Preparation Recommendations
How can you prepare yourself to succeed at BYU?
Please remember that this is a list of recommendations, not requirements! All of our recommendations stem from the Aims of a BYU education. We are looking for applicants who demonstrate in their application, that they value these same things.
BYU Specific Recommendations
- Follow the example of Jesus Christ by striving to keep his commandments and doing your best to live the standards of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
- In order to increase your faith in Jesus Christ and His restored gospel, participate in and graduate from seminary when possible. After high school, attend institute of religion classes.
- Take the most rigorous courses available to you in which you can be successful. For example:
- AP/IB classes
- College Credit (concurrent or dual enrollment)
- Keep in mind that the grades and credit you earn will always be on your college transcript
- Honors classes
- Take the ACT/SAT if you feel that it will strengthen your application - we will use your highest composite score.* If you take one standardized test, and do not do well, we recommend taking the other. The tests are different, so you may do better on one than the other.
- Get involved in extracurricular activities that are meaningful to you; develop your specific talents.
- Arts (Music, Art, Theater, Dance)
- 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.
NOTE: Most applicants will not be required to submit a standardized test score to be considered for admission to BYU through winter 2027. Applicants may choose to submit a test score if they feel it would strengthen their application; however, applicants who do not submit a test score will not be at a disadvantage.
General College Recommendations
Recommended high school courses:
- 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