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.
Application Breakdown
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Toggle ItemStarting Your Application
Begin your application here! And remember, certain portions of the application can take some time to complete so the sooner you start, the better!
In order to start an application you must have a BYU account. We've put together this helpful video which explains how you can discover if you already have an account, and if not, how you can create one:
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Toggle ItemApplication Instructions
Make sure you read the Instructions in the right-hand column of the application as you go! These instructions update depending on which section of the application you are working on to provide relevant and helpful information.
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Toggle ItemSTATUS Section of the Application
Be sure to refer to the STATUS section of the application frequently! This page will update as you progress through the application and will tell you what sections have been completed and what is still required before you can submit your application!
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Toggle ItemEnglish Proficiency Exam
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Toggle ItemApplying to different Church Education System (CES) Schools
BYU, BYU-Hawaii, BYU-Idaho, BYU-Pathway and Ensign College all require different application materials. Complete the application for each school to which you would like to apply.
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Toggle ItemDeclaring a Major
We ask you to select your major, but if you're not sure what you want to study just yet, don't stress! Simply select "Open Major (Undecided or exploring students)".
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Toggle ItemLinking Your Application to Your Church Account
If you are a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and you did not sign in with your church account, you will be required to link your Church Account to your application. If you're having trouble with this, view the instructions in the right-hand column of the RELIGION page! By linking your church account, your application will automatically update seminary and institute records. We provide a space for you to comment on your seminary and institute experience, and encourage you to do so if you would like to clarify anything about your experience.
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Toggle ItemThe Honor Code and Ecclesiastical Endorsement
To be considered for admission you must agree to live by the Honor Code and Related Policies and will also be required to begin the ecclesiastical endorsement process. You can start the endorsement process here, but don't start it before the admission application opens! To see when the application opens click here.
To read more about the ecclesiastical endorsement click here!
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Toggle ItemEvaluating International Work
If you have completed any secondary education or received any college credit outside of the United States, that is not U.S. accredited, your work must be evaluated by an approved international credential evaluation agency. View requirements here.
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Toggle ItemReporting College Credit
You will be required to identify all U.S. and international colleges through which you have earned credit, including any college credit earned during high school. You may also be required to submit a copy of your official college transcript(s). The application will let you know if one is needed. Please be aware that it can take a couple of weeks for BYU to receive and process your transcript once you have requested it from your school, so please make sure to order your transcripts early.
For more information about college transcripts click here!
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Toggle ItemReporting Your High School Transcript
You will need to self-report your high school transcript on the application. You will be required to provide an official high school transcript if you are admitted, so make sure what you self-report matches what's on your transcript!
- Have a copy of your official transcript on hand when completing this section
- Make sure the information you enter matches your official transcript
- Know how your school lists your grades (semester, trimester, quarter/term, or full year)
- Know your schools grading system (letter grades A-F or 100-point system)
- Indicate courses that are AP, IB, Honors, and concurrent or dual enrollment
For more information about High School transcripts click here!
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Toggle ItemACT and SAT Test Scores
Most applicants will not be required to submit a standardized test score to be considered for admission to BYU for spring 2021 through winter 2026. Applicants may choose to submit a test score if they feel it would strengthen their application. If a test score is required or the applicant chooses to include a test score, the score must be included at the time of submission.
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Toggle ItemRecommendations
We email a recommendation form with specific questions to your recommenders, so you will need to supply the email address for your high school teacher and non-relative recommender (and possibly your seminary teacher) in your application. Let your recommender know that the recommendation form will come from noreply@mailing.byu.edu. No other forms/letters of recommendation that are sent to us will be accepted.
Freshman applicants may be required to have up to three recommendations submitted on their behalf, depending on individual circumstances:
- Current seminary teacher (if applicable)
- High school teacher (any teacher that taught a class that counted towards the completion of either a math, English, science or social science requirement in your junior or senior year of high school)
- Non-relative of your choosing
Transfer applicants are required to have one recommendation from a non-relative submitted on their behalf.
For more information about recommendations click here!
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Toggle ItemEssays and Activities
The essays are an important part of your application! Please remember that we can only evaluate information you choose to share with us in your application; 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!
- Freshmen applicants are required to submit five essays.
- Transfer applicants are required to submit six essays.
Become familiar with the Mission and Aims of BYU. Your application, including your essays and activities, should demonstrate your preparation and alignment with the Mission and Aims of BYU.
To read more about the essays click here!