byu hawaii essay examples

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Why BYU Hawaii? Essay Example

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When I first visited the BYU Hawaii campus, I felt that I was welcomed by the campus, the friendly students, and the overall atmosphere. As an individual that has been a member of the church for just over three years, I’m looking for a college that will challenge me not only academically, but spiritually as well. Being given the opportunity to attend BYU will allow me to form strong friendships with other college students that are lifelong members of the church. Being immersed in a student body that shares the same values and belief will allow me to expand my knowledge and understanding of the gospel. My mother is from Puerto Rico and I believe that having the opportunity to live on an island will allow me to better understand my mother’s upbringing and the hard work that she has put forth to get me where I am today. Although my mom is the only member of the church on her side of the family, I am looking forward to the opportunity to increase the size of my “ohana” by talking to my family member about the church and by forming bonds with the other students on campus. As a potential business management major, I feel that BYU Hawaii’s program and facilities will help me achieve my academic goals. Although I prefer to attend the BYU Hawaii campus for these aforementioned reasons, I feel highly connected to BYU’s mission and would feel satisfied to attend any campus.

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Mission and Vision

Mission statement.

The mission of BYU–Hawaii is to prepare students of Oceania and the Asian Rim to be lifelong disciples of Jesus Christ and leaders in their families, communities, chosen fields, and in building the kingdom of God.

To be an example to the world of intercultural peace and unity through living the teachings of Jesus Christ.

"This university has a very specific purpose within the Church Educational System, and that is to provide a capstone experience for students of Oceania and the Asian Rim. BYU–Hawaii brings together countries and cultures in ways that no other university can. Our mission is to be and build people who follow the example of Christ. This capstone experience prepares students to be lifelong disciples of Christ who can be leaders and examples of intercultural peace."

Institutional Learning Outcomes

A set of institutional learning outcomes was developed to assess the acquisition of academic characteristics necessary to fulfill this mission and vision. Accordingly, a BYU–Hawaii graduate’s preparation for a lifetime of service is demonstrated by:

• Breadth and depth of knowledge
• The thinking skills and character of a servant-leader, which are the ability to inquire, analyze, and communicate with the disposition to act with integrity, stewardship, and service.

Foundational Speeches

The Church College of Hawaii and Brigham Young University–Hawaii was born from the inspiration and vision of the prophet of God. It is an institution with a history rich in culture and prophetic promise. 'As he broke ground [more than] fifty years ago, President McKay declared there were two purposes for the school: first, for things "pertaining to God and His Kingdom" and, second, to "develop character and make noble men and women. ... this institution has been fulfilling these noble purposes. It will continue to do so' (President Thomas S. Monson, " A Quest for Life Eternal," October 20, 2005).

Read More Foundational Quotes and Speeches

Brigham Young University - Hawaii: Acceptance Rate and Admissions Statistics

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Brigham Young University - Hawaii is a private university with an acceptance rate of 45%. Established in 1955 in Laie, Hawaii, BYU - Hawaii is owned and operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The 100-acre campus sits between the Koolau mountains and the Pacific coastline, just 35 miles north of Honolulu. Academically, the university has a student-faculty ratio of 16-to-1. Popular programs of study include accounting, biological science, business management, and computer and information science. Students are encouraged to participate in the university’s religious life as well, and the Church is closely involved with most university activities. The Brigham Young University Seasiders compete in the NCAA Division II Pacific West Conference.

Considering applying to Brigham Young University - Hawaii? Here are the admissions statistics you should know, including average SAT/ACT scores and GPAs of admitted students.

Acceptance Rate

During the 2017-18 admissions cycle, Brigham Young University - Hawaii had an acceptance rate of 45%. This means that for every 100 students who applied, 45 students were admitted, making BYU - Hawaii's admissions process competitive.

SAT Scores and Requirements

BYU - Hawaii requires that all applicants submit either SAT or ACT scores. During the 2017-18 admissions cycle, 26% of admitted students submitted SAT scores.

This admissions data tells us that most of BYU - Hawaii's admitted students fall within the top 35% nationally on the SAT. For the evidence-based reading and writing section, 50% of students admitted to BYU - Hawaii scored between 553 and 640, while 25% scored below 553 and 25% scored above 640. On the math section, 50% of admitted students scored between 530 and 610, while 25% scored below 530 and 25% scored above 610. Applicants with a composite SAT score of 1250 or higher will have particularly competitive chances at Brigham Young University - Hawaii.

Requirements

BYU - Hawaii does not require the SAT writing section or SAT Subject tests. Brigham Young University - Hawaii does not provide information about the school's superscore policy. Note that BYU - Hawaii suggests that successful applicants have a minimum SAT score of 1090.

ACT Scores and Requirements

Brigham Young University - Hawaii requires that all applicants submit either SAT or ACT scores. During the 2017-18 admissions cycle, 71% of admitted students submitted ACT scores.

This admissions data tells us that most of BYU - Hawaii's admitted students fall within the  top 42% nationally  on the ACT. The middle 50% of students admitted to Brigham Young University - Hawaii received a composite ACT score between 21 and 26, while 25% scored above 26 and 25% scored below 21.

Brigham Young University - Hawaii does not require the optional ACT writing section. Note that Brigham Young University - Hawaii does not provide information about the school's superscore policy. BYU - Hawaii suggests that successful applicants have a minimum ACT composite score of 24.

In 2018, the average high school GPA of Brigham Young University - Hawaii's incoming freshmen was 3.6. This data suggests that most successful applicvants to BYU - Hawaii have primarily A grades.

Admissions Chances

Brigham Young University - Hawaii, which accepts just under half of applicants, has a competitive admissions pool with above average SAT/ACT scores and GPAs. However, BYU - Hawaii has a  holistic admissions process  involving other factors beyond your grades and test scores. The school is looking for students who will excel in four areas: spiritual, intellectual, character building, and lifelong learning and service. BYU - Hawaii requires every applicant to have an ecclesiastical endorsement.

In addition, BYU - Hawaii is looking for strong  application essays  that demonstrate interest in BYU - Hawaii. Applicants must also show evidence of participation in meaningful  extracurricular activities , including clubs, church groups, or work experiences, and a  rigorous course schedule , including AP, IB, Honors, and Dual Enrollment classes. Students with particularly compelling stories or achievements can still receive serious consideration even if their test scores and grades are outside of Brigham Young University - Hawaii's average range. Note that BYU-Hawaii gives priority to students from target areas including the Pacific Islands and East Asia.

If You Like BYU - Hawaii, You May Also Like These Schools

• Brigham Young University
• Brigham Young University - Idaho
• University of Hawaii at Manoa

All admissions data has been sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics and Brigham Young University - Hawaii Undergraduate Admissions Office .

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Brigham Young University-Hawaii

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Brigham Young University Undergraduate College Application Essays

These Brigham Young University college application essays were written by students accepted at Brigham Young University. All of our sample college essays include the question prompt and the year written. Please use these sample admission essays responsibly.

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College Application Essays accepted by Brigham Young University

Valued success michael scott robison, brigham young university.

Albert Einstein said, "Try not to become a man of success but rather try to become a man of value." I only truly began to understand this quote over the course of the last school year. Until this year, success in high school was never difficult...

Picture This Anonymous

I just cannot help it -- I see the world around me like I am looking through a camera lens. Everywhere I go I see perfect photo opportunities. Whenever I stumble upon beautiful lighting, contrast, shape, color or texture, I am compelled to take a...

Moving For The Eighteenth Time Anonymous

We moved to a different house again. For the eighteenth time.

It had been a Saturday when my father made his grand announcement that we were moving again. I had been eating at the dinner table with my six siblings, and I almost choked. Grinning,...

Who Needs Hogwarts When You've Got a Book? Elizabeth P Rampton

Alice has her rabbit hole; Lucy has her wardrobe; Harry has Platform Nine and Three-quarters; as for me, I have my bookshelf. Reading is something I have always loved to do. It allows me to escape to another world from the comfort of my fuzzy...

The Lake Anonymous

My mother is a refugee from Cambodia who witnessed the murder of her father by the Khmer Rouge at age 2. Her response to her trauma was to put pressure on her kids to be the best. Growing up I remember writing out the ABC’s hundreds of times a...

Recent Questions about Brigham Young University

The Question and Answer section for Brigham Young University is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

what is the theme of Barrio Boy?

The theme is being accepted by society the main character is accepted and feels accepted because his teacher made him understand English and helped him become more confident with himself

what are two words to describe the short story no gumption and why??

Just two words?

Motivation and Expectations

Can you tell me if this is a good 200 word essay for my application?

Whether or not this is a good essay is partly dependent on the question that was asked. You might want to use the essay services of Gradesaver to get some strong input about how this can be "beefed up." The essay does make a point and it...

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

Begin your application here ! 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. Below is a video that explains how you can discover if you already have an account, and if not, how you can create one.

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.

You may be required to submit an English Proficiency Exam . After filling out the profile section of the application, refer to the status section to see if an English Proficiency Exam is required.

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.

We ask you to select your major , but if you're not sure what you want to study just yet, simply select "Open Major (Undecided or exploring students)".

If you're 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.

To be considered for admission, you must agree to live by the Honor Code , Related Policies , and will be required to begin the Ecclesiastical Endorsement process. *Don't start the Ecclesiastical Endorsement before the admission application opens. To see when the application opens click here.

To read more about the Ecclesiastical Endorsement click here.

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 .

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. Keep checking your application to see if your college transcripts have been received.

You'll 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

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.

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 [email protected]. 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.

Keep checking your application to see if your recommendations have been received. For more information about recommendations click here.

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.

Aims of a BYU Education

Education is the power to think clearly, the power to act well in the world's work, and the power to appreciate life. — Brigham Young 1

The mission of Brigham Young University is "to assist individuals in their quest for perfection and eternal life" (hereafter Mission Statement ). To this end, BYU seeks to develop students of faith, intellect, and character who have the skills and the desire to continue learning and to serve others throughout their lives. These are the common aims of all education at BYU. Both those who teach in the classroom and those who direct activities outside the classroom are responsible for contributing to this complete educational vision.

The statement that follows reaffirms and expands on the earlier and more general Mission Statement adopted in 1981. As the quotations under each heading suggest, this document also draws on the religious and educational teachings of the university's founding prophet, Brigham Young. Quotations within the text come from the scriptures and from the counsel of modern prophets, whose teachings about BYU lay the foundation of the university's mission.

The following four sections discuss the expected outcomes of the BYU experience. A BYU education should be (1) spiritually strengthening, (2) intellectually enlarging, and (3) character building, leading to (4) lifelong learning and service. Because BYU is a large university with a complex curriculum, the intellectual aims are presented here in somewhat greater detail than the other aims. Yet they are deliberately placed within a larger context. The sequence flows from a conscious intent to envelop BYU's intellectual aims within a more complete, even eternal, perspective that begins with spiritual knowledge and ends with knowledge applied to the practical tasks of living and serving.

Spiritually Strengthening

Brother Maeser, I want you to remember that you ought not to teach even the alphabet or the multiplication tables without the Spirit of God. — Brigham Young 2

The founding charge of BYU is to teach every subject with the Spirit. It is not intended "that all of the faculty should be categorically teaching religion constantly in their classes, but . . . that every . . . teacher in this institution would keep his subject matter bathed in the light and color of the restored gospel." 3

This ideal arises from the common purpose of all education at BYU — to build testimonies of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. A shared desire to "seek learning, even by study and also by faith" ( D&C 88:118 ) knits BYU into a unique educational community. The students, faculty, and staff in this community possess a remarkable diversity of gifts, but they all think of themselves as brothers and sisters seeking together to master the academic disciplines while remaining mastered by the higher claims of discipleship to the Savior.

A spiritually strengthening education warms and enlightens students by the bright fire of their teachers' faith while enlarging their minds with knowledge. It also makes students responsible for developing their own testimonies by strenuous effort. Joseph Smith's words apply equally to faculty and students at BYU: "Thy mind, O man! if thou wilt lead a soul unto salvation, must stretch as high as the utmost heavens, and search into and contemplate the darkest abyss, and the broad expanse of eternity — thou must commune with God." 4 Students need not ignore difficult and important questions. Rather, they should frame their questions in prayerful, faithful ways, leading them to answers that equip them to give "a reason of the hope that is in" them ( 1 Peter 3:15 ) and to articulate honestly and thoughtfully their commitments to Christ and to his Church.

Intellectually Enlarging

Every accomplishment, every polished grace, every useful attainment in mathematics, music, and in all science and art belong to the Saints, and they should avail themselves as expeditiously as possible of the wealth of knowledge the sciences offer to every diligent and persevering scholar. — Brigham Young 5

The intellectual range of a BYU education is the result of an ambitious commitment to pursue truth. Members of the BYU community rigorously study academic subjects in the light of divine truth. An eternal perspective shapes not only how students are taught but what they are taught. In preparing for the bachelor's degree, students should enlarge their intellects by developing skills, breadth, and depth: (1) skills in the basic tools of learning, (2) an understanding of the broad areas of human knowledge, and (3) real competence in at least one area of concentration. Further graduate studies build on this foundation.

Undergraduate

1. Skills. BYU undergraduates should acquire the basic tools needed to learn. The essential academic learning skills are the abilities to think soundly, to communicate effectively, and to reason proficiently in quantitative terms. To these ends, a BYU bachelor's degree should lead to:

• Sound thinking — reasoning abilities that prepare students to understand and solve a wide variety of problems, both theoretical and practical. Such skills include the ability to keep a proper perspective when comparing the things that matter most with things of lesser import. They also include the ability to engage successfully in logical reasoning, critical analysis, moral discrimination, creative imagination, and independent thought.
• Effective communication — language abilities that enable students to listen, speak, read, and write well; to communicate effectively with a wide range of audiences in one's area of expertise as well as on general subjects. For many students this includes communicating in a second language.
• Quantitative reasoning — numerical abilities that equip students with the capacity to understand and explain the world in quantitative terms; to interpret numerical data; and to evaluate arguments that rely on quantitative information and approaches.

2. Breadth. BYU undergraduates should also understand the most important developments in human thought as represented by the broad domains of knowledge. The gospel provides the chief source of such breadth because it encompasses the most comprehensive explanation of life and the cosmos, supplying the perspective from which all other knowledge is best understood and measured. The Lord has asked his children to "become acquainted with all good books, and with languages, tongues, and people" ( D&C 90:15 ); to understand "things both in heaven and in the earth, and under the earth; things which have been, things which are, things which must shortly come to pass; things which are at home, things which are abroad; the wars and the perplexities of the nations . . . ; and a knowledge also of countries and of kingdoms" ( D&C 88:79 ).

"Because the gospel encourages the pursuit of all truth, students at BYU should receive a broad university education [that will help them] understand important ideas in their own cultural tradition as well as that of others" ( Mission Statement ). Specifically, BYU undergraduate students should be educated in the following broad areas of human knowledge:

• Religion — the doctrines, the covenants, the ordinances, the standard works, and the history of the restored gospel, as well as an awareness of other religious traditions.
• Historical perspective — the development of human civilization, appreciation for the unique contributions of America to modern civilization, and a general historical perspective, including perspective on one's own discipline.
• Science — the basic concepts of the physical, biological, and social sciences, and a recognition of the power and limitations of the scientific method- preferably through laboratory or field experience.
• Arts and Letters — lively appreciation of the artistic, literary, and intellectual achievements of human cultures--including Western culture and, ideally, non-Western as well.
• Global awareness — informed awareness of the peoples, cultures, languages, and nations of the world.

3. Depth. BYU undergraduates should develop competence in at least one area of concentration. Competence generally demands study in depth. Such in-depth study helps prepare students for their life's work; it also teaches them that genuine understanding of any subject requires exploring it fully. Students normally acquire such depth from their major and minor fields. BYU's religion requirement also asks all students to develop depth in scriptural studies and religion.

Depth does not result merely from taking many courses in a field. Indeed, excessive course coverage requirements may discourage rather than enhance depth. Depth comes when students realize "the effect of rigorous, coherent, and progressively more sophisticated study." Depth helps students distinguish between what is fundamental and what is only peripheral; it requires focus, provides intense concentration, and encourages a "lean and taut" degree that has a "meaningful core" and a purposefully designed structure (Memorandum to the Faculty No. 13). In addition to describing carefully structured academic majors, this description applies to well-designed BYU courses of all kinds.

The chief result of depth is competence. BYU's students should be "capable of competing with the best students in their field" ( Mission Statement ). Even so, undergraduate study should be targeted at entrance-level, not expert-level, abilities. The desire for depth should not lead to bachelor's degrees that try to teach students everything they will need to know after graduation. Students should be able to complete their degrees within about four years.

Undergraduate programs should prepare students to enter the world of work or to pursue further study. Often this requires educational activities that help upperclassmen culminate their studies by integrating them in a capstone project, honors thesis, senior seminar, or internship. By the time they graduate, students should grasp their discipline's essential knowledge and skills (such as mathematical reasoning, statistical analysis, computer literacy, foreign language fluency, laboratory techniques, library research, and teaching methods), and many should have participated in scholarly or creative activities that let them demonstrate their mastery.

Building on the foundation of a strong bachelor's degree, graduate education at BYU asks for even greater competency. Graduate studies may be either academic or professional and at either the master's or doctoral level. In all cases, BYU graduate programs, like undergraduate programs, should be spiritually strengthening as well as intellectually enlarging.

Graduate programs should help students achieve excellence in the discipline by engaging its primary sources; mastering its literature, techniques, and methodologies; and undertaking advanced systematic study - all at a depth that clearly exceeds the undergraduate level. In addition, graduate programs should prepare students to contribute to their disciplines through their own original insights, designs, applications, expressions, and discoveries. Graduate study should thereby enable a variety of contributions - such as teaching complex knowledge and skills, conducting original research, producing creative work that applies advanced learning in the everyday world, and extending professional service to the discipline and to society.

These intellectual aims of a BYU education are intended to give students understanding, perspective, motivation, and interpersonal abilities--not just information and academic skills. BYU should furnish students with the practical advantage of an education that integrates academic skills with abstract theories, real-world applications, and gospel perspectives. Such an education prepares students who can make a difference in the world, who can draw on their academic preparation to participate more effectively in the arenas of daily life. They are parents, Church leaders, citizens, and compassionate human beings who are able to improve the moral, social, and ecological environment in which they and their families live. They are scientists and engineers who can work effectively in teams and whose work reflects intellectual and moral integrity; historians who write well and whose profound understanding of human nature and of divine influences informs their interpretation of human events; teachers whose love for their students as children of God is enriched by global awareness and foreign language skill; artists whose performances seek to be flawless in both technique and inspiration; business leaders whose economic judgments and management styles see financial reward not as an end but as a means to higher ends. BYU graduates thus draw on an educated intellect to enhance not only what they know but also what they do and, ultimately, what they are.

Character Building

A firm, unchangeable course of righteousness through life is what secures to a person true intelligence. — Brigham Young 6

Because it seeks to educate students who are renowned for what they are as well as for what they know, Brigham Young University has always cared as much about strong moral character as about great mental capability. Consequently, a BYU education should reinforce such moral virtues as integrity, reverence, modesty, self-control, courage, compassion, and industry. Beyond this, BYU aims not merely to teach students a code of ethics but to help them become partakers of the divine nature. It aspires to develop in its students character traits that flow from the long-term application of gospel teachings to their lives. This process begins with understanding humankind's eternal nature and ends with the blessing of eternal life, when human character reflects in fully flowered form the attributes of godliness. Along the way, the fruits of a well-disciplined life are augmented and fulfilled by the fruits of the spirit of Jesus Christ — such as charity, a Christlike love for others, which God "hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ" ( Moroni 7:48 ). Students thus perfect their quest for character development by coming unto Christ through faith, repentance, and righteous living. Then their character begins to resemble his, not just because they think it should but because that is the way they are.

President David O. McKay taught that character is the highest aim of education: above knowledge is wisdom, and above wisdom is character. "True education," he explained, "seeks to make men and women not only good mathematicians, proficient linguists, profound scientists, or brilliant literary lights, but also honest men with virtue, temperance, and brotherly love." 7 Consequently, a BYU education should bring together the intellectual integrity of fine academic discipline with the spiritual integrity of personal righteousness. The result is competence that reflects the highest professional and academic standards--strengthened and ennobled by Christlike attributes.

Thus understood, the development of character is so important that BYU "has no justification for its existence unless it builds character, creates and develops faith, and makes men and women of strength and courage, fortitude, and service--men and women who will become stalwarts in the Kingdom and bear witness of the . . . divinity of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is not justified on an academic basis only." 8 Rather, it fulfills its promise when "the morality of the graduates of this University provide[s] the music of hope for the inhabitants of this planet." 9

Every part of the BYU experience should therefore strengthen character — academic integrity in taking a test or writing a research paper; sportsmanship on the playing field; the honest reporting of research findings in a laboratory; careful use of university funds derived from the tithes of Church members; treating all other people with dignity and fairness; and wholehearted acceptance of commitments made to bishops and parents. Character is constructed by small decisions. At this personal level of detail, BYU will realize its hope of teaching "those moral virtues which characterize the life and teachings of the Son of God" ( Mission Statement ).

Lifelong Learning and Service

We might ask, when shall we cease to learn? I will give you my opinion about it; never, never. . . . We shall never cease to learn, unless we apostatize from the religion of Jesus Christ. — Brigham Young 10

Our education should be such as to improve our minds and fit us for increased usefulness; to make us of greater service to the human family. — Brigham Young 11

Well-developed faith, intellect, and character prepare students for a lifetime of learning and service. By "entering to learn" and continuing to learn as they "go forth to serve," BYU students strengthen not only themselves — they "also bring strength to others in the tasks of home and family life, social relationships, civic duty, and service to mankind" ( Mission Statement ).

1. Continual Learning. BYU should inspire students to keep alive their curiosity and prepare them to continue learning throughout their lives. BYU should produce careful readers, prayerful thinkers, and active participants in solving family, professional, religious, and social problems. They will then be like Abraham of old, who had been "a follower of righteousness, desiring also to be one who possessed great knowledge, and to be a greater follower of righteousness, and to possess a greater knowledge, . . . desiring to receive instructions, and to keep the commandments of God." In this lifelong quest, they, like Abraham, will find "greater happiness and peace and rest" (Abraham 1:2). Thus a BYU diploma is a beginning, not an end, pointing the way to a habit of constant learning. In an era of rapid changes in technology and information, the knowledge and skills learned this year may require renewal the next. Therefore, a BYU degree should educate students in how to learn, teach them that there is much still to learn, and implant in them a love of learning "by study and also by faith" (D&C 88:118).

2. Service. Since a decreasing fraction of the Church membership can be admitted to study at BYU, it is ever more important that those who are admitted use their talents to build the kingdom of God on the earth. Hence, BYU should nurture in its students the desire to use their knowledge and skills not only to enrich their own lives but also to bless their families, their communities, the Church, and the larger society. Students should learn, then demonstrate, that their ultimate allegiance is to higher values, principles, and human commitments rather than to mere self-interest. By doing this, BYU graduates can counter the destructive and often materialistic self-centeredness and worldliness that afflict modern society. A service ethic should permeate every part of BYU's activities - from the admissions process through the curriculum and extracurricular experiences to the moment of graduation. This ethic should also permeate each student's heart, leading him or her to the ultimate wellspring of charity--the love for others that Christ bestows on his followers.

Education is a good thing, and blessed is the man who has it, and can use it for the dissemination of the Gospel without being puffed up with pride. — Brigham Young 12

These are the aims of a BYU education. Taken together, they should lead students toward wholeness: "the balanced development of the total person" ( Mission Statement ). These aims aspire to promote an education that helps students integrate all parts of their university experience into a fundamentally sacred way of life--their faith and reasoning, their knowledge and conduct, their public lives and private convictions. Ultimately, complete wholeness comes only through the Atonement of him who said, "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly" ( John 10:10 ). Yet a university education, guided by eternal principles, can greatly "assist individuals in their quest for" that abundant "eternal life" ( Mission Statement ).

A commitment to this kind of education has inspired the prophets of the past to found Church schools, like BYU, on the principle that "to be learned is good if they hearken unto the counsels of God" ( 2 Nephi 9:29 ). These prophets have known the risks of such an enterprise, for "that happiness which is prepared for the saints" shall be hid forever from those "who are puffed up because of their learning, and their wisdom" ( 2 Nephi 9:42-43 ). Yet they have also known that education plays a vital role in realizing the promises of the Restoration; that a broad vision of education for self-reliance and personal growth is at the very heart of the gospel when the gospel is at the heart of education. To the degree that BYU achieves its aims, the lives of its students will confirm Brigham Young's confidence that education is indeed "a good thing," blessing all those who humbly and faithfully use it to bless others.

• Brigham Young, quoted by George H. Brimhall in "The Brigham Young University," Improvement Era, vol. 23, no. 9 (July 1920), p. 831.
• Brigham Young, in Reinhard Maeser, Karl G. Maeser: A Biography (Provo: Brigham Young University, 1928), p. 79.
• Spencer W. Kimball, "Education for Eternity," Preschool Address to BYU Faculty and Staff, 12 September 1967, p. 11.
• Joseph Smith, Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Company, 1972), p. 137.
• Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses (hereafter JD), vol. 10 (London: Latter-day Saints' Book Depot, 1854-86), p. 224.
• Brigham Young, JD 8:32.
• David O. McKay, "Why Education?" Improvement Era, vol. 70, no. 9 (September 1967), p. 3.
• Spencer W. Kimball, "On My Honor," in Speeches of the Year 1978 (Provo: Brigham Young University Press: 1979), p. 137.
• Spencer W. Kimball, "Second Century Address and Dedication of Carillon Tower and Bells," Brigham Young University, 10 October 1975, p. 12.
• Brigham Young, JD 3:203.
• Brigham Young, JD 14:83.
• Brigham Young, JD 11:214.

Online Resources

Research guides, study aids for law students.

• Aspen Learning Library - Formerly the Wolters Kluwer Online Study Aids Library
• AudioCaseFiles
• LexisNexis Digital Library
• Themis Law School Essentials
• Bar Exam Sample Essays
• Sample Exams
• Black Letter Outlines
• Emanuel CrunchTime
• Emanuel Law Outlines
• Examples and Explanations
• Gilbert Law Summaries
• Glannon Guides

Many state bar associations post former bar exam essay questions and sample answers on their websites. These model answers are useful for studying for the bar and final exams.

Search online for state bar exam questions and answers, or use the list provided at the bottom of this page. Access is free.

• Try writing a response to a practice question, then comparing your response to the model answer.
• Some bar exam questions require the application of state law (e.g., California civil procedure), and may not be helpful if you are studying federal law. Read the question carefully. 
• Subject coverage will vary by exam and by state.

1L Subjects:

• Civil Procedure (federal and state questions)
• Constitutional Law
• Contract Law
• Criminal Law

2L/3L Subjects:

• Business Organizations
• Conflict of Laws
• Criminal Procedure
• Family Law/Community Property
• Professional Responsibility/Ethics
• Secured Transactions (Uniform Commercial Code 2)
• Wills & Trusts

Sample Exam Questions & Answers By State

• Mississippi
• Pennsylvania
• UBE  (Many of the states on this list administer the UBE, but the states offer more recent model essay answers than the UBE)
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• Next: Sample Exams >>
• Last Updated: Jan 27, 2022 9:12 AM
• URL: https://guides.law.byu.edu/studyaids

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All Applicants

Application methods.

BYU–Hawaii exists to provide an education consistent with the religious and family values taught by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Admissions department gives preference to members of the Church in good standing but will not unlawfully discriminate against applicants based upon gender, race, creed, religion, national origin, age, or disability who meet the requirements, who agree to abide by the Honor Code and Dress and Grooming Standards, and who are otherwise qualified based upon available space. High standards of honor, integrity, and morality, graciousness in personal behavior, application of Christian ideals in everyday living, and abstinence from tobacco, alcohol, and harmful drugs are required of every student.

An applicant with Church membership restrictions, withdrawal, or voluntarily disaffiliated from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is generally inadmissible until reinstated to full fellowship. Students, who withdrew on grade probation or suspension more than five years prior to reapplying, may be admitted at the discretion of the Admissions Exceptions Committee. Students on academic status who have been away for five years or less are generally admitted on the same status provided they have received a clear ecclesiastical endorsement.

 Important Notice: When admission has been offered to the maximum number of students to achieve approved enrollment goals, Admissions will only consider applications for the next possible semester or term. The President and the Admissions Exceptions Committee reserve the right to make exceptions to admission policy and guidelines as deemed appropriate.

Second Degree

In keeping with its mission to educate as many students of Oceania and the Asian Rim as possible, BYU–Hawaii does not admit students for a second bachelor’s degree.

Missionary Deferrals

Individuals who intend to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints prior to beginning study at BYU–Hawaii are encouraged to apply before departing for missionary service. In most cases, applicants admitted to BYU–Hawaii may defer enrollment for a Church mission. Please contact the Admissions department for more information.

Military Service Deferrals

Applicants admitted to BYU–Hawaii may defer enrollment for compulsory military service. Individuals required to perform military service may defer enrollment prior to beginning study at BYU–Hawaii without having to reapply. Current students who want to defer their enrollment for military service must complete the deferment process through the Registrar's office. Domestic students on deferment will need to submit an updated ecclesiastical endorsement. International students will need to submit an updated ecclesiastical endorsement and financial verification at least several months prior to the returning semester.

Enriched Environment Statement

“The Mission of BYU–Hawaii - founded, supported, and guided by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints— is to assist individuals in their quest for perfection and eternal life. That assistance should provide a period of intensive learning in a stimulating setting where a commitment to excellence is expected and the full realization of human potential is pursued.”

To this end, the university seeks qualified students of various geographic, educational, cultural, ethnic, and racial backgrounds and talents who relate together in such a manner that they are “no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God.” It is the university’s judgment that providing educational opportunities for a mix of students who share values based on the gospel of Jesus Christ and come from various backgrounds and experiences is an important educational asset to BYU–Hawaii.

Entrance Exam

See Required Tests Section.

Other Considerations for Admission

The Admissions Committee also considers applicants with a special talent, exceptional creativity, or other unusual preparation for university study not otherwise revealed in standard admission data. In evaluating these criteria, the Admissions Committee relies on scholarship recommendations from a BYU–Hawaii department as a demonstration of the required talent, creativity, or unusual preparation. The Admissions Committee also uses Parts 6 and 7 (activities and essays) and Part 4 (seminary/institute recommendation) 15 of the application in making an evaluation. The committee may also consider such factors as mission, military service, career choices, and personal circumstances.

Full Disclosure

Failure to disclose and submit all documents required for admission, including transcripts from each institution in which the applicant has or is currently enrolled, or any falsification of information required for admission consideration may result in disallowance of transfer credits, immediate suspension and/or loss of all credit earned at BYU–Hawaii.

Application Deadlines

All application materials must be received by the CES Admissions department on or before the deadline for the semester for which the applicant is seeking admission. Applicants who submit any portion of their application after the deadline for the semester for which they are applying, may submit an appeal for consideration, however your application will be marked “Late.”

* NOTE: All transcripts and financial documents must be received two weeks before the deadline for the semester you are applying. All transcripts and documents received closer to the application deadline may not be processed in time to submit the application. All applicants are required to submit by the dates provided.

Holistic Application Process

The Admissions Committee uses all sections of the application in making an evaluation including the essays, activities seminary/institute recommendation sections. The committee may also consider such factors as mission, military service, career choices, and personal circumstances. Specific requirements for International Students can be found on the Admissions’ Country Criteria page.

Prospective students are expected to participate in Seminary during each year of high school, where available. BYU–Hawaii is committed to the concept that thoughtful and consistent study of the scriptures is vital to preparing those desiring to enter the university. Graduation from seminary (released time, early morning or home study) is an expectation and gives priority in the admission process. Exceptions will be considered in unusual circumstances where seminary graduation was not attainable.

Domestic U.S. Applicants

High school preparation.

Domestic (U.S.) Applicants are required to obtain a high school diploma (or equivalent) before beginning at BYU–Hawaii. No prerequisite courses are needed for admittance to BYUH, but students may choose to complete courses from the list below to assist in preparation for university study.

• Four years of English
• Three years of mathematics (two or three years beyond algebra 1)
• Three years of science
• Four years of social studies
• Two or more years of foreign language (advanced skill in one language is preferred)

Courses such as computer science, the arts (music, drama, painting, etc.), and other worthwhile choices may benefit for students. Students should consider taking classes with substantial content that challenge them. In today’s world computer skills are valuable assets. These skills should be learned in high school or independently. BYU–Hawaii offers courses online to help students who do not meet admissions standards.

High School Graduation

Applicants should be graduates of fully accredited high schools. Those who complete their secondary education through the General Education Development Test (GED), home study, home school, or other programs will be reviewed individually by the Admissions Committee to determine admissibility and must submit an official GED score, as well as an ACT of 24+.

For admissions consideration, a GED score from a student must also be accompanied with an ACT or SAT test score. BYU–Hawaii generally requires an ACT score of 24+ for students who complete the GED do home-study or home-schooling.

The GED in most states consists of four sections: Reasoning through Language Arts, Social Studies, Science and Mathematical Reasoning.

For admissions consideration, a GED score from a student must also be accompanied by an ACT or SAT test score. BYU–Hawaii generally requires an ACT score of 24+ for students who complete the GED that does home-study or home-schooling.

Home School Applicants

Applicants who have been home-schooled instead of attending a high school environment must receive a passing GED score and a composite ACT score of 24 or higher or SAT of 1090 or higher to be competitive for admission consideration. These individuals must also complete all other application requirements for freshman applicants.

Early Admit

High school students graduating early (less than 4 years attended) must meet all application requirements including seminary graduation. Applicants graduating early can also submit a plan for seminary completion prior to attending BYUH if they have not met all the requirements for seminary graduation at the time of attendance. All applicants graduating early from high school will be reviewed individually by the BYU–Hawaii Admissions Exceptions Committee and may be contacted for additional information or further follow-up.

Advanced Placement (AP) Credits or International Baccalaureate (IB) Test Scores

Students who completed Advanced Placement courses in high school and scored a composite grade of 3, 4 or 5 on any subject test may receive college credit for their work. Please refer to the AP Credit matrix for more information. Likewise, students who complete International Baccalaureate tests may receive college credit for their work. Be aware if a student has taken multiple tests with the same course equivalency they will be given the course equivalency for one test and elective credit for the other tests.

BYU–Hawaii Concurrent Enrollment Program

High school students who would like to be considered for admission to BYU–Hawaii as part-time students while still enrolled in high school must:

• Have a cumulative high school grade point average of 3.0 or higher on all work to date.
• Submit a BYU–Hawaii concurrent enrollment voucher signed by the applicant, the parent, and a high school counselor.
• Have completed at least the first semester of junior year of high school.
• Complete the admissions application. The student will need to complete the application each semester that they desire to take concurrent enrollment courses.
• ACT/SAT score.
• Pay the one-time non-refundable application fee of $35.

Transfer Students

Information pertaining to transfer students can be found at Transfer Evaluation Guidelines and Matrix .

Concurrent/Dual Enrollment Credit Transfer Policy

Many students now receive enriched academic experiences by enrolling concurrently in college courses while completing their high school curricula.

An applicant that has completed concurrent/dual enrollment courses, and is applying immediately after high school graduation will be considered a New Freshmen applicant. A Transfer Applicant is an applicant that has completed 24 semester/36 quarter hours of concurrent course work at a college or university other than BYU–Hawaii following high school graduation. Their admission and scholarship status will be evaluated based on BYU–Hawaii’s transfer student criteria.

Failure to disclose and submit all documents required for admission, including transcripts from each institution in which the applicant has or is currently enrolled, or any falsification of information required for admission consideration may result in disallowance of transfer credits, immediate cancellation of admittance, and/or loss of all credit earned at BYU–Hawaii.

International (Non-U.S.) Applicants

BYU–Hawaii encourages international (Non-U.S.) students to begin the application process well in advance of the deadlines. Once admitted, the required $500 International Processing Fee must be received before the I-20/DS-2019 will be issued. Transfer students are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants should submit detailed written descriptions in English for all coursework completed prior to attending BYU–Hawaii with their application. This information, in addition to official college or university transcripts, will help BYU–Hawaii staff to determine the number of credits transferred and the length of the course of study at the university. Official transcripts not in English should be accompanied by certified English translations. International students may transfer to BYU–Hawaii from a U.S. college or university if they hold a valid F-1 visa and have maintained their student status during their prior enrollment.

VISA Policies

Questions concerning non-immigrant student and exchange visitor visas should be referred to International Student Services .

Financial Aid & Scholarship/IWORK Program

Questions concerning non-immigrant student and exchange visitor visas should be referred to Financial Aid & Scholarship.

Former Student Readmission Policy

Former students who fail to enroll for at least one academic semester per calendar year, unless granted a deferment or leave of absence, are required to submit an application for readmission (refer to Registration Policy). Prior academic records may undergo reassessment, and program requirements could be adjusted to align with current academic standards. It is imperative that any outstanding financial obligations, such as past-due balances, be resolved before a readmission determination can be made. This policy aims to ensure a streamlined and equitable process for rejoining our academic community while upholding the high standards of the university.

Required Tests

American college test (act) or scholastic aptitude test (sat) scores.

Applicants from the U.S., Canada, American Samoa, Marshall Islands, Guam, the Federated States of Micronesia, and U.S.-patterned international schools must submit either ACT or SAT results.

All new freshman applicants and transfer students who have completed fewer than 24 semester (36 quarter) hours of college credit at the time of application are required to take the ACT or SAT, national standardized entrance exam. Students are encouraged to take the test during the last semester of their junior year in high school. The test should be taken early enough for the results to be received by Admissions two-weeks before the deadline for the semester in which a student intends to enroll.

English Proficiency Test

Applicants from any non-U.S.-patterned international schools must have their results from the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), IELTS (International English Language Testing System), or ELAT (English Language Admissions Test) to reach BYUH Admissions before the application deadline. The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), IELTS (International English Language Testing System), and ELAT (English Language Admissions Test) are the approved tests of English language proficiency. For more information about these tests, contact [email protected]. or IELTS Website . For more information on English proficiency exam requirements, please visit the Admission’s English Test Requirement website .

Recruitment

BYU–Hawaii strives to treat students ethically, respectfully, and professionally in the marketing, recruiting, and admissions process so that students can make an informed enrollment decision. BYU–Hawaii complies with applicable regulations related to restrictions on misrepresentation, recruitment, and payment of incentive compensation. In compliance with applicable state and federal nondiscrimination laws (e.g., Title VI, Title IX, and Section 504) and its Nondiscrimination and Equal Opportunity Policy, BYU–Hawaii prohibits unlawful discrimination against applicants based upon race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, sex, pregnancy condition, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status.

Admissions Exceptions Committee

The Admissions Exceptions Committee (AEC) is responsible for establishing a selective admission exception process for applicants who do not meet the admission eligibility standards, or who have applied and have received an official denial from the University, and may submit a letter of appeal to the AEC. The committee is composed of the following members: Student Life Vice President, Dean of Students, Admissions Manager, Admissions Officers, Recruitment Manager, Financial Aid Manager, International Student Services Manager, Residential Life Manager, and Faculty. The committee will meet bi-monthly or as needed. All members of the committee have full voting privileges. Each case will be reviewed carefully by the committee. A majority vote is taken to determine the admission decision. Applicants are notified by email shortly after final decisions are made. The Admissions Exceptions Committee reserves the right to make exceptions to admission policy and guidelines as deemed appropriate.

Notification of Admissions Decision

All applicants will receive official written notification from BYU–Hawaii Admissions or from the Church Educational System (apply.churchofjesuschrist.org) website. Any other notification, either verbal or written, will not be considered valid. A letter of acceptance is valid only for the semester indicated. Admitted students wishing to be considered for a later enrollment period must notify Admissions to cancel their admittance, and reapply for a later semester or term. Students can reapply at apply.byuh.edu/ .

BYUH alumni admitted to law schools

Law students share their experiences, challenges, journeys and aspirations in pursuing legal career.

Six BYU–Hawaii alumni have earned admission to prestigious law schools across the United States. The students and their respective law schools are:

• Gavin Cranney: Emory Law School 
• Gracie Messier: BYU Law School 
• John Zenger: BYU Law School 
• Neva Short: BYU Law School 
• Andrew Jonutz: University of Oklahoma School of Law 
• Fahina Lauti: University of Hawaii Law School

Bringing change to communities

Fahina Lauti, a graduate from Oakland, California, with a bachelor's degree in political science with minors in entrepreneurship and Pacific Island Studies, said her BYUH journey started in classrooms where her professors infused aspects of law into political science lessons, fostering her growing interest in the subject.

“I was involved in political science activities where the professors made sure to incorporate elements of law into our lessons,” Lauti said. "This really helped me see how closely law and politics are intertwined."

Her passion for law was further ignited during an internship in Washington, D.C., where she worked with the Congresswoman of American Samoa. Lauti served alongside the congresswoman’s main legislative analyst, a lawyer who inspired her to pursue a legal career. “Everything is politically related,” Lauti said, reflecting on her time in Washington. “I saw firsthand how the law influences political decisions, and I knew I wanted to be a part of that process,” she added.

Lauti is currently working in the District Attorney’s office, where she developed a strong interest in criminal law, particularly in prosecuting crimes. “I want to go back to my community and help it become better, provide solutions and hasten rehabilitation,” she said. “Serving my community as a lawyer is my ultimate goal,” she added.

“The law school application process was difficult,” Lauti said. “There were a lot of tears and grinding, but the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) was one of the most important parts of law application. It shows your commitment and desire to go to law school,” she said.

Lauti advises prospective law students to prepare thoroughly, take breaks and choose their community of friends wisely. “It’s important to have a support system,” she said. “Your friends and community can help you stay consistent and build connections that are crucial for your journey,” she continued.

Lauti’s ultimate aspiration is to serve her community as a lawyer, providing solutions and supporting rehabilitation efforts. “I just want to be where the people are,” she said.

Bridging religious freedom and law

John Zenger, intercultural peacebuilding and music graduate with a minor in political science, said he will join the law school at BYU in Provo, Utah. Zenger’s interest in law was sparked by his involvement in the Religious Freedom Initiative at BYUH, where he served as a fellow and lead, he said.

“This initiative introduced me to religious law and gave me the opportunity to research religious freedom in the U.S. and internationally,” Zenger said. “It really opened my eyes to the complexities of religious law and how it intersects with individual rights,” he added.

His admiration for lawyers and their understanding of the world further motivated him to pursue a legal career, said Zenger. “The more lawyers I met, the more I realized how smart and wise they are,” he said. "I wanted to think the same way they do and understand the world through their eyes.” he added.

According to Zenger, his LSAT preparation began in July, with him dedicating six hours a day during the summer to study for the exam. “I took the September exam, but my score wasn’t as good as my pre-tests,” he said. "So, I took it again in January and got a better score."

Zenger applied to seven law schools, slowly hearing back from them one by one before deciding to attend BYU in Provo. "Start studying early," Zenger advised. “The LSAT isn’t a test of knowledge. It’s a test of how you think.” he added.

“The best preparation you can do is start reading and budgeting your time,” he said. "I’m at my best when I use my time productively," he added.

Zenger, who plans to work in the Department of Justice, or a non-profit organization focused on individual rights, emphasized the importance of balancing work and breaks. “Use your breaks to write essays for your application,” he advised. “And focus on doing small and simple things, like setting a timer for work and breaks, doing some exercise and studying the scriptures.” he added.

A vision for systemic change

Gracie Messier, who majored in intercultural peacebuilding and political science, will also be attending BYU in Provo’s law school. Messier said her journey into law was driven by a desire to understand the system and effect change within it.

“I want to go to law school to understand the system and make a change,” she said. “That’s what motivated me to join the Prelaw Society. I knew some friends there, and the department taught us about the multiple challenges of attending law school. We also had the opportunity to meet with many professionals,” she added.

Messier began her LSAT preparation in July and took the exam in September. “I feel like I could have done better, but it was okay,” Messier said. “It was a lot of money wasted but it’s fine. I applied to multiple schools and eventually heard back from BYU in Provo."

Reflecting on her journey, Messier emphasized the importance of setting up a study schedule and investing in preparation materials. “While it can be hard to figure out the financial means to afford preparation, it’s always worth it to purchase prep courses and materials,” she said. “I struggled a lot with balance, but I tried to prioritize what was important to me and seek help when needed.”

Messier’s interests lie in gender-based violence, public interest and criminal justice, particularly in departments working with women or Title IX cases. Her advice to future law students is: “Do not doubt yourself. Be confident and do whatever you want to do. And don’t compartmentalize your life—there’s always room for other things.”

Balancing faith, family and studies

Andrew Jonutz, a graduate who majored in political science with minors in film and organizational leadership, is preparing to attend the University of Oklahoma School of Law. Jonutz shared he faced a challenging decision with his wife about where to attend law school. After considering their families on the East and West Coasts, they chose Oklahoma, a midpoint between their families.

“I studied for 8-to-10 months in preparation for the LSAT,” Jonutz said. “It was a long process, but it paid off in the end.” Jonutz said his LSAT preparation required significant sacrifices, including time away from his family. “I really had to sacrifice my time with my family, like hanging out,” he said. “But over time, I saw my score increase, and when I got a higher score, it opened up opportunities to the law schools I wanted to enter.”

One of the most challenging aspects of the application process for Jonutz was writing a personal statement that set him apart from other applicants, he said. “It took me a while to pick a story I could tell that I was confident about,” he said. “But when I finally did, it made a big difference,” he added.

Jonutz said he wrote about his time as a missionary in Fiji on his personal statement. “When I was there, a cyclone came through and left a lot of the people I was teaching without homes,” Jonutz said. Helping them rebuild their homes and lending an empathetic ear when listening to their stories opened his eyes to wanting to work closely with individuals who have gone through hardships, he added.

Jonutz, who aspires to run his own law firm, emphasized the importance of balancing work and rest. “Take the preparation seriously, but also make sure to have fun,” he advised. “When you take breaks and have some fun, it helps your mind think more clearly. I think that’s something that will help me in law school too, striving to strike a balance between working hard and enjoying breaks.”

Jonutz said his faith played a significant role in his journey. “When you put Heavenly Father first and prioritize your family, I was blessed with extra help to do a lot of things,” he said. “When I devote my time to Him, I felt like I was given more time to do other stuff.”

He also shared the importance of self-reflection and continuous improvement. “Always revisit and evaluate yourself and see what more you can improve,” he said. "Building your relationship with Heavenly Father and our Savior should be a priority."

Jonutz said one of his happiest moments at BYUH was when he decided to work as a temple worker on top of managing his classes. “It was an extra responsibility, but I realized that if I prioritized Heavenly Father, I had more time,” he said. “It was a blessing,” said Jonutz.

Making an impact

Gavin Cranney, a graduate from California who majored in anthropology and intercultural peacebuilding with minors in political science, psychology and international relations, is headed to Emory Law School in Atlanta. Cranney shared that his journey to law school was sparked by his brother’s involvement in the Prelaw Society, which led him to explore the field himself.

“I joined a Prelaw Society Zoom meeting once, and that increased my interest in law,” Cranney said. “I was never really sure about it, but I started to take the steps as if I was serious about it.”

Cranney’s involvement in the Religious Freedom and Human Dignity Initiative further deepened his interest in law, he explained. “It gave me the opportunity to understand and be curious about what’s going on in the world and how I can contribute to it," he said.

LSAT preparation was challenging, with the high costs and constant need for motivation being significant obstacles, he said. “It’s a long process,” he added. “You need to ask yourself if you’re sure about your path, but I think that’s part of the experience,” he said.

Cranney’s advice to future law students is to connect with professors and get involved in extracurricular activities. “There are scholarships available, and professors want to help you,” he said. “It’s also important to have time to explore your hobbies."

He said he’s interested in public interest law, civil and human rights and immigration. His goal is to make a societal impact by understanding people and the world around him, he continued. “Be curious and be courageous," he advised. “These qualities will help you succeed in law school and beyond,” said Cranney.

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How to Write BYU Provo’s 2016-2017 Essays

Founded in 1875, Brigham Young University is the flagship school of the BYU system. Established with the intention of educating members of the Church of Latter Day Saints and preparing them for success, BYU Provo tends to draw many applicants from religious backgrounds.

In fact, 99% percent of the student population identifies as Mormon, demonstrating the strong influence of religion on this campus. Religion permeates most aspects of BYU life, from academics to day-to-day life; the latter is expected to follow the guidelines listed in BYU’s LDS-inspired Honor Code.

However, despite the influence of religion on this campus, you do not necessarily need to be a member of the LDS church to attend BYU. Potential applicants only need to be endorsed by an ecclesiastical leader in order to be eligible for admission.

BYU Provo also has the distinction of being the nation’s largest religious university, and with a student population of 29,672 on-campus students, it is the third largest university in the United States. Although it attracts students from across the country and beyond, it tends to be particularly attractive to in-state students; approximately one-third of the student population at the university hails from Utah.

In addition to cultivating a rich religious identity, BYU also offers fantastic academic opportunities . The school is comprised of 11 colleges, each specializing in different areas: education; engineering and technology; family, home, and social sciences; fine arts and communications; humanities; law; life sciences; business management; nursing; physical and mathematical sciences; and religious education.

Cummatively, these colleges offer 194 bachelor’s degree programs. Keep in mind that each school may have different application requirements, and it is important to check the guidelines for the specific BYU Provo college to which you choose to apply.

However, the general BYU application provides applicants with the opportunity to answer one short-answer question in 100 words, in addition to three short essays in 250 words. These questions apply to all BYU applicants, regardless of what school they are applying to. In this blog post, we’ll break down the BYU essay questions and give you the insights, tips, and tricks you need to wow BYU admissions officers and help make your application stand out.

Brigham Young University Application Essay Prompts

List and describe (in 100 words) up to five of your most meaningful and significant activities, awards, and/or experiences you have had since beginning high school.

Let’s start with the short answer question. In this part of the application, you are allowed to highlight some of your most important high school accomplishments . Because the word limit is rather restrictive — you have approximately 20 words per item — it is important that you are succinct, but still communicate your accomplishments effectively.

The first step is to identify which activities, awards, or experiences you want to list. When deciding, you should think about which activities will help you distinguish yourself. Remember, BYU received approximately 13,408 applicants in the last admissions cycle, so you want to stand out. For instance, listing an award that many other applicants in the pool have also earned is unlikely to significantly benefit your chance of admission.

In addition, it is important to consider BYU’s identity as an LDS school. While you do not have to be a member of the LDS church in order to be accepted (BYU states that “non-LDS applicants will only be required to meet with one of the following: an LDS bishop, branch president, or mission president”) it can be extremely beneficial to highlight your connection to the LDS church, if you have one.

Additionally, you should keep in mind BYU’s admissions criteria. It evaluates students based on their “seminary attendance, service, leadership, personal essays, individual talents, creativity, AP/IB courses taken, unique or special circumstances, and other factors showing a student’s ability to strengthen the BYU community.” You’ll notice that many of these qualities can be directly demonstrated through your extracurricular activities and other high school experiences .

For instance, BYU appreciates applicants who have demonstrated a commitment to service. If you have spent your high school career engaging in meaningful community service, you should certainly prioritize this activity when listing your relevant experiences. Or, if you were the president of your school’s French Club, you should emphasize your strong leadership abilities and background to impress admissions officers who are looking for student leaders.

Finally, consider the types of activities and awards current students have listed on their applications. 96.6% of successful applicants were four-year seminary graduates; 84.2% received Duty to God or Young Women Recognition; 82.2% were employed during high school; 78.3% were involved in the performing arts; and 71.1% participated in high school sports.

While it is not wholly necessary that you match this profile perfectly, it is helpful to know what has impressed admissions officers in the past and to highlight these kinds of awards and activities in your own application. Keep in mind, however, that you should still try to distinguish yourself even when describing experiences that are more typical of the applicant pool. For instance, if you were involved with your high school’s track and field team and earned the position of captain, you should emphasize your leadership position in order to give yourself more of an edge.

What is one of the most difficult things you have ever done or experienced? What did you learn from it?

This essay has a 250-word limit, so as always, it is important to be concise and get your message across as clearly and effectively as possible.

This essay question can, initially, seem a little difficult to tackle because it is so broad. There is some ambiguity in the language; BYU uses the word “thing” as opposed to directly naming a type of difficulty, and allows students to elaborate on things that they have either “done or experienced,” leaving the door wide open for interpretation.

However, there’s no need to balk at this question. In actuality, the relative ambiguity of the prompt just means that you have all the more room to be creative and truly help the admissions officers understand you on a deeper level. In many ways, how you choose to attack this question says a lot about you as an individual and as an applicant.

The most straightforward way to approach this essay would be to talk about a tangible challenge you have had to address. This could be a difficulty you had in school, in your community, or in your personal life. These kinds of challenges could range from family tragedies to academic setbacks to extracurricular obstacles.

A more subtle, but still effective way to answer this question is to think about a moral or ethical dilemma you have faced. While not as obvious of a choice for this essay, this can still be extremely powerful,  because at its core, this question seeks to help BYU understand how you tackle problems and how you grow from those experiences.

No matter what kind of challenge or problem you choose to discuss, the focus should not be on describing the problem itself. Rather, the majority of your essay should revolve around your particular approach to this challenge and, most importantly, what you have learned as a result. BYU admissions officers want to see that not only can you handle challenges, but that you welcome them and indeed grow from them.

There are some caveats to keep in mind when answering this question. If you do decide to focus on a personal challenge, you want to ensure that this is not a challenge that may cast doubt on your ability to succeed at BYU. For this reason, it can be safer to choose a problem that has long since been resolved and no longer affects you.

Additionally, be wary of coming across as unnecessarily lamentful. It can be dangerous if your essay bears the tone of “woe is me.” Although the essay is about a difficulty, it should still be positive. Remember, you should focus on 1) your problem solving abilities and 2) your growth in the face of difficulties. These are inherently positive subjects, so as long as your essay is centered around these two angles, you should be in the clear.

Given the choice, which CES school would you most like to attend, and why? Please be specific.

This question is relatively straightforward, in that it is essentially a “Why this major?” essay. In these types of essays, passion is key. You need to convey your deep interest in a given field, or in this case, BYU school.

The first step is to identify which school you are planning to apply to, which is simple enough. You do not need to have identified a specific major within that school, but if you already have an idea of what you intend to study, it can be helpful to include.

This part of your essay should be relatively brief. The bulk of the content needs to be oriented around why that specific school is perfect for you as a student, and more subtly, why you would be a valuable contributor to that school.

As BYU stipulates in the prompt itself, specificity is crucial. The easiest way to convey passion is to identify key, direct reasons why you are choosing that particular school. For instance, if you are intending to pursue law, you can talk about how your early interest in law started when you watched a particularly fascinating trial early on in life.

Then, you should connect it back to your high school extracurricular career and show the admissions officers how your passion for a given field has impacted your secondary studies. Continuing with our law example, perhaps you participated in Mock Trial to gain trial experience and helped lead the Model UN team to improve your public speaking skills.

Beyond highlighting extracurricular activities that help convey your commitment to a discipline, it is also helpful to point to your academic record . For instance, if you are applying to BYU’s physical sciences school, you should highlight the fact that you have chosen to take all of your school’s honors and AP physical science courses. This is particularly effective as it not only demonstrates your strong interest in the field, but also shows admissions officers that you can be successful in that specific subject as well.

That being said, you shouldn’t simply rehash your extracurricular and academic accomplishments in this essay.

Remember that these aspects are already explored in other sections of your application. This essay should be centered around your passion for a field, and while citing examples can help demonstrate this, you should make sure that this essay is personal to you and reveals important information about who you are as a person. Bring in relevant anecdotes, past experiences, and personal characteristics to show admissions officers why you are a perfect fit for a given BYU school.

“Tell us anything else you want us to know about yourself that you haven’t had the opportunity to describe elsewhere in the application. Include any special circumstances, experiences, talents, skills, etc. that you think would have a positive impact on the Admission Committee.”

If you thought that the first essay question was daunting in its breadth, this prompt may seem unthinkably difficult! However, this is just another opportunity to help admissions officers get to know you on a deeper level. The wide scope of the prompt is actually helpful, as it allows you to focus on any subject that 1) demonstrates who you as an individual and 2) adds a new dimension to your application.

With that in mind, you should focus on elucidating something that is otherwise absent from your application. If you choose to write about an experience, it should not be one of the experiences you listed in the short answer question; if you choose to write about a special circumstance, it should not be connected to the challenge you described in the second essay. You get the picture: this essay is supposed to bring something new to the table.

That being said, there aren’t many limits as to what you can write about. The only wrong answers here are things that would detract from your overall application or place you in a negative light, such as mentioning drug or alcohol abuse. Apart from these obviously poor choices, anything is fair game.

There are a few ways you can really take advantage of this prompt. For one thing, because it is so open-ended, this is a fantastic opportunity to help distinguish yourself from the rest of the applicant pool. It is helpful to focus on something that is memorable and unique to you, so that you stand out in the minds of admissions officers. Discussing a quirky skill, unique talent, or another distinguishing attribute or experience is one way to go about this.

This essay can also provide a forum through which you can explain any gaps in your application, or answer any questions that may be lingering  in admissions officers’ minds. For instance, if a significant personal circumstance impacted your application — and this was not the circumstance you described in Essay Two — this would be a good time to elaborate on that. Bear in mind, however, that the essay should still end on a positive note and leave no doubt that you are fully capable of succeeding at BYU, should you be accepted.

With these tips and tricks in mind, you are ready to begin writing essays that are sure to impress the Brigham Young University admissions officers. Best of luck from the CollegeVine team!

Want help with your college essays to improve your admissions chances? Sign up for your free CollegeVine account and get access to our essay guides and courses. You can also get your essay peer-reviewed and improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays.

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Holokai Curriculum

Anciently, Pacific Islanders sailed to new lands in voyaging canoes using the stars and waves for navigation. The Hawaiians call this voyage holokai (kai = ocean, holo = to go, to move, to travel).

Today, students at BYU–Hawaii chart their own academic voyages. Students plan out individual paths to graduation and future destinations by combining a major with two minors or certificates. All majors, minors, and certificates are grouped into three core areas of study: Arts & Humanities, Math & Sciences, and Professional Studies. Students are required to complete their major in one area and a minor/certificate in each of the other two areas. Programs offered by the same department in different categories may be taken, but the second program from the same department will not count toward completing the academic program requirements.

Mapping out your own academic voyage allows you to have both breadth and depth of knowledge in a combination that will set you on your voyage to your own personal destination in life.

Category Combinations

Struggling with your BYU application essays? Get professional help before the December deadline

By college essay builder | posted - nov. 16, 2022 at 7:00 p.m., (college essay builder).

Estimated read time: 6-7 minutes

This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.

Does your child have what it takes to get into BYU?

The stakes of getting accepted to BYU are getting higher and higher. It is estimated that over 12,000 students will apply to BYU — Provo this fall. And using last year's acceptance rates , more than 4,000 won't make the cut.

With such a large pool of applicants, the BYU Admissions Committee is often tasked with choosing between highly-qualified applicants who all meet the minimum requirements. And since BYU is not currently requiring standardized test scores, it is even more difficult for applicants to stand out.

With all of these factors, parents want to know:

"Is there anything I can do to improve my child's chances for acceptance to BYU?" The answer to this question is an absolute "yes!"

How the BYU application essays can make or break your child's acceptance

By the time your child begins their BYU application, nearly all of the application criteria (transcripts, activities, awards, etc.) is fixed and can't be influenced or changed — with one notable exception: the essays.

The BYU application essays have become one of the most critical ways your child will be evaluated by the admissions committee. This is because the essays are the best way for the committee to get to know your child on a personal level to determine how well they have demonstrated their preparation and alignment with the Mission and Aims of BYU .

In fact, the BYU essays are the only real controllable factor your child has at this point that can either help or hurt their chances of getting accepted.

The wrong way to write BYU application essays

Just sitting down to "knock out" the essays without understanding what BYU is looking for is a huge mistake. Successful BYU essays require deep introspection, multiple drafts and a good deal of pre-work. Students who don't allow time for these crucial activities end up writing sub-par BYU essays that suffer from one or more of the following issues:

Too generic

It isn't natural for most high-school seniors to be vulnerable and genuine. This often results in superficial essays that don't give enough information about your child for BYU admissions to complete a proper evaluation.

This year, BYU has shortened most of the essays by 500 characters. The lower the character count, the more difficult it is for students to effectively address everything the prompt is asking for. Consequently, students can easily spend too much of their essay telling a story but not allowing enough space for important connections and reflections.

No effective feedback

Most students work on their BYU essays right up to the deadline and don't have the proper time to get feedback and make revisions. If parents do read the essays, they often don't know how to provide the most helpful feedback. This cycle often results in substantial errors in essay structure, content and grammar.

The right way to write BYU application essays: The 3 most important questions

Susie Boyce, founder of College Essay Builder , has been helping students write BYU application essays since 2007. Over the years, she has discovered three fundamental questions that all successful BYU essays must effectively answer. These three questions are:

Do my child's essays show that they value the aims of a BYU education?

Each BYU essay should correlate directly to one or more of the Aims of a BYU Education . It is critical that the stories and examples your child uses in their essays make the connection clear and personal. A close look at the BYU admissions website emphasizes that BYU uses the aims to evaluate all areas of the application — especially the essays.

Do my child's essays help them stand out from thousands of other applicants?

This fall, BYU will receive more than 70,000 essays. Given the sheer volume, how will you ensure your child's essays stand out and are memorable for all the right reasons?

The key to this question is helping your child identify events, people and stories from their life that highlight their genuine and unique experiences. This requires vulnerability; the essays should tell compelling stories showing your child's journey, growth and transformation. These personal stories can become the heart of each essay, connecting the reader to your child in an unforgettable way.

Do my child's essays demonstrate their character, values, testimony and potential as a BYU student?

BYU has provided some direct expectations about what they want to see in your child's essay on their admissions website :

"...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!"

Why does BYU want your child to share so much? Because the essays are the best chance admissions counselors have to understand and evaluate your child's character, values, testimony and potential as a BYU student.

To effectively do this, your child must address each prompt completely and deeply. Take time to identify stories and examples that showcase how they have grown and developed in these four areas and write conclusions that make a powerful connection to what BYU is looking for.

The bottom line

You can do something to improve your child's chances for acceptance to BYU. Helping your child write their best BYU application essays is the most important way you can accomplish this goal.

But you don't have to do this alone. College Essay Builder has created a comprehensive application essay course for BYU that leads your child step-by-step through the process of writing all the BYU application essays. With the help of videos, downloads, templates and examples, your child will be writing their best BYU essays faster and more effectively than any other method.

In this course your child will learn:

• How to personalize the BYU Aims and meaningfully connect them to each essay.
• How to identify and tell compelling personal stories that demonstrate their potential as a successful BYU student.
• How to approach each essay prompt to address BYU's specific expectations.
• How to start each essay to "hook" the reader.
• How to conclude each essay to make a powerful connection.
• How to write clear and concise paragraphs that answer each prompt completely and deeply.
• How to edit and revise their essays utilizing proprietary feedback guides.

The stakes are too high to not do everything you can to help your child get accepted.

And the most controllable thing you can do right now is to help them write their best BYU essays by enrolling them in the "The Complete Guide to Writing the BYU Application Essays" Pro Course today.

And for a limited time, use the coupon code KSL50 to get $50 off the full course price.

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