Preparation Recommendations
How can you prepare to succeed at BYU?
These are recommendations, not requirements. They'll help you prepare for success at BYU and show us that you value the Aims of a BYU Education. Understanding the Aims can help you see what matters most to us and decide if BYU is the right fit for you.
Spiritually Strengthening
- Strive to follow Jesus Christ and live His standards.
- If possible, participate in and graduate from seminary. After high school, attend institute classes.
- Participate reguarly in church meetings and programs.
- Develop habits that'll help you connect to Jesus Christ on a regualr basis.
Intellectually Enlarging
- Take the most rigorous courses available to you where you can succeed (AP, IB, honors, concurrent enrollment).
- If available to you, take the ACT/SAT. View our test optional policy.
- Keep learning beyond the classroom; read, explore, develop your talents, and stay curious.
Character Building
- Be honest, dependable, and respectful of others.
- It's okay to fail. Work hard and learn to keep moving forward when things don't go as planned.
- Seek feedback and keep improving.
Lifelong Learning & Service
- Participate in meaningful extracurricular activities (arts, athletics, church, service, employment, clubs, civic, etc.).
- Look for ways to serve your family, school, church, and community.
- Reflect on how these experiences are shaping you. You'll share many of them in your essays and activity.
General College Recommendations
We encourage you to explore colleges and keep your options open. While BYU doesn't have any specific course requirements, many U.S. universities have expectations like these:
- 4 years of mathematics
- 4 years of English
- 2-3 years of laboratory science
- 2 years of history or government
- 2 or more years of foreign language