BYU Application Essay Tips

Hey everyone! I'm working on my BYU application and I'm kinda stressed about the essay portion. Does anyone have any advice, examples, or tips on how to make my essays stand out? I really want to do well on this part of my application. Thanks in advance!

I understand that the essays can be a bit daunting, but try not to worry too much! With some thought and effort, you can definitely make your essays stand out. Here are some tips for you:

1. Read the prompts carefully and think about what relevant experiences you can share in a genuinely passionate way. When writing your essay, focus on storytelling and providing a clear narrative. Admissions officers want to see who you are beyond your test scores and GPA, so use your essays to showcase your personality, values, and goals.

2. Avoid overused topics and clichés, such as immigrant stories or sports victories (you can find other examples on CollegeVine's blog: https://blog.collegevine.com/cliche-college-essay-topics), unless you have a truly unique angle to approach them from. Instead, try reflecting on a personal experience or challenge that has had a meaningful impact on your life. Think about how it shaped your character, sparked an interest, or relates to your goals.

3. Make sure that your writing is honest, clear, and engaging. It's important to stay true to your own voice and writing style while making sure you proofread and polish your essays to avoid any grammar or punctuation errors.

4. When it comes to structuring your essay, start with a captivating introduction that piques the reader's interest and sets the tone for your essay. Make sure your paragraphs are well-organized, with each one focusing on a specific idea or experience that supports your overall theme. Finally, sum up your essay with a quick yet strong conclusion that ties everything together and leaves a lasting impression.

5. Don't hesitate to seek feedback from trusted mentors, teachers, or friends, as they can help you identify areas for improvement and provide suggestions on how to better convey your message and personality. Remember to give yourself plenty of time to revise and edit your essays, so you don't have to rush the process. You can also consider taking advantage of CollegeVine's Free Peer Essay Review Tool, or submitting it to one of CollegeVine's expert college admissions advisors - sometimes, getting a more objective set of eyes on your essay from someone who doesn't already know you is just the thing that takes it from good to great.

Lastly, consider incorporating aspects that are unique to the BYU culture, such as your commitment to the school's values and willingness to contribute to the community. Demonstrating an understanding of the university and how you can contribute to their campus environment can help make your application even more appealing.

If you're looking for even more specific guidance, check out CollegeVine's blog post breaking down how to successfully respond to each BYU essay: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-brigham-young-university-essays. Best of luck with your essays and the rest of your BYU application process!