BYU admissions: how competitive?

Hello, I want to apply to Brigham Young University (BYU) but I'm a bit anxious about the admissions process. Can any current students or recent applicants give insight into how competitive the admissions are? What should I focus on to improve my chances? Thank you so much!

Hello! BYU is a moderately competitive university, with an acceptance rate hovering around 67%. Despite this relatively high acceptance rate, applicants should still strive to present a strong application. Here are a few areas you can focus on to improve your chances:

1. GPA: BYU considers an applicant's GPA to be highly important. The average high school GPA of accepted students is around a 3.9, so aim for a high GPA to increase your chances.

2. Test Scores: Although BYU has a test-optional policy, submitting high SAT or ACT scores can benefit your application. The middle 50% SAT scores range from 1290 to 1440, and the middle 50% ACT scores range from 27 to 32. If you decide to submit your scores, aim for a score within or above the relevant range.

3. Extracurricular Activities: BYU values well-rounded students who are involved in various extracurricular activities. Participating in clubs, sports teams, volunteer work, or other activities can showcase your dedication and leadership skills. Focusing on specific passions to develop a "spike" is also helpful, as that helps showcase what you have to offer that no other applicant does.

4. Seminary Attendance: As a religious institution, BYU places emphasis on seminary attendance and performance. Completing your seminary curriculum and showcasing your commitment to the faith can improve your chances.

5. Recommendations: Strong letters of recommendation, especially from church or ecclesiastical leaders, can help you stand out. Start building relationships with teachers, coaches, or church leaders as early as possible, so they can provide meaningful recommendations.

6. Application Essays: Write thoughtful, engaging essays that highlight your personal experiences, values, and goals. Use the essays to explain how your background and experiences have shaped you, and show why you are a good fit for BYU's values and community. For detailed guidance on how to tackle BYU's school-specific supplemental essays, check out this blog post from CollegeVine: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-brigham-young-university-essays

In summary, to improve your chances at BYU, focus on maintaining a high GPA, participating in extracurricular activities, completing your seminary education, building strong relationships with recommenders, and crafting meaningful essays. The admissions committee will review your application holistically, which means each component is important, so pay attention to all of them and don't rely on any single credential to get you in.

Good luck!