How important are essays for BYU application?

The essays are an important part of your application. Please remember that we can only evaluate information you choose to share with us in your application; make sure you read the prompt and answer what's being asked. If there's something about you we should know, make sure to include it in your essay responses.

How important are the BYU essays?

Essays are a critical part of the application. This is how we get to know you better as an individual. Read the prompts carefully and use your best writing skills.

What does BYU look for in applications?

“BYU has always cared as much about strong moral character as about great mental capability.” A person of character should have a strong work ethic and be able to demonstrate resilience and honesty. You should be respectful of others despite differences, honor commitments, and have integrity in all you do.

How important are admission essays?

At the top 250 schools, your essays generally account for 25% of your overall application. This is only slightly behind the 30% for extracurriculars. Essays are actually ahead of the 20% for grades and coursework, 15% for test scores, and 10% for recommendations and interviews.

How do you write a good college essay for BYU?

Write about something recent.

Don't go off on a tangent, like “Basketball is a valuable sport because...” or “It it important to help others, even when it is inconvenient.” Make sure everything in your essays ties back specifically to YOU and your own experiences.

What do you like to see in an admissions essay?

How many essays do you have to write to get into BYU?

If there's something about you we should know, make sure to include it in your essay responses. Freshmen applicants are required to submit five essays. Transfer applicants are required to submit six essays.

How hard is it to get into BYU Provo?

Brigham Young University has an acceptance rate of 67%. Half the applicants admitted to BYU who submitted test scores have an SAT score between 1280 and 1468 or an ACT score of 27 and 32.

How much do college essays really matter?

As you can tell, college essays are very important for applicants hoping to get accepted into prestigious institutions. And if you are planning to apply to any colleges that are test optional or test blind, then the essay probably becomes more important, since schools have fewer data points to work with.

Do admissions officers read essays first?

Yes, admissions officers do actually read essays, but they might have already screened candidates first in a preliminary round. Every admissions office has a different process and it's impossible to sum up the exact step-by-step process for each admission office in one blog post.

Do admissions officers read your whole essay?

Myth: No one really reads your college admissions essay

Fact: Of course admission officers read your essays! They wouldn't ask you to write something they didn't plan to read. Admissions professionals want to read your story, the one you feel is important to share with them.

How likely am I to get into BYU?

The acceptance rate at BYU is 66.7%.

In other words, of 100 students who apply, 67 are admitted. This means the school is somewhat selective.

What does BYU want in a student?

Demonstrate that you are academically ready, have a strong religious foundation (for LDS applicants), are a hard worker, and will commit to the tenets of the school. BYU is looking for students that will be a good “fit,” meaning they will commit to the honor code, take school seriously, and be spiritually uplifted.

How does BYU notify you of acceptance?

How will I find out if I am accepted? We will e-mail admissions letters approximately one month or less after the application deadline. I will not be attending BYU during the semester in which the application must be submitted due to a mission or semester abroad. Can I still apply to the program?

How many words should a BYU application essay be?

Choose the option that best helps you answer that question and write an essay of no more than 650 words, using the prompt to inspire and structure your response. Remember: 650 words is your limit, not your goal.

Does BYU look at seminary attendance?

A BYU Education is spiritually strengthening, so we look for applicants who have demonstrated a desire to participate in Seminary and Institute. If you were unable to participate or if your participation was limited, we provide a section in the application where you may comment on your seminary or institute attendance.

Does BYU care about AP classes?

BYU Admissions recommends not taking an AP or IB class unless the student can maintain at least a 3.3 GPA. Above all, make sure your teen isn't loading up on AP classes just because he thinks it looks good.

What are admissions officers looking for in essays?

Colleges look for three things in your admission essay: a unique perspective, strong writing, and an authentic voice.

Do personal essays help college admissions?

While most essays have little impact on an applicant's getting into a college, there is that minority for whom it makes a difference. What makes a difference is not really in the story or the writing, however; it's the revelation of something about an applicant that doesn't show up anywhere else in the application.

How many admission officers read your essay?

Usually one to two admissions officers read an essay. Some colleges do not look at essays. Some colleges will choose only to look at your GPA, Course Rigor and SAT/ACT scores. If you GPA and Test Scores are high enough, they may not feel that and essay is necessary.

Is it OK if my college essay is bad?

If a student's essay isn't great OR good, the admission officer will probably just skim past the essay and move right on to your transcript and your test scores to evaluate your candidacy for admission. Bad essays don't get read. Period.

Do college essays make a big difference?

First, essays make a huge difference because students self-select on academics. Students tend to apply to schools where their academics (including not just grades, but also test scores and curriculum strengths) are in the ballpark with those of other students.

Is it OK if my college essay is 650 words?

If your institution doesn't provide a specific word count, it's best to keep your essay between the length established by the longer college admissions essay format: 250 to 650 words. Word count is just one factor to consider as you craft your college admissions essay.

Why is BYU so hard to get into?

With a GPA of 3.9, BYU requires you to be at the top of your class. You'll need nearly straight A's in all your classes to compete with other applicants. Furthermore, you should be taking hard classes - AP or IB courses - to show that college-level academics is a breeze.

Is BYU harder to get into than Harvard?

If you're looking at acceptance rate alone, then Harvard University is more difficult to get into. However, each college is looking to fill its incoming class with a variety of students with different strengths, backgrounds, etc.

How strict is BYU?

While it is true that BYU has a strict honor code that includes guidelines for dress, grooming, and behavior, it is also known for its excellent academic programs and supportive community. As for why someone might choose BYU over Harvard or Stanford, it really depends on the individual's goals and priorities.