At Brigham Young University, the admissions process is notably different from many other top-tier institutions. While most schools prioritize "prestige" or "national rankings," BYU’s holistic review is guided by the university's four "Aims": activities that are spiritually strengthening, intellectually enlarging, character building, and lead to lifelong learning and service. Our analysis shows that you don’t need to be a world-class scientist to get into BYU; you need to demonstrate that you are a person who takes initiative to make your community better. Understanding the specific lens through which BYU admissions officers view your application is the key to moving from a qualified applicant to an admitted student. Unlike many secular institutions that focus on individual achievement as a measure of potential, BYU looks for evidence that a student will contribute to a Zion-like community where members lift one another.

Tiers of Extracurriculars for BYU

Unlike many schools that rank activities by the level of competition (State vs. National), BYU evaluates activities based on your degree of engagement. A former BYU admissions reviewer categorized applicants into four distinct levels. This tiered approach helps officers distinguish between those who merely join organizations and those who transform them. The focus isn't on how many clubs you are in, but on the depth of the legacy you leave behind. This shift from 'breadth' to 'depth' is critical for applicants to understand if they want their 1,500-character essays to resonate.

1. The "Initiator" Advantage

The single most effective way to stand out at BYU is to move from a "Leader" to an "Initiator." In the context of BYU admissions, an initiator is someone who notices a gap and fills it. This does not require a massive budget or a global platform. In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints culture, this is often referred to as being 'anxiously engaged in a good cause.' Admissions officers are looking for students who don't need to be told what to do but instead use their agency to act.

For example, consider the difference between a student who joins a recycling club and one who notices that their local park has no recycling bins and spends six months working with the city council to install them. The former is a participant; the latter is an initiator. This aligns perfectly with the "Character Building" and "Service" aims. It shows you are "spiritually prepared" to contribute to the BYU community, not just consume from it. When writing your application, highlight the 'Why' behind your initiation. What was the spark that moved you to act? This personal reflection is what transforms a dry list of facts into a compelling narrative of character.

2. Spiritual and Church-Based Activities

Because BYU is a religious institution, your involvement in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (or your respective faith) is "Very Important." However, simply listing "Member" isn't enough. The committee wants to see how your faith translates into action. They are looking for students who will thrive in a campus environment that includes mandatory religion classes and a strict Honor Code. Your activities should reflect a commitment to these values.

Our data indicates that graduating from Seminary is a vital benchmark. It demonstrates a four-year commitment to spiritual growth and intellectual discipline—attending class at 6:00 AM requires significant "Character Building." Beyond Seminary, roles like Young Men or Young Women Class Presidency are excellent. However, you must focus on the Initiative. Instead of just listing the title, explain how you mentored a younger member of the group or how you planned a service project that helped a local widow. Experiences like For the Strength of Youth (FSY) or Pioneer Treks are common, so to make them stand out, don't just describe the event; describe a specific moment where you acted as a peacemaker or leader during a difficult stretch. Show, don't just tell, how your spiritual foundation makes you a better student and citizen.

3. The Value of "Real Work"

BYU places a higher premium on employment than many Ivy League schools. Steady work experience—whether at a grocery store, babysitting, or lawn care—signals to the admissions committee that you have a strong work ethic and "Character." In the eyes of a BYU reviewer, a student who works 15 hours a week to help support their family or save for a mission is demonstrating exactly the kind of grit and responsibility they want on campus.

This is often referred to as the 'Blue Collar' advantage in BYU admissions. While other schools might prefer a prestigious (and often expensive) summer internship in DC or New York, BYU values the student who can handle the mundanity of a retail job with a positive attitude. This type of work experience often provides the best material for essays about 'overcoming challenges' or 'learning the value of a dollar.' If you have worked throughout high school, do not relegate it to a footnote; elevate it as a core component of your character-building journey.

4. Meaningful Service (Lifelong Learning and Service)

BYU’s motto is "Enter to Learn; Go Forth to Serve." Your extracurriculars should prove you’ve already started serving. However, the committee can see through 'resume padding'—those thirty different one-hour volunteer slots at various charities. What they are looking for is Depth over Breadth. One hundred hours spent with a single organization, such as a local food pantry or tutoring center, is significantly more impactful than ten hours at ten different places.

BYU’s application often includes a prompt about becoming "aware of significant needs." Your best extracurricular is the one that allows you to answer this. If you spent your Saturdays teaching English to refugees, you have a powerful story that fits the university's mission. The goal is to show that service is not a graduation requirement for you, but a lifestyle. Focus on how your service impacted your worldview. Did it change how you view your future career? Did it make you more empathetic? These are the questions the admissions officers want to see answered in your descriptions.

5. Intellectual Passions (STEM, Arts, Humanities)

While BYU values well-rounded students, they also look for "Intellectually Enlarging" activities. They want to see that you have a hunger for knowledge that extends beyond the classroom. If you love coding, don't just join the Coding Club; build an app that helps your local library track book donations. If you are passionate about history, perhaps you started a podcast or a blog focused on local historical landmarks.

In the Fine Arts, consistent participation in band, choir, or theater shows discipline and a commitment to excellence. If you’ve composed your own music, directed a short play, or organized a community art show, you’ve moved into that "Initiator" tier. The key is to connect your intellectual passion back to the other Aims. How has your music helped you serve others? How has your interest in science helped you build character? By weaving these threads together, you create a holistic picture of a student who is ready for the rigorous and unique academic environment at BYU.

Summary: How to Choose Your Two Featured Activities

The BYU application typically allows you to write in-depth about two specific activities with a 1,500-character limit for each. Choosing these is the most strategic decision you will make in the application process. We recommend picking one that shows Service/Initiative (a time you saw a need and acted) and one that shows Character/Work Ethic (a long-term commitment like a job, a sport, or a leadership role).

When you begin writing, keep the 'Aims' in mind. Read the official "Aims of a BYU Education" document before you draft a single word. Ensure you quantify your impact wherever possible—use numbers, dates, and specific outcomes. Instead of saying "I helped at the food bank," use "I organized a drive that collected 400 lbs of food for 20 local families." Finally, focus on growth. In your essays, spend less time on the mechanics of the activity and more on how it changed your heart and mind. That is the ultimate goal of a BYU education, and showing that you've already started that process is the best way to get in.