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byu admission essay examples

How to Write BYU Provo’s 2016-2017 Essays

byu admission essay examples

Founded in 1875, Brigham Young University is the flagship school of the BYU system. Established with the intention of educating members of the Church of Latter Day Saints and preparing them for success, BYU Provo tends to draw many applicants from religious backgrounds.

In fact, 99% percent of the student population identifies as Mormon, demonstrating the strong influence of religion on this campus. Religion permeates most aspects of BYU life, from academics to day-to-day life; the latter is expected to follow the guidelines listed in BYU’s LDS-inspired Honor Code.

However, despite the influence of religion on this campus, you do not necessarily need to be a member of the LDS church to attend BYU. Potential applicants only need to be endorsed by an ecclesiastical leader in order to be eligible for admission.

BYU Provo also has the distinction of being the nation’s largest religious university, and with a student population of 29,672 on-campus students, it is the third largest university in the United States. Although it attracts students from across the country and beyond, it tends to be particularly attractive to in-state students; approximately one-third of the student population at the university hails from Utah.

In addition to cultivating a rich religious identity, BYU also offers fantastic academic opportunities . The school is comprised of 11 colleges, each specializing in different areas: education; engineering and technology; family, home, and social sciences; fine arts and communications; humanities; law; life sciences; business management; nursing; physical and mathematical sciences; and religious education.

Cummatively, these colleges offer 194 bachelor’s degree programs. Keep in mind that each school may have different application requirements, and it is important to check the guidelines for the specific BYU Provo college to which you choose to apply.

However, the general BYU application provides applicants with the opportunity to answer one short-answer question in 100 words, in addition to three short essays in 250 words. These questions apply to all BYU applicants, regardless of what school they are applying to. In this blog post, we’ll break down the BYU essay questions and give you the insights, tips, and tricks you need to wow BYU admissions officers and help make your application stand out.

Brigham Young University Application Essay Prompts

List and describe (in 100 words) up to five of your most meaningful and significant activities, awards, and/or experiences you have had since beginning high school.

Let’s start with the short answer question. In this part of the application, you are allowed to highlight some of your most important high school accomplishments . Because the word limit is rather restrictive — you have approximately 20 words per item — it is important that you are succinct, but still communicate your accomplishments effectively.

The first step is to identify which activities, awards, or experiences you want to list. When deciding, you should think about which activities will help you distinguish yourself. Remember, BYU received approximately 13,408 applicants in the last admissions cycle, so you want to stand out. For instance, listing an award that many other applicants in the pool have also earned is unlikely to significantly benefit your chance of admission.

In addition, it is important to consider BYU’s identity as an LDS school. While you do not have to be a member of the LDS church in order to be accepted (BYU states that “non-LDS applicants will only be required to meet with one of the following: an LDS bishop, branch president, or mission president”) it can be extremely beneficial to highlight your connection to the LDS church, if you have one.

Additionally, you should keep in mind BYU’s admissions criteria. It evaluates students based on their “seminary attendance, service, leadership, personal essays, individual talents, creativity, AP/IB courses taken, unique or special circumstances, and other factors showing a student’s ability to strengthen the BYU community.” You’ll notice that many of these qualities can be directly demonstrated through your extracurricular activities and other high school experiences .

For instance, BYU appreciates applicants who have demonstrated a commitment to service. If you have spent your high school career engaging in meaningful community service, you should certainly prioritize this activity when listing your relevant experiences. Or, if you were the president of your school’s French Club, you should emphasize your strong leadership abilities and background to impress admissions officers who are looking for student leaders.

Finally, consider the types of activities and awards current students have listed on their applications. 96.6% of successful applicants were four-year seminary graduates; 84.2% received Duty to God or Young Women Recognition; 82.2% were employed during high school; 78.3% were involved in the performing arts; and 71.1% participated in high school sports.

While it is not wholly necessary that you match this profile perfectly, it is helpful to know what has impressed admissions officers in the past and to highlight these kinds of awards and activities in your own application. Keep in mind, however, that you should still try to distinguish yourself even when describing experiences that are more typical of the applicant pool. For instance, if you were involved with your high school’s track and field team and earned the position of captain, you should emphasize your leadership position in order to give yourself more of an edge.

What is one of the most difficult things you have ever done or experienced? What did you learn from it?

This essay has a 250-word limit, so as always, it is important to be concise and get your message across as clearly and effectively as possible.

This essay question can, initially, seem a little difficult to tackle because it is so broad. There is some ambiguity in the language; BYU uses the word “thing” as opposed to directly naming a type of difficulty, and allows students to elaborate on things that they have either “done or experienced,” leaving the door wide open for interpretation.

However, there’s no need to balk at this question. In actuality, the relative ambiguity of the prompt just means that you have all the more room to be creative and truly help the admissions officers understand you on a deeper level. In many ways, how you choose to attack this question says a lot about you as an individual and as an applicant.

The most straightforward way to approach this essay would be to talk about a tangible challenge you have had to address. This could be a difficulty you had in school, in your community, or in your personal life. These kinds of challenges could range from family tragedies to academic setbacks to extracurricular obstacles.

A more subtle, but still effective way to answer this question is to think about a moral or ethical dilemma you have faced. While not as obvious of a choice for this essay, this can still be extremely powerful,  because at its core, this question seeks to help BYU understand how you tackle problems and how you grow from those experiences.

No matter what kind of challenge or problem you choose to discuss, the focus should not be on describing the problem itself. Rather, the majority of your essay should revolve around your particular approach to this challenge and, most importantly, what you have learned as a result. BYU admissions officers want to see that not only can you handle challenges, but that you welcome them and indeed grow from them.

There are some caveats to keep in mind when answering this question. If you do decide to focus on a personal challenge, you want to ensure that this is not a challenge that may cast doubt on your ability to succeed at BYU. For this reason, it can be safer to choose a problem that has long since been resolved and no longer affects you.

Additionally, be wary of coming across as unnecessarily lamentful. It can be dangerous if your essay bears the tone of “woe is me.” Although the essay is about a difficulty, it should still be positive. Remember, you should focus on 1) your problem solving abilities and 2) your growth in the face of difficulties. These are inherently positive subjects, so as long as your essay is centered around these two angles, you should be in the clear.

Given the choice, which CES school would you most like to attend, and why? Please be specific.

This question is relatively straightforward, in that it is essentially a “Why this major?” essay. In these types of essays, passion is key. You need to convey your deep interest in a given field, or in this case, BYU school.

The first step is to identify which school you are planning to apply to, which is simple enough. You do not need to have identified a specific major within that school, but if you already have an idea of what you intend to study, it can be helpful to include.

This part of your essay should be relatively brief. The bulk of the content needs to be oriented around why that specific school is perfect for you as a student, and more subtly, why you would be a valuable contributor to that school.

As BYU stipulates in the prompt itself, specificity is crucial. The easiest way to convey passion is to identify key, direct reasons why you are choosing that particular school. For instance, if you are intending to pursue law, you can talk about how your early interest in law started when you watched a particularly fascinating trial early on in life.

Then, you should connect it back to your high school extracurricular career and show the admissions officers how your passion for a given field has impacted your secondary studies. Continuing with our law example, perhaps you participated in Mock Trial to gain trial experience and helped lead the Model UN team to improve your public speaking skills.

Beyond highlighting extracurricular activities that help convey your commitment to a discipline, it is also helpful to point to your academic record . For instance, if you are applying to BYU’s physical sciences school, you should highlight the fact that you have chosen to take all of your school’s honors and AP physical science courses. This is particularly effective as it not only demonstrates your strong interest in the field, but also shows admissions officers that you can be successful in that specific subject as well.

That being said, you shouldn’t simply rehash your extracurricular and academic accomplishments in this essay.

Remember that these aspects are already explored in other sections of your application. This essay should be centered around your passion for a field, and while citing examples can help demonstrate this, you should make sure that this essay is personal to you and reveals important information about who you are as a person. Bring in relevant anecdotes, past experiences, and personal characteristics to show admissions officers why you are a perfect fit for a given BYU school.

“Tell us anything else you want us to know about yourself that you haven’t had the opportunity to describe elsewhere in the application. Include any special circumstances, experiences, talents, skills, etc. that you think would have a positive impact on the Admission Committee.”

If you thought that the first essay question was daunting in its breadth, this prompt may seem unthinkably difficult! However, this is just another opportunity to help admissions officers get to know you on a deeper level. The wide scope of the prompt is actually helpful, as it allows you to focus on any subject that 1) demonstrates who you as an individual and 2) adds a new dimension to your application.

With that in mind, you should focus on elucidating something that is otherwise absent from your application. If you choose to write about an experience, it should not be one of the experiences you listed in the short answer question; if you choose to write about a special circumstance, it should not be connected to the challenge you described in the second essay. You get the picture: this essay is supposed to bring something new to the table.

That being said, there aren’t many limits as to what you can write about. The only wrong answers here are things that would detract from your overall application or place you in a negative light, such as mentioning drug or alcohol abuse. Apart from these obviously poor choices, anything is fair game.

There are a few ways you can really take advantage of this prompt. For one thing, because it is so open-ended, this is a fantastic opportunity to help distinguish yourself from the rest of the applicant pool. It is helpful to focus on something that is memorable and unique to you, so that you stand out in the minds of admissions officers. Discussing a quirky skill, unique talent, or another distinguishing attribute or experience is one way to go about this.

This essay can also provide a forum through which you can explain any gaps in your application, or answer any questions that may be lingering  in admissions officers’ minds. For instance, if a significant personal circumstance impacted your application — and this was not the circumstance you described in Essay Two — this would be a good time to elaborate on that. Bear in mind, however, that the essay should still end on a positive note and leave no doubt that you are fully capable of succeeding at BYU, should you be accepted.

With these tips and tricks in mind, you are ready to begin writing essays that are sure to impress the Brigham Young University admissions officers. Best of luck from the CollegeVine team!

Want help with your college essays to improve your admissions chances? Sign up for your free CollegeVine account and get access to our essay guides and courses. You can also get your essay peer-reviewed and improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays.

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

byu admission essay examples

Each of the degrees offered at BYU Marriott require a different application essay. This is a very important part of the application. Regardless of your GPA, we recommend that you spend a considerable amount of time answering the questions. We also recommend that you first type your essay into a word processing program, save your essay, and then copy and paste it into the application in the essay box below. If you logout, your application will be saved, but not formally submitted.

Cover the points below in an essay of 100-500 words.

Tell us more about who you are outside of GPA and academic accomplishments. You may consider addressing some of the following topics:  

  • Tell us something unique about yourself that we cannot get from your grades alone.  In other words, what differentiates you from every other School of Accountancy applicant?  As examples, tell us about your background, experiences, challenges, attitude, interpersonal skills, leadership skills, motivation, and so forth. 
  • Briefly tell us why you want to be a BYU accounting major.
  • Tell us about the non-academic demands on your time while you have been an undergraduate student. Examples include work, student athletics, student performing groups, volunteering, family, and so forth.
  • To the extent not previously discussed, highlight anything that you feel is important for the Admissions Committee to know in considering your application, including any personal hardships or events that you have faced that may have affected you or your studies.

Please write a 50-300 word response to the following prompt:

  • Please review the BYU Marriott vision, mission, and values at https://marriott.byu.edu/our-story/mission/ .
  • After reviewing the BYU Marriott vision, mission, and values, share an example of how you have exemplified one of these values in your leadership or service to others. 

(Updated November 2023)

Business Management

Please write a 100-200 word response to following questions:

  • Why are you applying to this major?
  • What type of career are you intending to pursue with this major?

Please write a 300-500 word response to following prompt:

  • Business management is designed to provide an overview of multiple functional areas of business without emphasizing a specific area. Some of the challenges inherent in this approach include a lack of specialization, challenging career placement, no student cohort, and electives with variable availability.  
  • Please explain your understanding of these potential difficulties and how you plan to be successful within these constraints.

In 50-300 words, respond to the following prompt:

  • Please review the BYU Marriott vision, mission, and values at https://marriott.byu.edu/our-story/mission/.

(Updated June 2024)

Entrepreneurial Management

In 100-400 words, respond to the following prompt:

  • You will be given a link to complete a survey asking you about your experiences and interests.
  • After completing the survey, please describe how these experiences and others listed on your resume have prepared you for the entrepreneurial management major.

Answer each question prompt in separate responses of 50-300 words.

  • Using a specific experience as an example, describe your process for collecting and analyzing data to evaluate an entrepreneurial opportunity, make a decision, or solve a problem. 
  • Please review the BYU Marriott vision, mission, and values at https://marriott.byu.edu/our-story/mission/. After reviewing the BYU Marriott vision, mission, and values, share an example of how you have exemplified one of these values in your leadership or service to others. 

Experience Design & Management

Answer each question prompt in separate responses .

In 400 words or less, please explain how the ExDM major will help you achieve your educational and professional goals. To help you write your response, please be sure to address the following: 

  • What are your educational and professional goals? 
  • What have you done prior to applying to the ExDM program to achieve your educational and professional goals? 
  • How will a degree in ExDM help you achieve your educational and professional goals? 
  • What else has uniquely prepared or qualified you to succeed in the ExDM program? 

Please review the BYU Marriott vision, mission, and values at  https://marriott.byu.edu/our-story/mission/.  After reviewing the BYU Marriott vision, mission, and values, share an example of how you have exemplified one of these values in your leadership or service to others. (50-300 words)

(Updated March 2024)

Please write a brief (100-500 words) essay explaining how getting a degree in finance will help you achieve your personal and/or career goals and why you believe you will succeed in our program and in achieving your personal objectives. Consider addressing the following subjects:

  • What are your personal and/or career goals?
  • How will getting a finance degree help you achieve your goals?
  • What have you done prior to applying to our program to work towards achieving your goals? 
  • What experience or exposure do you have to the world of finance (internships, Finance Society involvement, participation in Finance Society trips, important mentors, etc.)?
  • What about your past accomplishments demonstrates an ability to succeed in the finance program?
  • Is there anything else that has uniquely prepared or qualified you to succeed in the finance program?

Impromptu interview question.

(Updated April 2021)

Global Supply Chain Management

Answer each question prompt in separate responses.

  • How have you prepared for the Global Supply Chain Major? Please include any interactions with GSCM students, participation in GSCM activities, GSCM classes taken, experiences in clubs, jobs, internships, etc. (100-200 words)
  • What appeals to you about the Global Supply Chain Major and how do you plan to use this degree in your future career? Please share specific examples from your life and your future career aspirations. (100-200 words)
  • Please review the BYU Marriott vision, mission, and values at https://marriott.byu.edu/our-story/mission/. After reviewing the BYU Marriott vision, mission, and values, share an example of how you have exemplified one of these values in your leadership or service to others. (50-300 words)

(Updated February 2024)

Human Resource Management

Answer each question prompt in separate responses.

  • Why are you applying to the Human Resource Management Major? (200-400 words)
  • What personal attributes, background, or experiences do you feel will help you excel in Human Resources Management? (For example, you might reference involvement in student organizations such as SHRM, HR-related internships or jobs, etc.)

(Updated March 2023)

Information Systems

Cover the points below in an essay of 300-600 words.

  • Tell us about your accomplishments, background, talents, motivation to major in information systems, life experiences, challenges you have overcome, or anything you feel is important for the admissions committee to know.
  • What is unique about you or your situation that should be considered with your application?
  • Explain any deficiencies or irregularities in your academic record.

Respond to the following prompt in 50-300 words:

Cover the points below in an essay of 100-600 words.

  • We want to admit students who will be successful marketers. The key attributes of successful marketers include a passion for marketing, strong work ethic, and the ability and desire to learn. Market yourself by demonstrating evidence of these attributes from your life experiences such as prior work experience, internships, competitions, club participation, or coursework. Describe in detail one or two specific experiences.
  • Please review the BYU Marriott vision, mission, and values at https://marriott.byu.edu/our-story/mission/. After reviewing the BYU Marriott vision, mission, and values, share an example of how you have exemplified one of these values in your leadership or service to others.

Strategic Management

Answer each question prompt in separate responses of 100-200 words.

  • Why are you applying to the Strategy major/minor?
  • What is it about a career in this area that appeals to you, and why?
  • What personal attributes, background, or experiences do you feel will help you excel in the Strategy program?

General Essay Suggestions

The primary purpose of the essay is to help the admissions committee see how you differ from other applicants and to get a picture of who you are in addition to what is on your transcript.

The ideas below are general suggestions. Make sure you directly address the essay prompt for the program   to which you are applying.

  • Let the committee know who you are—differentiate yourself
  • Consider essay basics: (1) a brief introduction paragraph with a thesis statement, (2) paragraphs/subheadings that support the thesis, and (3) a strong concluding paragraph
  • Your essay allows you to expound on what your resume cannot portray; try to complement your résumé rather than repeat its content 
  • Be concise; make every sentence count
  • Be creative, interesting, and professional
  • Be genuine; avoid trying to tell the story that you think the admissions committee wants to hear; your tone will likely show through 
  • Avoid cliché phrases or religious sentiments that do not connect to your essay’s core message or show relevance to your interest in business
  • More than half of BYU Marriott applicants are returned missionaries—in depth information about your mission may be important but often this information does not distinguish you from others
  • Explain how your participation in clubs relating to your preferred major helped you become a better qualified candidate
  • Humility is a positive trait, however, you still need to highlight your accomplishments and showcase your strengths
  • When telling stories about adversity explain the positive outcomes; focus on what you learned or how you overcame those obstacles
  • Similarly, if you feel you need to “explain” low grades or a poor semester, do so in a positive, concise way without making excuses; e.g., include what you’ve learned and how you have changed
  • Refer to recent accomplishments—when possible emphasize college experiences over those from high school 
  • Talk about your service, church, or work experience in a unique way (e.g. a story); explain how your experiences and qualifications set you apart
  • Translate your experiences, even if they are entry-level jobs, into business frameworks, principles, and terminology; e.g., you can explain how your experience working in your local grocery store taught you about basic customer service, inventory management, or showed you the need for technological innovation in an established industry (e.g., self-service check-outs)

How To Get Into BYU (2024)

Tips and tricks for getting admitted into Brigham Young University, complete with an overview of the application, sample admit essays, GPA requirements, and more.

Posted July 11, 2024

byu admission essay examples

How to Prepare for College Admissions Early with Former AdComs and Stanford Students

Starting wednesday, september 11.

12:00 AM UTC · 60 minutes

Table of Contents

Overview of byu.

Brigham Young University , located in Provo, Utah, is a private university sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Established in 1875, BYU offers a diverse range of academic programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels.

BYU is notable for several things. Most of its students are members of the Church of Latter-Day Saints (LDS) and follow an honor code that includes standards related to dress and grooming, academic honesty, and drugs and alcohol. It is consistently ranked as one of the best-value universities . Likewise, BYU is often ranked among the top universities for foreign language degrees in part because of the LDS church’s heavy emphasis on missionary service.

Can You Go to BYU if You Are Not a Member of the LDS Church?

While it was founded and is supported by The LDS Church, BYU embraces students of all faiths and beliefs. Admission decisions are based on academic merit, personal achievements, and character, rather than religious adherence.

byu admission essay examples

Brigham Young University (BYU) Facts & Figures

  • # of International Students: 1,241
  • Total # of Graduate Students: 2,842

Demographics + Ethnicity

  • Female: 51%
  • Single: 58.5%
  • Top 3 Nations: Canada, Mexico, South Korea
  • Caucasian: 81%
  • Hispanic or Latino: 9%
  • 2 or More Races: 4.5%
  • Pacific Islander: 1%
  • American Indian: < 1%
  • Transfer Acceptance Rate: 64.8%
  • Middle 50% GPA: 3.86-4.00
  • Middle 50% ACT: 27-32
  • Middle 50% SAT: 1290-1440
  • # of Undergraduate Majors: 198
  • # of Undergraduate Minors: 113

Undergraduate Tuition (2024-2025)

  • Members of the LDS Church: $3,344 per semester
  • Non-Members: $6,688 per semester

Undergraduate Cost of Attendance

  • On-Campus: $10,396
  • Off-Campus: $11,364
  • Books and Supplies:$392
  • Personal Expenses: $1,984
  • Transportation: $2,480
  • Loan Fees: $64
  • On-Campus: $22,004
  • Off-Campus: $22,972
  • On-Campus: $28,692
  • Off-Campus: $29,660

byu admission essay examples

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BYU Application Deadlines (2024-2025)

  • Applications Open: August 28, 2024
  • Priority: November 1, 2024
  • Regular Decision: December 16, 2024
  • Decisions Released: February 17, 2025

BYU Application Components

Upon submitting your application, only an unofficial high school transcript is required. If admitted, an official transcript must follow.

Class registration relies on the official transcript being received and verified. BYU evaluates GPAs without weighting but considers the rigor of the coursework.

Letters of Recommendation

The BYU application requires three types of letters of recommendation:

  • Seminary Recommendation
  • High School Teacher Recommendation - Must have taught you a math, English, science, or social science class in your junior or senior year
  • Additional Recommendation - Anyone who knows you well and is not a relative. For example, extracurricular supervisors or sports team coaches.

The recommender will receive an email containing a link to a form that they must complete. This form asks recommenders to rate the student on various criteria:

  • Demonstrates integrity, and trustworthiness, and fulfills commitments
  • Creates a safe environment for classmates to participate and share observations
  • Demonstrates problem-solving ability and sound thinking
  • Sets and achieves challenging goals

The second part is a section for open-ended responses to specific prompts, such as “What evidence do you see of the applicant challenging themselves academically?”

Please note that BYU only accepts recommendations through this specific form within the application. It is important to communicate this to your recommenders to ensure they do not attempt to submit a separate letter.

Ecclesiastical Endorsement

All applicants, regardless of their affiliation with the LDS church, must submit an ecclesiastical endorsement. This endorsement includes agreeing to abide by the BYU Honor Code and the Dress and Grooming Standards and meeting with two religious leaders to verify that you understand the standards and are capable of committing to them.

Standardized Test Scores

BYU is test-optional through winter 2026. However, as it states on the application, "Applicants are encouraged to submit a test score if they feel it is a good representation of their academic abilities."

What does this mean? Well, you should at least try to take the test and aim for the average of the most recently admitted class. In 2024, the middle 50% of ACT scores were 27-32; for the SAT, it was 1290-1440. For the most recent application cycle, 58.4% of applicants chose to submit a test score.

If you have a lower GPA, it's more important that you do well on the test. If you have a high GPA but score low on the test, you probably won't want to submit the score. The ideal situation, of course, is that you have both a high GPA and test score.

ACT vs. SAT

Take the test that is best for you. Many students naturally score higher on one test than the other. We recommend taking a practice test for both — see how you score and how you felt during each. How was the timing and pacing of questions? How did you do on each section?

BYU SAT Requirements & ACT Requirements

As the BYU site states: "Freshmen applicants who have completed sufficient accredited high school work will have the option to apply with or without an ACT or SAT test."

See here for ACT/SAT guidelines for transfer applicants, international applicants, homeschooled applicants, and concurrent enrollment applicants.

For more info, read The ACT vs. SAT: Which to Take and How to Ace Both and The Best Free Resources to Prepare for the ACT and SAT .

BYU Application Essays

BYU Essay Prompts (2024-2025)

The essays are one of the most important aspects of the application. Freshmen applicants are required to write essays on five topics:

  • Describe a topic, idea, or experience that you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. What have you done to learn more or engage further in the topic, idea, or experience? What resources do you use to learn more? (1500 character limit)
  • Have you become aware of significant needs in your family, school, and/or community? Please explain how you have worked toward meeting those needs. (1500 character limit)
  • Briefly describe a time that your efforts have fallen short, a goal was not accomplished, or an aspiration was not achieved. What steps did you take to recover from this defeat? What resources did you use? How and why are you different today? (1500 character limit)
  • Skills and talents
  • Life experiences
  • Perspectives
  • Cultures Tell us your story. What will you contribute to our university community? Be specific. (1500 character limit)
  • A BYU education will be spiritually strengthening. BYU students have a unique opportunity to seek learning by study and by faith. Describe the reasons you want to learn in an environment like this. (1500 character limit)

You will also be asked to write about two additional activities to help the AdCom get to know who are as a person. You'll have 300 characters to describe the activity and then 1500 characters to explain why you chose to participate in it and how you benefitted from it.

BYU Essay Tips

  • Weave a cohesive narrative. Your application should show who you are, where you've been, and where you're going.
  • Don't exaggerate. You don't need to have solved cancer or won a Nobel prize to get into BYU. While you do need to be involved in activities, it's more important that you own what you have done and can explain the significance of it.
  • Show impact. How have you impacted your communities? How has your involvement in clubs, sports teams, etc. made those groups better? The BYU AdCom wants to admit students who will make BYU a better place. By showing that you've done that in your other activities, you'll make a stronger case for why they should let you in.
  • Get deep. The key to powerful essays is sufficient self-reflection. Take time to understand why you made the decisions you did throughout high school, what you care about in a collegiate experience, why you actually want to go to BYU (specifically), how you will make the most of your time there, and what you're interested in long-term.

BYU Essay Examples

byu admission essay examples

Example BYU Essays From Admits

Use these example essays from successful BYU applicants to help you write the best possible essays

In addition to the essays, BYU applicants will also need to select two activities to go deeper into (1500 character limit). As BYU states:

"While you have most likely been involved in many different activities, you will have an opportunity to write about two activities that will help us get to know you as an individual. You will be able to describe the activity, how long you have participated in it, and how you have benefited from your participation."

New AI Essay Policy & Tips

Starting with the 2023-2024 application and continuing to this year, BYU has added a new step to the application process. You will be required to agree to an Essays and Activities Commitment and adhere to the following:

  • You must not pay anyone to assist you with your application
  • You may not use generative AI tools (such as ChatGPT) to write your responses
  • The work you submit must be entirely your own
  • You may seek feedback from others to ensure clarity and effectiveness in responding to prompts
  • You may use tools like Grammarly to aid in the writing process

If you have any questions regarding your essays, BYU offers free help through representatives . Be aware that BYU uses software to analyze all admission essays and responses and may revoke admission offers to any student whose essay is determined to have been generated by AI or plagiarized in any form.

Additionally, BYU offers specific essay advice on their website:

  • Understand the principles of AIMS and use them in your application
  • Generally, prioritize recent experiences over older ones
  • Avoid repetition -your essays should not merely duplicate your resume. Instead, use them to showcase different facets of yourself and your experiences
  • Remember that the only way BYU will know things about you is for you to explicitly tell them. The admissions committee cannot read your mind; the picture they’ll see is the one you put right in front of them.
  • Your essays must reflect your own words and ideas. While others can assist in reviewing them, the content must be your authentic work.
  • Above all, be genuine!

byu admission essay examples

The BYU Aims outline the goals of a BYU education. Importantly, they are also part of the criteria that the Admissions Committee uses to evaluate potential applicants.

On its website, BYU outlines the AIMS:

"BYU seeks to develop students of faith, intellect, and character who have the skills and the desire to continue learning and to serve others throughout their lives. These are the common aims of all education at BYU. Both those who teach in the classroom and those who direct activities outside the classroom are responsible for contributing to this complete educational vision. A BYU education should be:

  • Spiritually Strengthening
  • Intellectually Enlarging
  • Character Building
  • Leading to Lifelong Learning and Service"

In your application, it's crucial to weave in the different Aims. BYU wants students who embody these characteristics; by showing that you do so, you are more likely to be admitted. To get started, make a list for each Aim with any activities/extracurriculars, awards, honors, themes, etc. from your life. Then, you can assign each to a different part of the application. See more about the BYU Aims below.

How to Prepare for BYU Admissions as a High Schooler

Preparing for the BYU application starts years before the deadlines. Here are several things to start doing in your underclassman high school years:

  • Join clubs and take leadership positions
  • Participate in service projects and organizations
  • Take AP classes and do well in them (PS: Read What AP Test Scores Do Colleges Accept? )
  • Pursue extracurricular activities
  • Cultivate good relationships with teachers, school counselors, and church leaders (bishop, stake president, etc.)

What GPA Do You Need to Get Into BYU?

BYU sets high academic standards for admission, with the middle 50% GPA of admitted students ranging from 3.86 to 4.00 — indicating that most students have achieved straight As or nearly so.

This places BYU among the most competitive private religious universities in the nation. As BYU continues to grow in prominence, competition for admission intensifies. While the university takes a holistic approach to reviewing applications, a higher GPA significantly enhances your chances of acceptance.

Aim for an unweighted 4.0 GPA; if you fall short, strive for at least a 3.86. If your GPA is lower, compensate by excelling in the standardized test. Additionally, take AP-level courses to raise your weighted GPA and demonstrate your readiness for college-level academics.

byu admission essay examples

BYU Application Tips

1. paint the picture of a byu student.

On its website, BYU says that there is “no secret formula for admission.” They consider all parts of the applicant holistically and are looking for the AIMS of BYU Education (see above). These principles guide the entire application process, so it's crucial to embody them across all aspects of your application.

  • Spiritually Strengthening – They recommend applicants graduate from the LDS seminary and arrive spiritually prepared. The goal of the university is to provide a spiritually uplifting environment in which to gain an education.
  • Intellectually Enlarging – Prospective students are advised to pursue challenging coursework in high school and maintain involvement in extracurricular passions. This dual commitment prepares students for academic rigor and personal growth.
  • Character Building – Applicants should be just as strong morally as they are mentally; they should have a solid work ethic, be resilient, and be honest.
  • Lifelong Learning and Service – One unofficial motto of BYU is, “Enter to learn, go forth to serve.” Service is a major component of the LDS church and the school, and applicants should have a love of and commitment to serving others.

To align with BYU's expectations, highlight your academic readiness, spiritual preparedness (for LDS applicants), diligence, and alignment with BYU's values. BYU seeks students who will uphold its honor code, prioritize academic excellence, and contribute positively to the campus community.

2. Engage Meaningfully in Extracurricular Activities

Don’t pursue activities that you think BYU “wants” to see in its applicants. Instead, find what brings you joy, and develop your talents in those areas, which may include but are not limited to:

BYU doesn’t care about what you spend your time on (to a certain extent), but rather how you spend your time. Are you becoming a better person? Developing new skills? Contributing to the community? Taking on leadership positions?

As stated on its website, BYU encourages applicants to illustrate their impact through specific examples of meaningful community involvement in their application essays. Don’t take this advice lightly.

Read: How to Build the Best Extracurriculars for College

3. Choose Between the ACT and SAT Based on Your Strengths

BYU holds no preference for either the ACT or SAT, so it's important to select the test that aligns best with your skills and strengths. While both exams cover similar content areas, they differ significantly in format and approach.

Although BYU's average GPA is notably high, the average ACT/SAT scores are slightly less competitive. This presents an opportunity for applicants to distinguish themselves through strong standardized test performance. Each year, the average ACT scores of admitted students increase so aim for a higher-than-average score.

We recommend taking practice tests for both the ACT and SAT to determine which one you perform better on. Develop a comprehensive study plan focusing on improving your weaker areas. Avoid last-minute cramming; preparing for standardized tests requires months of consistent practice, studying, and retaking practice tests to enhance your performance.

By strategically selecting and preparing for the ACT or SAT, you can optimize your chances of achieving a competitive score that strengthens your BYU application.

4. Graduate from Seminary

Historically, graduating from seminary was a crucial requirement for LDS applicants seeking admission to BYU, and it continues to hold significant importance. This achievement not only aligns with BYU's core value of "Spiritually Strengthening" but also signifies your readiness for the university's spiritually enriching environment. Additionally, seminary graduation enhances your connection to potential recommenders, who can serve as mentors and advocates in your application process.

5. Invest in Your Essays

The BYU admissions committee has a specific formula that weighs different parts of the application. Supposedly, one of the most important factors, if not the most important , is the essays. A compelling essay has the potential to offset lower test scores or GPA and illuminate aspects of your candidacy that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Craft a cohesive narrative in your essays that remains focused and builds towards a clear point. Ensure your responses directly address the prompt, reflecting consistently on their relevance to your personal experiences. Your essays should be uniquely yours; if someone else could write the same essay, you probably have some editing to do.

6. Develop Leadership Skills – BYU Values Future Leaders

While listing extracurricular activities is essential, elevating yourself to leadership positions within those activities significantly enhances your prospects for admission to BYU.

Holding leadership roles demonstrates a deep commitment to your interests, cultivates effective communication and interpersonal skills, and showcases your potential for high achievement. BYU actively seeks candidates who show initiative and the capacity to lead, making leadership experience a compelling asset in your application.

7. Foster Meaningful Connections with BYU Staff

All colleges aspire to admit students who want to go to their school. By showing genuine interest in the university’s specific programs, the AdCom will see that getting in means more than checking a box. There are many different ways to do this, but here are a few ideas:

  • Participate in campus tours
  • Attend on-campus events (Examples: BYU Education Week, seminars, weekly forums, sporting events, sports camps, FSY, plays/musicals, etc.)
  • Reach out to the BYU admissions counselors; ask for guidance and inquire about trends they’ve seen in the admissions process

By actively participating in these activities, you not only gain a deeper understanding of BYU but also showcase your genuine commitment and enthusiasm, thereby strengthening your candidacy for admission.

8. Bonus Tip: Take Foreign Language Courses

While not a formal recommendation for admissions, the BYU AdCom weighs classes differently based on certain factors. For example, Honors and AP classes are weighted more heavily than base-level classes. Also, BYU is rumored to pay extra attention to foreign language classes. Another unofficial motto of the school is, “The world is our campus” and the curriculum and standards emphasize the importance of a global education. The BYU Study Abroad Programs are very strong, and over 60% of the student body speaks multiple languages.

By enrolling in foreign language courses, you demonstrate your readiness to contribute to this global perspective, potentially enhancing your application to BYU.

byu admission essay examples

Get Into BYU With the Help of an Expert

Navigating the college application process can be intimidating, but with the guidance of experienced coaches and resources, you can approach it with confidence and clarity. Our team offers a variety of undergraduate admissions coaches who specialize in every aspect of the application journey. Below are some of our top undergrad admissions coaches; see all those with BYU experience here .

Here are several other resources to help you navigate through your applications:

  • How to Write a College Application Resume
  • The Top 40 College Scholarships
  • 4 Tips to Elevate Your College Essay
  • Top Questions to Ask a College Admissions Officer

BYU Application FAQs

Does BYU require foreign language?

No, Brigham Young University (BYU) does not require a foreign language for admission. However, having completed foreign language courses in high school can enhance your application and demonstrate academic diversity. Some majors might have specific foreign language requirements, so it's always a good idea to check the program details.

What are the BYU admission requirements?

To gain admission to BYU, applicants must submit the following:

  • A completed online application form
  • Official high school transcripts
  • An ecclesiastical endorsement
  • Five essays and two additional activities
  • Optional ACT or SAT scores
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Additionally, BYU considers your high school GPA, extracurricular activities, leadership roles, and service experiences.

Is it hard to get into BYU?

BYU has a competitive admissions process. The acceptance rate for 2024 was 68.7%, making it moderately selective. Admissions decisions are based on a holistic review of your academic achievements, test scores (if submitted), essays, recommendations, and extracurricular involvement. Strong applicants typically have high GPAs, impressive essays, and robust service or leadership experiences.

Is BYU test-optional? What are BYU's SAT/ACT requirements?

Yes, BYU has adopted a test-optional policy until winter 2026. Applicants for the upcoming academic years can choose whether to submit their ACT or SAT scores. While test scores are not mandatory, submitting them can still strengthen your application, especially if your scores are above the university's average range:

  • SAT: 1290-1440

Submitting scores within or above these ranges can bolster your application, even though it is not required. Always check the latest admissions guidelines for the most current information.

How many credits do you need to get into BYU?

BYU does not specify a minimum number of high school credits required for admission. However, a strong college preparatory curriculum is recommended, including:

  • 4 years of English
  • 3-4 years of mathematics
  • 2-3 years of science
  • 2 years of social science

Additional coursework in foreign language, arts, and technical education can be beneficial.

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Calculate for all schools

Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, what makes a strong byu essay.

Hi all, I'm a junior working on my college essay drafts, and I want to make my BYU application essay stand out. Can anyone share examples or tips on writing a great BYU essay? I'm struggling with the prompt and need some inspiration. Thanks a lot!

Hi there! It's fantastic that you're already working on your college essays. For a strong BYU essay, you'll want to focus on aligning your values and experiences with those of the institution. This means emphasizing your commitment to the LDS church, emphasizing your dedication to education and service, and showcasing your unique qualities.

Without knowing the specific prompt you're working on, it's hard to give tailored advice. However, here are some general tips:

1. Be sincere and authentic. Speak from your heart and share your personal experiences and feelings. Admissions officers can tell when a student is genuine.

2. Connect your experiences and values to BYU's mission and principles. Take some time to research the school and understand its culture and expectations; this will help you craft a more tailored essay.

3. Use anecdotes and examples to illustrate your points. Instead of simply listing your qualities or experiences, tell a story that showcases your values or experiences. This can make your essay more engaging and memorable.

4. Be mindful of your audience. Remember that BYU's admission readers are likely members of the LDS church. Be respectful and tactful in discussing your beliefs and experiences.

5. Edit and revise your essay multiple times. A polished essay will stand out among other applications, so take the time to make it the best it can be. Good luck!

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.

Brigham Young University Undergraduate College Application Essays

These Brigham Young University college application essays were written by students accepted at Brigham Young University. All of our sample college essays include the question prompt and the year written. Please use these sample admission essays responsibly.

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College Application Essays accepted by Brigham Young University

Valued success michael scott robison, brigham young university.

Albert Einstein said, "Try not to become a man of success but rather try to become a man of value." I only truly began to understand this quote over the course of the last school year. Until this year, success in high school was never difficult...

Picture This Anonymous

I just cannot help it -- I see the world around me like I am looking through a camera lens. Everywhere I go I see perfect photo opportunities. Whenever I stumble upon beautiful lighting, contrast, shape, color or texture, I am compelled to take a...

Moving For The Eighteenth Time Anonymous

We moved to a different house again. For the eighteenth time.

It had been a Saturday when my father made his grand announcement that we were moving again. I had been eating at the dinner table with my six siblings, and I almost choked. Grinning,...

Who Needs Hogwarts When You've Got a Book? Elizabeth P Rampton

Alice has her rabbit hole; Lucy has her wardrobe; Harry has Platform Nine and Three-quarters; as for me, I have my bookshelf. Reading is something I have always loved to do. It allows me to escape to another world from the comfort of my fuzzy...

The Lake Anonymous

My mother is a refugee from Cambodia who witnessed the murder of her father by the Khmer Rouge at age 2. Her response to her trauma was to put pressure on her kids to be the best. Growing up I remember writing out the ABC’s hundreds of times a...

Recent Questions about Brigham Young University

The Question and Answer section for Brigham Young University is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

what is the theme of Barrio Boy?

The theme is being accepted by society the main character is accepted and feels accepted because his teacher made him understand English and helped him become more confident with himself

what are two words to describe the short story no gumption and why??

Just two words?

Motivation and Expectations

Can you tell me if this is a good 200 word essay for my application?

Whether or not this is a good essay is partly dependent on the question that was asked. You might want to use the essay services of Gradesaver to get some strong input about how this can be "beefed up." The essay does make a point and it...

byu admission essay examples

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When should i apply.

BYU has three application deadlines each year for transfer applicants:

  • Apply by June 1 to be admitted in fall semester.
  • Apply by August 1 to be admitted in winter semester.
  • Apply by December 15 to be admitted in spring and summer terms.

You qualify as a transfer applicant as soon as you have enrolled in any university classes after graduating from high school. If you want to avoid submitting your high school transcript, you will need to have at least 24 graded credits completed. But you can apply as a transfer applicant before reaching 24 credits.

BYU does not penalize applicants for applying more than once, so it doesn’t hurt to apply at every opportunity.

Start Your Application

Write Your Essays

Application essays are a key part of your application to BYU. Your essays should demonstrate how you embrace the Aims of a BYU Education . Rather than just a list of accomplishments, your essays should show how your experiences have prepared you to contribute to the BYU community and the world. Before submitting your essays, we recommend you have them reviewed by the BYU Research & Writing Center.

Application Essay Tips Research & Writing Center

Recommendation

A transfer application to BYU requires one recommendation from a person of your choosing (not a relative). Be sure to choose someone familiar with you and your recent work such as a professor or supervisor. Contact them in advance and ask if they are willing to recommend you. It’s a good idea to share information with them like a resume or "brag sheet" to help them know what to write.

Recommendation Tips

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Struggling with your BYU application essays? Get professional help before the December deadline

By college essay builder | posted - nov. 16, 2022 at 7:00 p.m., (college essay builder).

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Does your child have what it takes to get into BYU?

The stakes of getting accepted to BYU are getting higher and higher. It is estimated that over 12,000 students will apply to BYU — Provo this fall. And using last year's acceptance rates , more than 4,000 won't make the cut.

With such a large pool of applicants, the BYU Admissions Committee is often tasked with choosing between highly-qualified applicants who all meet the minimum requirements. And since BYU is not currently requiring standardized test scores, it is even more difficult for applicants to stand out.

With all of these factors, parents want to know:

"Is there anything I can do to improve my child's chances for acceptance to BYU?" The answer to this question is an absolute "yes!"

How the BYU application essays can make or break your child's acceptance

By the time your child begins their BYU application, nearly all of the application criteria (transcripts, activities, awards, etc.) is fixed and can't be influenced or changed — with one notable exception: the essays.

The BYU application essays have become one of the most critical ways your child will be evaluated by the admissions committee. This is because the essays are the best way for the committee to get to know your child on a personal level to determine how well they have demonstrated their preparation and alignment with the Mission and Aims of BYU .

In fact, the BYU essays are the only real controllable factor your child has at this point that can either help or hurt their chances of getting accepted.

The wrong way to write BYU application essays

Just sitting down to "knock out" the essays without understanding what BYU is looking for is a huge mistake. Successful BYU essays require deep introspection, multiple drafts and a good deal of pre-work. Students who don't allow time for these crucial activities end up writing sub-par BYU essays that suffer from one or more of the following issues:

Too generic

It isn't natural for most high-school seniors to be vulnerable and genuine. This often results in superficial essays that don't give enough information about your child for BYU admissions to complete a proper evaluation.

This year, BYU has shortened most of the essays by 500 characters. The lower the character count, the more difficult it is for students to effectively address everything the prompt is asking for. Consequently, students can easily spend too much of their essay telling a story but not allowing enough space for important connections and reflections.

No effective feedback

Most students work on their BYU essays right up to the deadline and don't have the proper time to get feedback and make revisions. If parents do read the essays, they often don't know how to provide the most helpful feedback. This cycle often results in substantial errors in essay structure, content and grammar.

The right way to write BYU application essays: The 3 most important questions

Susie Boyce, founder of College Essay Builder , has been helping students write BYU application essays since 2007. Over the years, she has discovered three fundamental questions that all successful BYU essays must effectively answer. These three questions are:

Do my child's essays show that they value the aims of a BYU education?

Each BYU essay should correlate directly to one or more of the Aims of a BYU Education . It is critical that the stories and examples your child uses in their essays make the connection clear and personal. A close look at the BYU admissions website emphasizes that BYU uses the aims to evaluate all areas of the application — especially the essays.

Do my child's essays help them stand out from thousands of other applicants?

This fall, BYU will receive more than 70,000 essays. Given the sheer volume, how will you ensure your child's essays stand out and are memorable for all the right reasons?

The key to this question is helping your child identify events, people and stories from their life that highlight their genuine and unique experiences. This requires vulnerability; the essays should tell compelling stories showing your child's journey, growth and transformation. These personal stories can become the heart of each essay, connecting the reader to your child in an unforgettable way.

Do my child's essays demonstrate their character, values, testimony and potential as a BYU student?

BYU has provided some direct expectations about what they want to see in your child's essay on their admissions website :

"...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!"

Why does BYU want your child to share so much? Because the essays are the best chance admissions counselors have to understand and evaluate your child's character, values, testimony and potential as a BYU student.

To effectively do this, your child must address each prompt completely and deeply. Take time to identify stories and examples that showcase how they have grown and developed in these four areas and write conclusions that make a powerful connection to what BYU is looking for.

The bottom line

You can do something to improve your child's chances for acceptance to BYU. Helping your child write their best BYU application essays is the most important way you can accomplish this goal.

But you don't have to do this alone. College Essay Builder has created a comprehensive application essay course for BYU that leads your child step-by-step through the process of writing all the BYU application essays. With the help of videos, downloads, templates and examples, your child will be writing their best BYU essays faster and more effectively than any other method.

In this course your child will learn:

  • How to personalize the BYU Aims and meaningfully connect them to each essay.
  • How to identify and tell compelling personal stories that demonstrate their potential as a successful BYU student.
  • How to approach each essay prompt to address BYU's specific expectations.
  • How to start each essay to "hook" the reader.
  • How to conclude each essay to make a powerful connection.
  • How to write clear and concise paragraphs that answer each prompt completely and deeply.
  • How to edit and revise their essays utilizing proprietary feedback guides.

The stakes are too high to not do everything you can to help your child get accepted.

And the most controllable thing you can do right now is to help them write their best BYU essays by enrolling them in the "The Complete Guide to Writing the BYU Application Essays" Pro Course today.

And for a limited time, use the coupon code KSL50 to get $50 off the full course price.

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College Essay Builder

The complete guide to writing the byu application essays - pro basic.

Learn how to write COMPELLING and MEMORABLE application essays for BYU. The PRO BASIC COURSE teaches you, step-by-step, how to write all 7 Essays for BYU with videos, worksheets, charts, examples and outlines.

Interested in this course? Email us at [email protected]

When ordering, please use the STUDENT'S name and email address at checkout.

What you'll learn in the PRO BASIC COURSE

With the help of expert videos, downloads, templates and examples, you'll be writing your best BYU application essays at your own pace and on-demand anytime.

Free 15 minute phone consultation to answer your questions and get your started.

How to personalize the BYU Aims and meaningfully connect them to each essay.

How to identify and tell compelling personal stories that demonstrate your potential as a successful BYU student.

How to approach each essay prompt to address BYU’s specific expectations.

How to start each essay to “hook” the reader, and how to conclude each essay to make a powerful connection.

How to write clear and concise paragraphs that answer each prompt completely and deeply.

How to edit and revise your essays utilizing proprietary feedback guides.

REAL BYU application essay examples from "accepted" students with markup and tips.

Reviews for the PRO BASIC COURSE

“I started the course pretty close to the deadline, with about three weeks to write the essays. The course is really helpful but difficult to manage if you’re already super busy and cutting it close to the due date. I would recommend starting as early as possible so that you can really take advantage of this resource”

“The course provided me with an organized way to plan and outline my essays. This made the entire essay writing process less stressful and manageable.”

“I was utterly blown away by Susie's professionalism, knowledge, and ability to guide my son in writing his BYU application essays. The courses were helpful, thorough, and so well put together. The course materials were excellent, and made it so easy to break down this overwhelming task of writing the essays into manageable chunks.”

“Lucas found the workshops to be helpful. Talking through topics and do's and dont's helped him feel more confident about what he was writing. The course really helped him make the essays more succinct and direct. He (we) felt really good about what he turned in.”

McKenzie B.

“Susie is really good at explaining complicated topics in a simple way. She validated my ideas and increased my confidence, but also gave specific, useable feedback about how to improve. She is fun to communicate with and has a great personality. She is the best online teacher I have ever worked with. If you are unsure if this course is right for you, just go for it. You won't regret it. ”

Course curriculum

Welcome to the course (2 min).

A message from your instructor

How to use this course

Tell me a little bit about your writing.

Lesson #1: Your Plan for Essay Success (5 min)

What you will learn in this lesson

The biggest mistake you could make and how to avoid it (with worksheet download)

How to use your BYU Essay Planning Chart

Lesson #1 Summary

Lesson #2: Aims of a BYU Education (6 min)

Overview of the BYU Aims (with worksheet download)

How to complete your Aims worksheets

Lesson #2 Summary

Lesson #3: Memory Mining (8.5 min)

How to complete your Memory Mining worksheets

Finding your best stories using Memory Mining (with worksheet download)

Lesson #3 Summary

Lesson #4: Choosing stories and Aims for your essays (10 min)

Steps for choosing stories and Aims for each essay (with worksheet download)

How to complete your stories and Aims worksheets

Lesson #4 Summary

Lesson #5: Outline and Write the "Meeting Needs" Essay (11.5 min)

What you will learn in this lesson (with outline download)

How to complete the "Meeting Needs" outline

How to write your first essay draft

How to ask for and receive essay feedback (with feedback from download)

How to revise your essays using mentor feedback

Lesson #5: Summary

Meeting Needs LIVE workshop recording

BYU sample essay for Meeting Needs

Lesson #6: Outline and Write the "Spiritually Strengthening" Essay

What you should know about the "Spiritually Strengthening" essay (with outline and feedback form download)

Spiritually Strengthening LIVE workshop recording

BYU sample essay for Spiritually Strengthening

Lesson #7: Outline and Write the "Contribution - Tell Us Your Story" Essay

What you should know about the "Contribution" essay (with outline and feedback form download)

Your Contribution LIVE workshop recording

BYU sample essay Your Contribution - example A

BYU sample essay Your Contribution - example B

Lesson #8: Outline and Write the "Overcoming Defeat" Essay

What you should know about the "Overcoming Defeat" essay (with outline and feedback form download)

Overcoming Defeat LIVE workshop recording

BYU sample essay Overcoming Defeat

Lesson #9: Outline and Write the "Engaged Learning" Essay

What you should know about the "Engaged Learning" essay (with outline and feedback form download)

Engaged Learning LIVE workshop recording

BYU sample essay Engaged Learning

Lesson #10: Outline and Write the "Activities" Essays

What you should know about the 2 "Activities" essays (with outline and feedback form downloads)

Activities LIVE workshop recording

BYU sample essay Activities - example A

BYU sample essay Activities - example B

Lesson #11: Final Essay Edits and Polishing (3 min)

How to make final edits and prepare all essays for submission

Course Conclusion

Supplemental Revision Help & Resources

Tips for overcoming writer's block

How to write impactful beginnings and endings

How to be clear and concise in your writing

How to edit essays for spelling and grammar

BYU Essay Progress Tracker

byu admission essay examples

About this course

  • 11 Lessons + Supplemental Resources
  • 46 minutes of video content

You can complete all of the video and written instructions within a week if you're motivated. However, to complete all of the worksheets, and give yourself time to get feedback on your essays, we recommend a minimum of two to three weeks.

This course teaches you step-by-step how to write each element of every application essay for BYU quickly and correctly. By the time you are done with the basic worksheets, the essays almost write themselves.

BYU Application essays are NOT like any other essay you have written in the past. Susie has converted 15 years of helping students write successful college essays into proprietary templates, guides, and examples that ensure you meet or exceed BYU's specific and unique essay requirements.

This course does come with an initial 15 minute live consultation to get your started. You are also welcome to send messages to your coach anytime for feedback and suggestions an join in student group discussions. However regular weekly coaching is only available in the PRO PLUS and 1:1 COACHING courses.

Of course we cannot guarantee that anyone who takes this course will be accepted into BYU. If, however, you are not satisfied with the course, we are happy to provide you a full refund by emailing [email protected] within 15 days of the original purchase date.

Priority Deadline is November 1st.

Get expert essay help NOW. Our online application essay coaching classes will fast track your success.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: The content, images, or other materials contained in this website and online courses are the works of College Essay Builder™. They do not represent BYU and are NOT BYU sponsored. Participation in any education offered by College Essay Builder does not guarantee acceptance to BYU.

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Admission Reps

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Application Deadlines

Application Deadlines

Application Help

Application Help

Scholarships

ACT/SAT Test Scores

Recommendations

Recommendations

Conduct Commitments

Conduct Commitments

Essays and Activities

Essays & Activities

International Payments

Fee Waivers

Academic Calendar

Academic Calendar

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What We Look For

IMAGES

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  4. 15+ Admission Essay Examples For College The Latest

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COMMENTS

  1. Essays and Activities

    Essays & Activities. 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. Apply Now! You will find your essay prompts in the application at the time you apply.

  2. How to Write the Brigham Young University Essays 2024-2025

    Learn how to craft compelling essays for BYU, a private university with a strong Mormon identity and high academic standards.

  3. Byu Admissions Essay

    BYU ADMISSIONS ESSAY Tips from the BYU Research & Writing An admissions essay is your chance to tell the BYU Admissions Committe who you really are! In your own words! Here's a recap of some details and pointers to help you out:

  4. Brigham Young University

    Applying to Brigham Young University | BYU and trying to find all the correct essay prompts for 2023-24? Find them here, along with free guidance on how to write the essays.

  5. How to help your child get into BYU: The application essays ...

    The BYU application essays have become one of the most critical ways your child will be evaluated by the admissions committee. This is because the essays are the best way for the committee to get ...

  6. Preparation Recommendations

    Athletics Church (Any Denomination) Community (Military, Clubs, Student Government, Politics) Employment Humanities (Language, Writing, Speech) Service STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) Plan to provide specific examples of how you have contributed to your community in meaningful ways as you write your application essays.

  7. Reading My BYU Essays (That Got Me In) + Decent Tips

    If you're nervous about your BYU Essays or don't know what to write about, here are some ideas!Introduction: 0:00Essay #1: 2:04Essay #2 Summary: 5:07Essay #3...

  8. How to Write BYU Provo's 2016-2017 Essays

    Want to learn how to stand out on the application essays for BYU Provo? CollegeVine gives you the tips, tricks, and insights you need to impress!

  9. Essay Tips

    Essay Tips Each of the degrees offered at BYU Marriott require a different application essay. This is a very important part of the application. Regardless of your GPA, we recommend that you spend a considerable amount of time answering the questions.

  10. Application Help

    Application Help Maybe you're going to college for the first time, or maybe you're transferring from another university, either way, you probably have some questions about applying! This page breaks down our application section by section so that you know what to expect and documents you might need as you fill out your application.

  11. BYU Application Essay Tips

    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! 8 months ago

  12. How To Get Into BYU (2024)

    How To Get Into BYU (2024) Tips and tricks for getting admitted into Brigham Young University, complete with an overview of the application, sample admit essays, GPA requirements, and more.

  13. What makes a strong BYU essay?

    3. Use anecdotes and examples to illustrate your points. Instead of simply listing your qualities or experiences, tell a story that showcases your values or experiences. This can make your essay more engaging and memorable. 4. Be mindful of your audience. Remember that BYU's admission readers are likely members of the LDS church.

  14. Brigham Young University Undergraduate College Application Essays

    These Brigham Young University college application essays were written by students accepted at Brigham Young University. All of our sample college essays include the question prompt and the year written.

  15. Read this BEFORE you start writing your BYU application essays

    I've been helping students write compelling essays for over 15 years and have developed a reliable approach that gives students the templates, guides, videos, and step-by-step instructions they need to write outstanding BYU application essays that stand out and get remembered.

  16. Apply to BYU

    Write Your Essays Application essays are a key part of your application to BYU. Your essays should demonstrate how you embrace the Aims of a BYU Education. Rather than just a list of accomplishments, your essays should show how your experiences have prepared you to contribute to the BYU community and the world.

  17. Your complete guide to writing the BYU application essays

    With our unique essay tutoring courses, you'll be generating compelling essay content on your first day. And within the first week, you'll have all the core ideas, stories and content you need to write next level college application essays.

  18. How to Write BYU Application Essays that Stand Out and get Your Child

    The essays are the best place to tell the admissions committee about who you "genuinely" are - your potential, character, testimony and values. Second, BYU wants to know if you are prepared for its unique educational mission (the Aims of a BYU Education). This means it's important that the essays demonstrate meaningful examples of these 4 ...

  19. Admissions

    2024 Admission Guide. overrideBackgroundColorOrImage= overrideTextColor= overrideTextAlignment= overrideCardHideSection=true overrideCardHideByline=false overrideCardHideDescription=false overridebuttonBgColor= overrideButtonText=.

  20. What We Look For

    efforts, accomplishments, and goals. There is no secret formula for admission to BYU. All applications go through a holistic review, meaning everything in the application is considered. Take the opportunity to tell us about yourself. Make sure the work is your own and be thorough. Your application, including your essays, should demonstrate your preparation in the Aims of a BYU Education listed ...

  21. Struggling with your BYU application essays? Get professional help

    The BYU application essays have become one of the most critical ways your child will be evaluated by the admissions committee. This is because the essays are the best way for the committee to get ...

  22. How to write the BYU application essays

    The Complete Guide to Writing the BYU Application Essays - PRO BASIC Learn how to write COMPELLING and MEMORABLE application essays for BYU. The PRO BASIC COURSE teaches you, step-by-step, how to write all 7 Essays for BYU with videos, worksheets, charts, examples and outlines.

  23. Applying

    What We Look For Admissions Prospective Students Applying - Apply Now - Application Deadlines - Application Help - ACT/SAT Test Scores - High School Transcripts - College Transcripts - Recommendations - Conduct Commitments - Essays & Activities - Fee Waivers - Holistic Review International Admissions FAQs