Introduction
Brigham Young University (BYU) is a renowned private research university in Provo, Utah. Founded in 1875, BYU is committed to providing a rigorous academic experience rooted in the principles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS).
As part of its rigorous admissions process, BYU requires applicants to submit their ACT scores, which are used to evaluate their academic readiness and potential success at the university. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of BYU’s ACT requirements, including eligibility criteria, score ranges, and strategies for improving your scores.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for admission to BYU, prospective students must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Be a high school graduate or equivalent
- Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Submit an official ACT score report
Note: BYU does not superscore ACT scores, so the highest single composite score you achieve will be used for admission consideration.
ACT Score Ranges
BYU uses ACT score ranges to assess applicants’ academic abilities in four core areas:
- English: 24-32
- Math: 24-32
- Reading: 23-30
- Science: 23-30
Composite Score: 29-34
Note: These score ranges are estimates and may vary depending on the competitiveness of the applicant pool.
How to Improve Your ACT Scores
Improving your ACT scores can significantly increase your chances of admission to BYU. Here are some effective strategies:
- Take a Practice Test: Identify your strengths and weaknesses by taking a full-length practice test under timed conditions.
- Focus on Your Weaknesses: Allocate more study time to the areas where you scored the lowest on your practice test.
- Use Official Test Prep Materials: BYU recommends using official ACT preparation materials, such as the ACT Study Guide and the ACT Online Prep Course.
- Attend a Test Prep Course: Consider attending a test prep course offered by reputable organizations like Kaplan or The Princeton Review.
- Get Tutoring: If you struggle in certain subject areas, consider seeking tutoring from a qualified instructor.
Additional Considerations
Superscoring: As mentioned earlier, BYU does not superscore ACT scores. This means that your highest composite score will be used in the admission decision, regardless of whether it was achieved on the same test date.
Optional Essays: BYU requires all applicants to submit a personal essay as part of the application process. However, ACT scores are not considered in the evaluation of essays.
Legacy Applicants: Applicants who have a parent or sibling who is a BYU alumnus may be eligible for a legacy status, which can slightly increase their chances of admission.
Conclusion
BYU’s ACT requirements are an integral part of the university’s rigorous admissions process. Understanding these requirements and implementing effective strategies to improve your scores can significantly enhance your chances of gaining admission to this prestigious institution. Remember to carefully review the eligibility criteria, target ACT score ranges, and explore the resources and recommendations provided in this guide to maximize your success.