BYU College Entrance Requirements
In 2011, U.S. News and World Report named Brigham Young University (BYU) the most popular university based on the number of applicants who were accepted and then enrolled. The Provo, Utah-based school is sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) and is home to around 32,000 students. Entry is based on the strength of a student's application, which takes into account academic and service performance, as well as recommendations.
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Application
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Incoming freshman and transfer students must complete an application to be considered for admission to BYU. Access this application online at besmart.com.
The application has seven parts for U.S. students and eight parts for international students. Students can complete sections one (student information), two (school selection and housing), six (extracurricular activities) and seven (essays); they need assistance from their high school and religious leaders for sections three (student commitment and confidential report), four (seminary/institute recommendations) and five (high school transcript and information). International students need their parents or spouse to help them complete section eight.
Essays
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Students are asked to complete two essays for part seven of the application. They are given three topics to choose from and must submit two 200-word responses. These topics revolve around the prospective student's special interests, challenges they have encountered and what they feel they can bring to LDS. International students must complete an additional essay as part of their application.
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Endorsements
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All BYU applicants must be endorsed by an ecclesiastical leader for part three of the application. Applicants who are members of LDS must interview with their LDS bishop or a branch president, in addition to a member of their current state or district presidency. Non-LDS applicants can interview with any LDS bishop in their area.
During the interview, the applicant commits to living the Honor Code, and Dress and Grooming Standards. Students must print this section of the application for the interviewer to complete and submit.
Recommendations
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LDS members must obtain a recommendation from their current or most recent seminary or institute teacher. Non-LDS members do not need to complete this portion of the application. Students must print section four of the application for the teacher to complete and submit.
Transcripts and Grades
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Part five of the application requires incoming freshmen and transfer students with less than 30 credits to submit their high school transcripts to BYU. Students with more than 30 credits must submit their college or university transcripts. BYU more seriously considers high school students who have a B+ or better grade point average, or the equivalent of a 3.65 for transfer students. Official transcripts must be submitted by the school.
ACT/SAT Scores
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Incoming freshmen and transfer students with fewer than 24 credits should have their ACT or SAT scores submitted to BYU. The school does not have a set standard for these scores, but more seriously considers students who have received an ACT score in the mid-20s or a SAT score between 860 and 930. BYU does not take into account the writing portion of either test.
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References
Resources
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