Chance at Admission into BYU

Colleges and Universities A-Z Brigham Young University
1

Hi, thank you for taking time to read this! I’m currently a high school senior, who is growing increasingly anxious with the admission announcements 2 days away. I guess I’m hoping for some encouragement or the opposite in order for me to get coaxed into facing the decision.

In high school, I’ve been in rigorous classes all 4 years; participating in AP/Honors Advanced classes starting freshman year and the International Baccalaureate Program my junior and senior year.

My academic record is pretty bad- I’ve never been good at math or science, so I’ve gotten a lot of Cs and some Ds in the classes. Even though I fell behind, I just fought through it to keep being involved in the advanced program, which led me to have a GPA of 3.5. And I’ve never been good at tests either, which affected my grade and my ACT score, which is a 29. It’s not the worst, but it’s also not the best.

For extracurriculars, I think I have a pretty good standing. I’ve been the captain of many clubs such as debate, swim, musical service club, culture club, for example. I want to pursue a career in law, and I developed that interest through participation in debate and mock trial teams. For debate, I was team captain for 3 years, got in the top 5 at region and state competitions for 3 years, and qualified to 3 national level tournaments. Also, I got to state elimination rounds every year with my team for mock trial.

I’ve worked, volunteered, played in the school advanced orchestra, tutored, and I’m a green card holder but ethnically Korean.

For church, I’ve been a member my whole life, and have held a lot of callings. At the time of applying to BYU, I had 4 callings; stake youth council member, seminary council member, laurel class president, and ward choir pianist. I also completed personal progress and earned my honor bee, and doing personal progress for the 2nd time.

I think my transcript kills me, and my ACT is pretty much helpless when dealing with my GPA and grades. I know that I’m below average for BYU’s admitted GPA and at average for the ACT. I also know they had an unusually high number of applications this year. Do you think my extracurriculars, church standings, race, and strong wish to attend BYU help supplement my case enough? Please let me know your honest opinion so I can come to terms with what to expect for admissions. Thank you!

2

I think your chances are pretty decent. Have you planned out how you are going to write your personal statement?

I am Korean as well, but born in America. But I know that my life experience growing up as a Korean in the U.S. helped when I was applying to both college and graduate school.

3

I cannot imagine why you wouldn’t be in, BYU just isn’t that selective academically, BYU is well versed with the IBD so your GPA might get some slack. Are in Utah?

4

I wrote all of the optional essays, and had someone who worked at the BYU admissions around 10-15 years ago look over them. They said my essays were great, but they also assumed I had a high GPA and ACT. For one of my essays, I wrote about my family’s struggle’s after first immigrating to the US and how BYU helped my family; emphasizing my desire to attend. I’m hoping that helps.

5

I think I’m mainly worried because I know of a lot of other students with higher GPAs and ACT scores that have applied for the fall 2017 semester. And BYU released a statement about their admissions being delayed due to a high number of applicants this year, which has me worried. Also, the average GPA for BYU is 3.85 which is a lot higher than mine and average ACT is 29, which is the score I have. Academically, I’m between average and below average, which makes me concerned. And I’m a student in Utah, about 40 minutes north of Provo.

6

3.85 weighted for sure. I think you’ll be fine. Where are you safties?

7

All are unweighted- both my GPA and BYU’s average. I’m not sure what my weighted GPA is. I’ve been accepted into other colleges, but BYU is the one with the lowest acceptance rate out of all that I’ve applied to.

8

Less than 30 hours to go. Good luck!

9

It’s hard to predict if you’ll get in. I know people who shocked they didn’t get in and a few surprised they did. I’m a bit of a reverse from you–I have an unweighted 3.3 GPA and a 32 ACT with two AP classes. I hope we both get in but who knows.

10
  • who were shocked
11

Just got the email about my acceptance! Thank you to all those who commented, and my best wishes to those who might read this in the future for reference!

12

Congrats! @ghkd27 My D got in but will defer as she want to serve a mission in the fall.