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Admissions

Admissions Office
A-153 ASB
(801) 422-2507

All Applicants

General Admissions Policies: Brigham Young University, Brigham Young University—Idaho, Brigham Young University—Hawaii, and LDS Business College exist to provide an education consistent with the religious and family values taught by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We prefer to admit members of the Church in good standing but will not unlawfully discriminate against applicants based upon gender, race, creed, religion, national origin, age, or disability who meet the requirements; who agree to abide by the Honor Code and Dress and Grooming Standards; and who are otherwise qualified based upon available space.

An applicant who is currently excommunicated or disfellowshipped from, on probation with, or voluntarily disaffiliated from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is generally inadmissable until reinstated to full fellowship. (Undergraduates who desire to appeal based on extenuating circumstances may obtain an application to be excepted from the implementing policy and procedures from the executive director of Student Academic and Advisement Services, B-202 ASB.) Graduate applicants may obtain these from the dean of Graduate Studies, B-380 ASB.

The University Admissions Committee may grant special exceptions to the institution's normal entrance requirements. Individuals desiring to petition an exception should contact the Admissions Counseling Office at (801) 422-2500.

Important Notice: When admission applications reach the maximum number allowed by the BYU Board of Trustees (even if this occurs before the semester or term deadline date), the Admissions Office will only consider applications for the next possible semester or term.

"The Mission of Brigham Young University—founded, supported, and guided by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—is to assist individuals in their quest for perfection and eternal life. That assistance should provide a period of intensive learning in a stimulating setting where a commitment to excellence is expected and the full realization of human potential is pursued."

To this end, the university seeks qualified students of various talents and backgrounds, including geographic, educational, cultural, ethnic, and racial, who relate together in such a manner that they are "no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God" (Ephesians 2:19). It is the university's judgment that providing educational opportunities for a mix of students who share gospel values based on the gospel of Jesus Christ and come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences is an important educational asset to BYU.

Social Security Number: Each applicant is requested to supply BYU with their social security number for identification purposes. The Admissions Office will assign an appropriate identification number to international students and any others not wishing to give their social security number. If students are applying for any kind of financial aid, however, the government will require the Admissions Office to collect their social security number. Numbers may be obtained at the nearest social security office or the local post office.

Full Disclosure: Failure to disclose and submit all documents required for admission, including transcripts from each institution in which the applicant has or is currently enrolled, or any falsification of information required for admission consideration may result in immediate suspension and loss of all credit earned at BYU.

Admissions Status and Academic Standing: Admissions status (admit or deny) and academic standing (good, warning, or probation) will be determined by the Admissions Committee. This review is for all applicants, including former BYU students.

Official Notice of Admissions Committee Action: Applicants will receive electronic notice of the official action taken by the Admissions Committee. (Oral communication does not constitute a valid offer of admission.) Admission can be granted only by the Admissions Office and not by any other BYU department. An official offer of admission is valid only for the semester or term indicated. Students who wish to change the entry date specified in their notice of acceptance must request permission to do so from the Admissions Committee before the designated deadline for the entry date they desire.

Admission Deadlines: All materials must be received by the BYU Admissions Office on or before the deadline date for the semester or term in which the applicant intends to register. These dates are as follows:

Fall Semester

New freshman priority deadline: December 1
New freshman applicants: February 1
Transfer or former applicants: March 1

Winter Semester

All applicants: October 1

Spring Term

New freshman and all international applicants: February 1
Transfer or former applicants: March 1

Summer Term

New freshman priority deadline: December 1
New freshman applicants: February 1
Transfer or former applicants: March 1

International students are encouraged to submit application materials at least one month before the deadline dates listed. This will allow sufficient time for the preparation of visa documents.

Please note: The university president and the University Admissions Committee reserve the right to make exceptions to admission policy and guidelines as deemed appropriate.

New Freshman Applicants—U.S.

Application: The biographical/entry selection information (Parts 1 and 2), ecclesiastical endorsement (Part 3), seminary/institute recommendation (Part 4), high school information and official transcripts from each school attended (Part 5), and activities list and essays (Parts 6 and 7), are required of each applicant. Parts 1, 2, 6, and 7 of the application can be completed using the Internet. Parts 3, 4, and 5 can be downloaded off the Internet. The Web address is www.besmart.com.

Application Fee: A $30 one-time nonrefundable application fee must accompany all applications for admission. Checks or money orders should be made payable to CES Admissions (do not send cash through the mail).

High School Graduation: Applicants should be graduates of fully accredited high schools. Those who complete their secondary education through the General Education Development Test (GED), home study, home school, or other programs will be reviewed individually by the Admissions Committee to determine admissibility. Additional information (achievement tests, personal interview, etc.) may be required as part of the application process.

High School Preparation: Students are encouraged to complete high school courses from the following list of college-preparation courses. Of particular importance are English and mathematics. Writing and math skills are basic for critical thinking. Students who perform well in these classes enhance their possibility of admission. In addition, those who complete Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses will receive additional consideration in admission decisions.

Four years of English: composition, grammar, and courses that encourage "writing to learn."

Four years of mathematics (two or three years beyond algebra 1): geometry, intermediate algebra, precalculus, trigonometry, calculus.

Two years of laboratory science: chemistry, physics, biology, physiology, anatomy, genetics, botany, zoology.

Two years of history or government: U.S. history, U.S. constitution, U.S. government, Civil War, world history, medieval history, ancient history.

Two or more years of foreign language (advanced skill in one language is preferred).

Two years of literature or writing: Shakespeare, classics, mythology, American literature, creative writing.

Courses in computer science and the arts (music, drama, painting, etc.) can also be worthwhile. Students should be careful to take classes with substantial content that challenge them. In today's world typing and computer skills are valuable assets. These skills should be learned in high school or independently.

LDS Seminary: Students are encouraged to participate in LDS Seminary during each year of high school. Brigham Young University is committed to the concept that thoughtful and consistent study of the scriptures is vital to the preparation of those desiring to enter BYU. The number of years of LDS Seminary completed (released time, early morning, or home study) will influence additional consideration in admission decisions.

American College Test (ACT): All new freshman applicants and transfer students who have completed fewer than 30 semester (45 quarter) hours of college credit at the time of application are required to take the ACT. The ACT is administered nationally five times each year (October, December, February, April, and June). Students are encouraged to take the test during the last semester of their junior year in high school. The test should be taken early enough for the results to be in the Admissions Office before the deadline for the semester in which a student intends to enroll. Test results arrive at the university approximately four weeks after the test is given. Applicants must register for the ACT at least one month in advance of the test date. Registration materials can be obtained from most high school or college counseling offices or from the American College Testing Program, PO Box 414, Iowa City, IA 52243, (319) 337-1270 (www.act.org).

Other Considerations for Admission: The Admissions Committee also considers applicants with special talent, exceptional creativity, or other unusual preparation for university study not otherwise revealed in standard admission data (in evaluating these criteria, the Admissions Committee relies on scholarship recommendations from a BYU department as a demonstration of the required talent, creativity, or unusual preparation). The committee uses all application parts in making the evaluation and may also consider such matters as mission, military service, career choices, and personal circumstances.

Students who have completed college work prior to graduating from high school and are applying with or before their high school graduating class will be evaluated as "new freshmen" with regard to admission, scholarship, and registration, regardless of the number of college hours completed.

Early Admission

High school students who would like to be considered for full-time admission to Brigham Young University before high school graduation must:

1. Have a cumulative high school grade point average of 3.7 or higher on all work to date.
2. Achieve a composite ACT score of 27 or higher.
3. Submit a letter of unconditional recommendation for early admission from their high school counselor or principal. This letter must verify the student can no longer benefit from high school attendance since high school courses do not properly challenge and motivate the student. The counselor or principal must also state that the student is academically prepared and has the emotional and social maturity to benefit from attendance at BYU.
4. If under 18, submit a letter of unconditional recommendation for early admission from the applicant's parent or guardian.
5. Complete all application requirements (see application procedures for freshman applicants).

Application deadline dates for early admission are the same as for new freshman applicants.

Home School Applicants

Applicants who have been home schooled in lieu of attending a traditional high school environment must receive a composite ACT score of 27 or higher to be competitive for admission consideration. These individuals must also complete all other application requirements for freshman applicants.

Concurrent Enrollment at BYU

High school students who would like to be considered for admission to Brigham Young University as part-time students while still enrolled in and attending high school must:

1. Have a cumulative high school grade point average of 3.7 or higher on all work to date.
2. Submit a BYU concurrent enrollment voucher signed by the applicant, the parent, and a high school counselor.
3. Have completed at least the junior year of high school.
4. Complete parts 1, 2, and 3 of the admission application.

Concurrent Credit Transfer Policy: Many students are now receiving enriched high school experiences by enrolling concurrently in college courses while completing their high school curricula. BYU will consider these students for freshman admission and scholarships provided the college work is completed prior to high school graduation. This means, for example, that they may receive consideration for BYU-sponsored Heritage Scholarships.

BYU will accept all college credit that appears on an official transcript from a college or university accredited by the regional accrediting commissions or the associations of schools and colleges that together cover institutions chartered and/or licensed in the United States and its possessions, regardless of when or where the work was taken.

Transfer Applicants—U.S.

Application: The biographical/entry selection information (Parts 1 and 2), ecclesiastical endorsement (Part 3), seminary/institute recommendation (Part 4), and an essay (Part 7) are required of each applicant. In addition, official transcripts from each college attended must be submitted. Faxed copies are not accepted. Parts 1, 2, and 7 of the application can be completed using the Internet. Parts 3 and 4 can be downloaded off the Internet. The Web address is www.besmart.com.

Students with fewer than 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) of transfer credit at the time of application must also submit official high school transcripts (Part 5), an activities list (Part 6), and the results of the American College Test (ACT).

Students who have completed college work prior to graduating from high school will be evaluated as "new freshmen" with regard to admission, scholarship, and registration, regardless of the number of college hours completed.

Application Fee: A $30 one-time nonrefundable application fee must accompany all applications for admission. Checks or money orders should be made payable to CES Admissions (do not send cash through the mail).

Admissions Criteria: To be most competitive for admission, an applicant should earn a cumulative grade point average and a general education grade point average above the B+ range. In addition, the majority of the transfer course work should be general education subjects (English, math, history, science, etc.). It is recommended that students transfer before beginning their junior year of college. Additional consideration may be given to applicants with special talent, exceptional creativity, or other unusual preparation for university study not otherwise revealed in standard admissions data. In evaluating these criteria, the Admissions Committee relies on scholarship recommendations from a BYU department as a demonstration of the required talent, creativity, or unusual preparation. The Admissions Committee may also consider such matters as completing an LDS mission, attending an LDS institute of religion, military service, major selection, and personal circumstances.

Evaluation of Transfer College Credit: All college transcripts will be evaluated to determine admissibility of an applicant even if all or any of that credit is not accepted for transfer.

Factors that can affect the transfer of credit include:

1. The institution is accredited by one of the following regional associations or is an institution sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
   Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
   New England Association of Schools and Colleges
   North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
   Northwest Association on Colleges and Schools
   Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
   Western Association of Schools and Colleges

   Credit from institutions that are candidates for accreditation by one of the associations will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, but credit is generally not transferable.

2. Military courses are evaluated using the ACE recommendations in the upper-division baccalaureate category from the Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services.
3. Advanced Placement scores of 3, 4, 5 and IB scores of 5, 6, or 7. Credit will be awarded according to BYU standards.
4. Students transferring to Brigham Young University after having earned an associate of arts and/or sciences degree at another college will, with one exception, have all of their lower-division general education requirements completed by the associate degree. The one exception is the American Heritage requirement, which can be filled by completing specific courses at the transfer college. The Advanced Written and Oral Communication and the Advanced Language/Mathematics requirements, which are considered to be upper-division requirements, may be filled by completing specific courses at other colleges. Students who have questions about the completion of general education courses are invited to contact the BYU Admissions Counseling Office, (801) 422-2500, for further information.
5. Credit earned more than eight years before admission or readmission (including transfer credit) will be accepted to meet general education and university graduation requirements, as well as major requirements at the discretion of the university. Courses should be applicable to BYU general education and university graduation requirements as well as to major requirements. Furthermore, transfer courses with grades below C– will not be used to fill BYU general education requirements and in most instances will not fill major requirements.

The BYU Admissions Office will determine the transferability of undergraduate credit to BYU. An electronic evaluation of transfer credits is made available to each student by the Admissions Office through the AIM system soon after the student is accepted for admission. The evaluation indicates which classes have transferred and will fill general education and university graduation requirements as well as major requirements.

Former Student Applicants

Students who interrupt their studies without processing a deferment form with the BYU Admissions Office must reapply for admission.

Application: The biographical information (Parts 1 and 2) and ecclesiastical endorsement (Part 3) are required of each applicant.

Transcript: Official transcripts from each school attended since the student's last enrollment at BYU must be provided and identified. Students will be evaluated for readmission based on their post-BYU transfer GPA (must be 3.0 or higher) and their BYU academic standing.

Transfer classes will be evaluated on a course-by-course basis. The course must be substantially equivalent to a BYU course, with a grade of C– or higher, to apply toward appropriate university or major graduation requirements.

Clearance: All holds (i.e., financial, Honor Code) placed on the student's record by BYU must be cleared before the deadline for the application to be considered. Additionally, the student must reimburse BYU for any fees incurred to collect the student's past debts.

Note: International students must also provide proof of current finances.

Deferment

One Semester

BYU day students can interrupt their studies for one semester (fall or winter) by submitting a Continuing Student Enrollment and Scholarship Deferment Application. These forms are available online and at the BYU Admissions Office. Most fall/winter scholarships will be deferred to another semester or term(s) within the same academic year. Students planning to return to BYU in a different academic year must reapply for scholarships prior to established deadlines. Spring/Summer scholarships cannot be deferred.

LDS Missionary

Students wanting to serve an LDS mission can defer their admission status by submitting an LDS Mission Deferment form soon after the mission call has been received. Any unused portion of a university-awarded scholarship will also be deferred as long as all deferment requirements have been met.

Individuals who return home prior to completion of a full-term mission lose their admission and scholarship deferment and may not immediately be admissible to BYU. In most cases there will be a period of six months between the time an individual returns and the time to be eligible to apply for admission and scholarship consideration. This period of time is provided to give the individual sufficient opportunity, before returning to the rigors of academic life, to address the issues or concerns that were the cause of the early mission release.

Missionaries who come home early due to medical circumstances and who receive an honorable release can apply for readmission prior to the six months requirement by providing a letter of recommendation from the attending professional (doctor, psychiatrist, etc.) regarding the applicant's readiness for the rigors of academic life.

To reapply the student must complete Parts 1, 2, and 3 of the application for admission.

International Student Applicants

Admissions Considerations: Criteria used by the university Admissions Committee to evaluate international students' admission to Brigham Young University are:

1. Academic performance
2. Level of education completed
3. TOEFL test results
4. ACT or SAT test scores (needed if student has three or more years of high school in U.S. or Canada)
5. Ability to finance desired education

Note: Students are advised to obtain copies of the affidavit and bank statements from the sponsor for personal records and visa application.

6. Ecclesiastical endorsement

In addition to the above, factors considered in granting admission to international transfer students are the grades or marks of all previous university and college work. If the applicant has less than one year's work at a university, secondary school marks will also be reviewed.

An entering freshman student must send official documents showing all secondary school marks and a final diploma. An official English translation of the documents is also required.

Application: The biographical/entry selection information (Parts 1 and 2), ecclesiastical endorsement (Part 3), seminary/institute recommendation (Part 4), activities list and essays (Parts 6 and 7), financial information (Part 8), official transcripts, and financial information are required of each applicant. Parts 1, 2, 6, 7, and 8A of the application can be completed using the Internet. Parts 3, 4, 5, and 8B can be downloaded off the Internet. The Web address is www.besmart.com. TOEFL test results are required for nonnative English speakers, including U.S. citizens and permanent residents.

Application Fee: A $30 one-time nonrefundable application fee must accompany all applications for admission. This fee cannot be waived. Checks or money orders (U.S. funds drawn on U.S. banks) should be made payable to CES Admissions (do not send cash through the mail).

American College Test (ACT) or Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) Scores: The results of these tests must be sent as part of the application materials. Test information can be obtained by writing to:

American College Test Information
PO Box 414
Iowa City, IA USA 52243
(319) 337-1270

or

Scholastic Aptitude Test
Educational Testing Service
Princeton, NJ USA 08540
(212) 713-8000

English: All nonnative English-speaking applicants must send official results of the TOEFL exam to BYU. Applicants need to have a total (computer) TOEFL score of 173 or higher, with no section score below 17. Paper-based test scores require a total score of 550 or higher, with no section score below 55. Those who take the Internet-based test (iBT) should earn an overall score of 66 with a minimum score of 17 on the Reading and Writing sections, and a minimum score of 16 on the Listening and Speaking sections. Tests must be on official international test dates. Institutional tests are not acceptable.

Bilingual students who are admitted to BYU must take an English diagnostic examination during the orientation period. Based on the results of the test, a student may be required to register for one or more specific English courses, designed to improve areas of low proficiency.

Registration and Completion Requirements: All international students in attendance must register for and complete at least 12 hours of daytime credit per semester (6 hours per term).

Official University Visa Policy: Applicants entering the United States on a B visa are ineligible to attend Brigham Young University. Students should not attempt to enter the United States to attend BYU as a full-time student without presenting a Form I-20 from BYU (Certificate of Eligibility), a valid passport, and a valid F-1 visa. Maintaining visa status is the responsibility of the student.

Note: All international students must report to International Services, 1351 WSC, (801) 422-2695, within one week after arrival on campus.

Post-Baccalaureate Studies (PBS) Applicants

The Post-Baccalaureate Studies (PBS) Program is designed to assist an applicant on the path toward a graduate degree or professional certification. Applicants for PBS must have earned a baccalaureate degree.

Those interested in attending BYU as a post-baccalaureate student should have at least a 3.0 (B) grade point average; complete Parts 1, 2, and 3 of the undergraduate application; and attach a statement explaining their purpose in seeking enrollment and the courses to be taken.

Registration for courses will be on a space-available basis. Students may not attend for more than one academic year and must enroll for fewer than 12 hours per semester unless a waiver is granted by the University Admissions Committee.

Note: International students (unless permanent residents of the United States) cannot attend BYU as PBS students.

Second Degree (Second Major/Additional Major)

Students who have already received a baccalaureate degree or higher from any institution, including BYU, are not eligible for admissions consideration to pursue another baccalaureate degree or major.

Spring/Summer Visiting Student Program

This program is open specifically to high school graduates who will be actively pursuing a degree at another college or university. Non-BYU students who want the opportunity to be part of the university's community on a limited basis will need to fill out an admission application. Admission and enrollment in the Spring/Summer Visiting Student Program does not in any way imply continued enrollment at BYU beyond summer term. Students wanting to pursue a degree at BYU must submit an application for undergraduate admission and meet the admissions criteria in effect at the time of application.

Applicants for the visiting student program should complete Parts 1, 2, and 3 of the undergraduate application, pay a $30 application fee (if not previously paid), and submit an ACT score and high school/college transcripts. Students who have completed 30 semester hours/45 quarter hours of college credit need only provide college transcripts. It is recommended that applicants have academics approaching an ACT score of 18 or higher and a GPA of 2.50 or higher.

Advanced Placement (AP) Credit

Students who complete a full year of an AP subject and score 3 or higher on the AP test will receive a minimum 6 semester hours of college credit in that subject. Students completing a half year of an AP subject with a score of 3 or higher on the AP test will receive a minimum 3 semester hours of credit in that subject. AP credit posted to another institution's transcript is reevaluated based on BYU's standard. Most AP subjects fill a BYU general education graduation requirement and in some instances fill graduation requirements in the major.

International Baccalaureate (IB) Credit

Students who complete the International Baccalaureate examinations may receive college credit. An IB course at the subsidiary level will normally be given 3 hours of general credit. An IB course completed at the higher level may receive 6 hours of general credit and possibly fill a general education requirement.

College Level Examination Program (CLEP) Credit

BYU discontinued giving credit for general exams in 2000. Additionally, BYU does not give credit for subject exams. CLEP credit posted to another institution's transcript is reevaluated based on BYU's standard.