College Spotlight: BYU

The next college spotlight is BYU, the largest religious university in the state, with a student enrollment of 33,500 students.  BYU is one of four colleges run by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (the other three being BYU-Idaho, BYU-Hawaii, and LDS Business College).  Here are some things to consider about BYU:

• It is the most selective university in the state, accepting 50% of all applicants.  This is known as a "selective" institution, and students should definitely research the level of competition if they are interested...and do everything to fulfill the items important to BYU Admissions.
• BYU Admissions looks at the regular things most selective universities do:  grades, standardized test scores, rigor or classes (Honors / AP / IB), leadership and extracurricular involvement.  But in addition, they require the following:
• Seminary Attendance and Graduation 
• Students need to attend Seminary for all 4 years of high school.  Seminary is essentially a class focusing on gospel teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  
• Honor Code Agreement
• Students agree to a Honor Code, and also verify that they have lived the Honor Code in the past. From the website:  "students live by set spiritual standards".  
• Read the Honor Code 
• Their AP Policy grants credit as most selective universities do (sparse), because they want students to take the specific courses at BYU.  
• AP and IB Guide
• Because it is a HUGE university, the list of majors and minors seems limitless.  Check out these few to get started
•  International Studies Program
• Animation Program 
• Engineering and Technology College 
• Find more through the main website:  www.byu.edu
• The application weighs the essay heavily.  Follow this advice:
• They want to know how will BYU benefit you, how you will add to BYU culture, and how BYU will help you achieve your goals.  
• Don't write thinking that you have to write what BYU wants to hear.  Instead, be real and authentic.  
• The cost for BYU is $5,460 for the year--which is comparable to many state colleges
• Because it is a "church" school and is financed by offerings given by members of the church, there is a different cost of attendance for those belonging to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and those who do not.  Whichever group you fall into, it's a bargain for a great education. 
• Read more here about the specific costs of BYU