interlocutors or evading them because they were invisible to him—just as the pregnant women who will get sicker and lose blood and be turned away at hospitals are invisible to the state he represents.

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Guest Essay

What Sentencing Could Look Like if Trump Is Found Guilty

By Norman L. Eisen

Mr. Eisen is the author of “Trying Trump: A Guide to His First Election Interference Criminal Trial.”

For all the attention to and debate over the unfolding trial of Donald Trump in Manhattan, there has been surprisingly little of it paid to a key element: its possible outcome and, specifically, the prospect that a former and potentially future president could be sentenced to prison time.

The case — brought by Alvin Bragg, the Manhattan district attorney, against Mr. Trump — represents the first time in our nation’s history that a former president is a defendant in a criminal trial. As such, it has generated lots of debate about the case’s legal strength and integrity, as well as its potential impact on Mr. Trump’s efforts to win back the White House.

A review of thousands of cases in New York that charged the same felony suggests something striking: If Mr. Trump is found guilty, incarceration is an actual possibility. It’s not certain, of course, but it is plausible.

Jury selection has begun, and it’s not too soon to talk about what the possibility of a sentence, including a prison sentence, would look like for Mr. Trump, for the election and for the country — including what would happen if he is re-elected.

The case focuses on alleged interference in the 2016 election, which consisted of a hush-money payment Michael Cohen, the former president’s fixer at the time, made in 2016 to a porn star, Stormy Daniels, who said she had an affair with Mr. Trump. Mr. Bragg is arguing that the cover-up cheated voters of the chance to fully assess Mr. Trump’s candidacy.

This may be the first criminal trial of a former president in American history, but if convicted, Mr. Trump’s fate is likely to be determined by the same core factors that guide the sentencing of every criminal defendant in New York State Court.

Comparable cases. The first factor is the base line against which judges measure all sentences: how other defendants have been treated for similar offenses. My research encompassed almost 10,000 cases of felony falsifying business records that have been prosecuted across the state of New York since 2015. Over a similar period, the Manhattan D.A. has charged over 400 of these cases . In roughly the first year of Mr. Bragg’s tenure, his team alone filed 166 felony counts for falsifying business records against 34 people or companies.

Contrary to claims that there will be no sentence of incarceration for falsifying business records, when a felony conviction involves serious misconduct, defendants can be sentenced to some prison time. My analysis of the most recent data indicates that approximately one in 10 cases in which the most serious charge at arraignment is falsifying business records in the first degree and in which the court ultimately imposes a sentence, results in a term of imprisonment.

To be clear, these cases generally differ from Mr. Trump’s case in one important respect: They typically involve additional charges besides just falsifying records. That clearly complicates what we might expect if Mr. Trump is convicted.

Nevertheless, there are many previous cases involving falsifying business records along with other charges where the conduct was less serious than is alleged against Mr. Trump and prison time was imposed. For instance, Richard Luthmann was accused of attempting to deceive voters — in his case, impersonating New York political figures on social media in an attempt to influence campaigns. He pleaded guilty to three counts of falsifying business records in the first degree (as well as to other charges). He received a sentence of incarceration on the felony falsification counts (although the sentence was not solely attributable to the plea).

A defendant in another case was accused of stealing in excess of $50,000 from her employer and, like in this case, falsifying one or more invoices as part of the scheme. She was indicted on a single grand larceny charge and ultimately pleaded guilty to one felony count of business record falsification for a false invoice of just under $10,000. She received 364 days in prison.

To be sure, for a typical first-time offender charged only with run-of-the-mill business record falsification, a prison sentence would be unlikely. On the other hand, Mr. Trump is being prosecuted for 34 counts of conduct that might have changed the course of American history.

Seriousness of the crime. Mr. Bragg alleges that Mr. Trump concealed critical information from voters (paying hush money to suppress an extramarital relationship) that could have harmed his campaign, particularly if it came to light after the revelation of another scandal — the “Access Hollywood” tape . If proved, that could be seen not just as unfortunate personal judgment but also, as Justice Juan Merchan has described it, an attempt “to unlawfully influence the 2016 presidential election.”

History and character. To date, Mr. Trump has been unrepentant about the events alleged in this case. There is every reason to believe that will not change even if he is convicted, and lack of remorse is a negative at sentencing. Justice Merchan’s evaluation of Mr. Trump’s history and character may also be informed by the other judgments against him, including Justice Arthur Engoron’s ruling that Mr. Trump engaged in repeated and persistent business fraud, a jury finding that he sexually abused and defamed E. Jean Carroll and a related defamation verdict by a second jury.

Justice Merchan may also weigh the fact that Mr. Trump has been repeatedly held in contempt , warned , fined and gagged by state and federal judges. That includes for statements he made that exposed witnesses, individuals in the judicial system and their families to danger. More recently, Mr. Trump made personal attacks on Justice Merchan’s daughter, resulting in an extension of the gag order in the case. He now stands accused of violating it again by commenting on witnesses.

What this all suggests is that a term of imprisonment for Mr. Trump, while far from certain for a former president, is not off the table. If he receives a sentence of incarceration, perhaps the likeliest term is six months, although he could face up to four years, particularly if Mr. Trump chooses to testify, as he said he intends to do , and the judge believes he lied on the stand . Probation is also available, as are more flexible approaches like a sentence of spending every weekend in jail for a year.

We will probably know what the judge will do within 30 to 60 days of the end of the trial, which could run into mid-June. If there is a conviction, that would mean a late summer or early fall sentencing.

Justice Merchan would have to wrestle in the middle of an election year with the potential impact of sentencing a former president and current candidate.

If Mr. Trump is sentenced to a period of incarceration, the reaction of the American public will probably be as polarized as our divided electorate itself. Yet as some polls suggest — with the caveat that we should always be cautious of polls early in the race posing hypothetical questions — many key swing state voters said they would not vote for a felon.

If Mr. Trump is convicted and then loses the presidential election, he will probably be granted bail, pending an appeal, which will take about a year. That means if any appeals are unsuccessful, he will most likely have to serve any sentence starting sometime next year. He will be sequestered with his Secret Service protection; if it is less than a year, probably in Rikers Island. His protective detail will probably be his main company, since Mr. Trump will surely be isolated from other inmates for his safety.

If Mr. Trump wins the presidential election, he can’t pardon himself because it is a state case. He will be likely to order the Justice Department to challenge his sentence, and department opinions have concluded that a sitting president could not be imprisoned, since that would prevent the president from fulfilling the constitutional duties of the office. The courts have never had to address the question, but they could well agree with the Justice Department.

So if Mr. Trump is convicted and sentenced to a period of incarceration, its ultimate significance is probably this: When the American people go to the polls in November, they will be voting on whether Mr. Trump should be held accountable for his original election interference.

What questions do you have about Trump’s Manhattan criminal trial so far?

Please submit them below. Our trial experts will respond to a selection of readers in a future piece.

Norman L. Eisen investigated the 2016 voter deception allegations as counsel for the first impeachment and trial of Donald Trump and is the author of “Trying Trump: A Guide to His First Election Interference Criminal Trial.”

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