<p>Jon Krakouer is an excellent author who did years of research for Under the Banner; it was quite objectve and extremely informative. It followed the story of the mormon church as a whole from its inception to explain how a few people were murdered by fundamentalists--it was also a history of the mormon fundamentalist movement. BYU scares me not because it is an enclave of psychotic fundamentalists (it is not) but because it is so close to the church. I also did other research into mormonism because I didn't know very much about it and felt uninformed (just something I do; same happened the other year when I realized I didn't know much about the basques...) and BYU's character as an institution scares me utterly. I could write a lot more about it, but I don't want to just bash it--it's a good place for some people to go to learn. </p>
<p>But BYU does have some very interesting pieces in its archives which it will never release to the public, for good reason. Stuff about the history of the mormon church etcetera. It's secrecy is what frightens me; it shares that trait of the LDS church as a whole.</p>
<p>sorry to have been unclear.</p>
<p>it's an excellent book, though--a gripping read. it's a lot like his other books, in terms of attitude--very exciting. Into Thin Air, anyone? I HIGHLY recommend it for anyone. Everyone should read it. It's abou the 1984 lafferty murders but it goes farther than that.</p>
<p>also pushing undergrads to get married = : </p>
<p>About three kids in my school go to BYU every year (large Mormon population here), and one of my friends that just graduated this year had very very long hair (a guy, btw). He moaned for a month after he had to cut it all off because he had to for BYU. </p>
<p>In general, the kids that go to BYU from my school are all really smart, kind of eclectic in their dress sense (I imagine the same friend who moaned about cutting his hair is going to be a little irked when he starts there this month), and really artsy.</p>
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I was just wondering - if the candidate is non-Mormon and is Indian, do you think BYU would consider them desirable in terms of diversity and offer a good fnancial package based on that?
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<p>I'm also from Utah, but go to a non-religious affiliated private school...but know a little about BYU, and from what I've seen the school is very diverse with lots of international students. They try to bring in as many non-mormons as they are able to, but still expect them to take religious classes and live by the standards--which I've been told by BYU students, make life easier and more fulfilling. It is a very well recruited school for business--my friend got his MAcc there and was recruited by all 4 of the big 4 with very good offers and another friend with just a bachelors of finance was snapped up by Bain and Co. They also have a good MBA program that is VERY competitive to get into. A lot of the students are bi-lingual as well... As for tuition, I believe they cut you a break if you are mormon, but it's a few thousand more a year if you are not mormon (nevertheless, most non-mormons that go there end up mormon eventually--i.e. Ty Detmer).</p>
<p>Like 311Grif said, diversity is something I think they seek for. The only unique obstacles I think someone who is not a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints would face is the fact that the school is in fact private institution of the Church, like has been discussed in half of the threads in the post. Generally though, I think someone of a minority would feel as welcome at BYU as they would anywhere else, unless part of their regular lifestyle is doing something that is against the rules of the school.
As for a good "financial package" I couldn't say for sure. I highly doubt that your child's ethnicity would be of any hinderance at all in getting scholarships, etc. One thing that I really like about the system they have at BYU and it's sister schools is their automatic scholarships for academic achievement. ANY student who enters the school or is able to attain and keep a certain GPA is awarded an automatic scholarship. When I was a freshman at BYU's sister school (who has the same scholarship system I believe) I had a 3.57 GPA and a 29 on my ACT. I was automatically given a half tuition scholarship which I lost when my GPA dropped below a 3.5 temporarily, but I regained it going into my Junior year. My sister has a 3.95 GPA, is a senior, and hasn't paid a dime for any of her tuition. Tuition is already cheap, relatively speaking, even for those who are not memebers of the LDS Church, so if you're able to keep good grades you can get out of school with fairly little debt and depending on where you plan on trying to go afterward you can be exposed to excellent recruiting. I am not sure if other institutions have these same types of automatic academic scholarships. </p>
<p>I know this is long, but to address your question about being converted to the church. Yes, students who attend are required to take religious classes, there is a broad spectrum of them though, not all are completely related to the teachings of the Church if I understand correctly, but no, you're not required to join the church. The school itself does not push conversion itself, but the student body and teachers will very likely invite non-believers to learn more. The LDS church is fairly assertive when it comes to proselyting, at least compared to most. There are over 60,000 missionaries throughout the world. I served a mission myself to Tokyo, Japan. This is why a high percentage of the student body is bilingual. I think that it is a fair assessment to say that if you don't like the LDS church or if you're against Christianity, BYU might be an uncomfortable experience. But if you can handle a few quirky people, but an overall very genuine and kind group, you'll probably love BYU.</p>
<p>Thanks dut. My kids are already going to college elsewhere but reading this thread made me wonder about those points. The automatic scholarship you describe sounds great.</p>
<p>Thanks a lot you guys. I really appretiate it.
The only reason i was looking at BYU was because of its low tuition rates. I myself have rather long hair and seem to have no intention for getting em cut! I will be applying to BYU though...my GPA isnt all that high (lingers around 3.5) but i still hope to get something.
I guess the only thing that discourages me from BYU is their strict code of conduct. I'm a death metal guy and i cant say i see myself having fun at BYU..but i guess sacrifices have to be made when one has no money :p</p>
<p>I don't really know a lot about BYU besides the fact that its high acceptance rate is very misleading. It has a very small highly qualified applicant pool (or something like that). Basically it is like University of Chicago in that only a very select group of people apply. Usually very smart and high achieving students. I know one person who goes there and they got full ride because they got a 35 on the ACT and had such high grades.</p>
<p>Hi,guys,I am going to the Law School of Brigham Young Universiy this August,very curious about the School as well as the city,since I am an international student,I really wish I could know more about it,does anyone of you can give some advices about it.Thanks very much.</p>