The Getterman Scholars Program: A Comprehensive Guide

The Getterman Scholars Program at Baylor University is a nationally competitive scholarship opportunity designed for exceptional incoming students who demonstrate a strong commitment to scholarship, leadership, and service. Named in honor of Ted and Sue Getterman, the program seeks to attract high-achieving students across all academic disciplines, especially those interested in an integrated undergraduate liberal arts education. Since its inception in 2017, the Getterman Scholars Program has grown into one of the most prominent scholarship opportunities at Baylor, awarding scholarships to three students each year from a pool of hundreds of academically gifted applicants from across the country.

Benefits of the Getterman Scholars Program

Along with the prestige of selection, Getterman Scholars receive significant financial support for their undergraduate studies. The scholarship is annually renewable and covers tuition (minus any merit-based scholarships received through the Admissions process), a book allowance, and course-related fees for eight semesters of undergraduate study. In addition, the scholarship provides for housing and food in the Honors Residential College. Getterman Scholars also receive support for one Honors College-supported study abroad experience and one approved mission/service experience. Furthermore, students can apply for support for an approved summer research internship. It is important to note that award limits apply, and reasonable costs will be taken into consideration during the approval process for the study abroad, mission, and research experience.

Eligibility and Requirements for Consideration

To be considered for the Getterman Scholars Program, applicants must meet certain academic criteria and complete a comprehensive application process. Historically, recipients of the Getterman Scholars Award have scored 1500 or above on the SAT (math and critical reading), a 34 or above on the ACT, and/or a 103 on the CLT.

The requirements for consideration include:

Submit a completed admission file to Baylor University. Applicants can track the completion of their application file through their goBAYLOR account.

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Submit the Getterman Scholars Program application through your goBAYLOR account. The application requires completing an online application and uploading a three-minute video-recorded essay that responds to one of the provided prompts.

Video Essay Prompts

The video essay is a crucial component of the Getterman Scholars Program application. Applicants must choose one of the following prompts to address in their three-minute video:

Prompt 1:

In Lost in the Cosmos, Walker Percy wrote that we “live in a deranged age, more deranged than usual because in spite of great scientific and technological advances, man has not the faintest idea of who he is or what he is doing.” Similarly, in one of his novels, a character notes, “You can get all A’s and still flunk life.” What is your idea of who human beings are? What are we doing and meant to do? Do we indeed live in a deranged age, and if so, what does Percy’s explanation reveal? How might a Christian education in Baylor’s Honors College help you succeed not merely academically, but more importantly, in life?

This prompt invites applicants to reflect on the human condition, the purpose of life, and the role of education in navigating a complex world. It encourages them to consider the potential disconnect between academic success and a fulfilling life, and how a Christian education within Baylor's Honors College can bridge that gap.

Prompt 2:

Among the first African-American women to earn a Ph.D., Anna Julia Cooper observed, “If women were once permitted to read Sophocles and work with logarithms, or to nibble at any side of the apple of knowledge, there would be an end forever to their sewing on buttons and embroidering slippers.” What do her words suggest about human nature, potential, and fulfillment? Are her references to Greek tragedy and mathematics merely illustrative examples, or do they indicate something significant about us and the world? What implications follow for Christian education at Baylor, your own everyday habits of life, and your aspirations for worthy contributions, whatever your field of preparation may be?

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This prompt encourages applicants to explore the themes of human potential, fulfillment, and the transformative power of education. It prompts them to consider the significance of Cooper's references to Greek tragedy and mathematics, and to reflect on the implications for Christian education at Baylor, their personal lives, and their aspirations for making meaningful contributions.

Video Essay Guidelines

To ensure a successful video essay submission, applicants should adhere to the following guidelines:

Address the prompt in a thoughtful, thorough, and timely manner, staying within the three-minute time limit.
When discussing Baylor’s Honors College, specifically mention the program(s) to which you’ve applied and/or been accepted (Baylor Interdisciplinary Core, Great Texts Program, Honors Program, or University Scholars Program).
Be authentic and provide insight into your best self, showcasing your personality and aspirations.
Be well-prepared but avoid simply reading your essay.
Choose a suitable, quiet location that allows you to be seen and heard clearly.
Dress appropriately, as you would for a face-to-face campus interview.
Seek feedback from trusted mentors to ensure the essay reflects your best work.
Focus on the content of your video, rather than special effects or advanced videography.

Selection Process

The selection process for the Getterman Scholars Program is highly competitive. After students submit their video applications, a committee of representatives from the Baylor Honors College selects finalists for a weekend interview program. If selected to interview, applicants are asked to register for the Honors College Invitation to Excellence program and the Getterman Scholars Program event in January.

The Getterman Scholars Selection Weekend begins with an opening session, where finalists and committee members are welcomed, and an overview of the program is provided. Candidates then participate in one-on-one interviews with the faculty selection committee and attend programming available throughout the day. After the Getterman Scholars selection events, all finalists attend the Invitation to Excellence program with the Honors College.

Historically, the Getterman Scholars Program has awarded scholarships since the program's inception in 2017 and has grown into one of the most prominent scholarship opportunities at Baylor. Each year three students are selected out of a pool of hundreds of academically gifted students from across the country.

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Key Dates and Deadlines (based on provided 2025-2026 schedule)

CST Participation Notification for Scholarship Program Applicants: December 12,
Deadline to Respond to Invitation & Confirm Participation: December 17,
Candidate Interviews with Honors College Faculty (In-Person Event): January 23,
Attend Invitation to Excellence (Honors College Session): January 24,
Selection Notification Date: February 27,
Confirmation Deadline for Selected Gettermans: April 1,

Applicants are advised to submit their applications well in advance of the deadline (11:59 pm CST) to allow time for addressing any potential questions or technical issues.

Honors College Scholarships

In addition to the Getterman Scholars Program, the Honors College at Baylor University offers nearly $1 million in endowed scholarships annually to incoming and current students, with an average award amount between $1,000 and $5,000. These scholarships are awarded based on academic records and financial need.

Prospective students who confirm their intent to enroll in one or more of the five Honors College academic offerings by March 1 (Round 1) or April 1 (Round 2) are considered for an Honors College scholarship. The committee reviews the student’s Baylor application, level of financial need as displayed through the FAFSA and CSS profile, and Elite Academic Programs Application. The process is completed and closed in April. Students do not need to submit a deposit to Baylor in order to be considered. The confirmation for the Honors College is non-binding.

Completing a FAFSA and/or CSS Profile is important for all Honors College students to maximize opportunities for endowed scholarship support. If awarded, the amount of the award is dependent on the student's financial aid status and may change based on their FAFSA information. Scholarships awarded to incoming students are renewable for up to 8 total semesters of support, provided that the student remains an undergraduate student in good standing with the Honors College and an up-to-date FAFSA/CSS profile is filed.

Financial Aid Opportunities

More than 90 percent of students receive financial assistance at Baylor. To learn more about financial aid opportunities, students can visit One Stop Student Financial Services.

Expectations for Getterman Scholars

Current Getterman Scholars are members of an Honors College program (Baylor Interdisciplinary Core, Great Texts Program, Honors Program, or University Scholars Program) and commit their summers to scholarship-supported study abroad, research activity, and actively participate in mentoring activities. In addition to maintaining at least a 3.5 GPA, Getterman Scholars also live in the Honors Residential College as an active, contributing member of the community (in order to retain the housing/food feature of the scholarship).

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