Frequently Asked Questions
1. I will be on campus for Orientation, can I meet with an advisor in person?
No, all advising appointments for Business students are virtual. Orientation is a time for students and families to discover the incredible opportunities and experiences available at Baylor. As such in-person appointments are not available during Orientation.
2. When will I know who my assigned advisor will be?
An academic advisor will contact incoming students to schedule their virtual New Student Advising appointment via their Baylor email beginning the week of May 29th. This advisor may or may not remain your assigned advisor for the fall semester. Once the fall semester begins, students can view their assigned academic advisor in Navigate (go to Resources -> People -> Academic Advisor).
3. Why am I listed as Pre-Business?
Students interested in studying business begin as a Pre-Business major unless admitted into the Baylor Business Fellows or Hankamer Scholars programs. They remain Pre-Business until successfully completing the requirements to be admitted to the Business School and select a specific major.
4. If I apply to the Business School, is there a chance I will not get in?
Students successfully completing the Admission Requirements are admitted.
5. When do I declare a major and take classes in a major?
Once students meet the Admission Requirements, they will apply to the Business School with their academic advisor and select a business major. Pre-Business students usually apply in the second semester of sophomore year; however, this can be earlier or later depending on the student's credits. Hankamer Scholars typically apply in the second semester of the first year.
6. Do my dual credit or transfer courses count towards my Baylor GPA?
Only Baylor classes impact your Baylor GPA. Transfer credit does not impact your Baylor GPA.
7. How can I view my course schedule?
When you meet with your academic advisor over the summer you will be registered for your fall course schedule. After this, you can view your schedule in the BearWeb system (instructions).
8. When can I change my Fall schedule after my orientation advising appointment?
Your advisor will be unable to change your schedule after your advising appointment has concluded. However, beginning July 8th students can make changes to their schedule in BearWeb (instructions).
9. What is the best link to search for openings in classes?
The Schedule of Classes is a great resource regarding class availability and prerequisites.
10. What is the ALEKS Math exam and do I need to take it?
Pre-Business students may take it if not satisfied with their math placement based on their SAT/ACT scores, but it is not required. See the "Which Math Course Should Pre-Business Students Take?" document for more information. Please note if you are test optional, you will only be able to register for MTH 1308 (Business Pre-Calculus) unless you take the ALEKS Math exam.
11. Do I need to take a language placement exam?
Students who want to take Spanish or do not want to start at the first level of any language should take the language placement exam. The only Business major requiring a foreign language is International Business.
12. Does the Business School require a Mac or Windows-based computer?
A personal computer is not required for students in the Business School, however students that desire to work on assignments and prepare for exams outside of the Business School’s computer lab and facility hours should have access to a Windows-based computer. Apple computer users may purchase Parallel’s for Mac software to run Windows in a virtualized environment, however, the computer must meet the minimum specifications in the "Technology Center recommendations" document linked below. No exceptions will be made in courses that require access to a Windows computer/operating system, this includes BUS1350.
Due to the extensive use of data analytics software only available on a PC, Accounting majors should plan to have a PC rather than a Mac. Students can utilize the computer lab, but this will limit the flexibility of completing assignments. The department’s intent is to prepare students for the profession, and all corporate partners that hire accounting graduates are PC based.
For more information on computer recommendations, please see the Hankamer School of Business Technology Center recommendations.
