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BYU announces temporary “test optional” admission application

Recognizing the disruption COVID-19 has created for prospective students, potentially interfering with test preparation and the logistics of taking the ACT/SAT exams, Brigham Young University has temporarily suspended the ACT/SAT test score requirement for admission and scholarships.

The test optional application will be available to most students applying for spring 2021, summer 2021, fall 2021 and winter 2022. “Test optional” means it is not mandatory for students to submit their ACT/SAT test scores as part of their admission application. However, if students would like to submit their ACT/SAT test scores for consideration, those scores will be factored into an admission decision. For more information on who is eligible for a test optional application, visit testoptional.byu.edu

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BYU Admissions will continue its holistic review as it processes admission applications, considering involvement and accomplishments in and out of the classroom during the high school years. Students who find themselves limited in the activities they can pursue due to the current coronavirus pandemic will not be disadvantaged as a result, nor will students who present pass/fail grades or other similar marks on their transcripts for the semester or terms impacted by COVID-19. Their applications will be considered on the basis of what they have presented. 

“Making this adjustment to our admissions and scholarship process makes sense given the difficulty many potential students have had in finding a convenient testing location,” said BYU Academic Vice President C. Shane Reese. 

ACT/SAT scores may still be required for admission into some of BYU’s academic programs. Students should check the requirements for applying to a specific major or program.  

The application for spring, summer and fall 2021 will be available starting August 26 with a November 2 priority deadline. Students who submit their application by the priority deadline will receive extra consideration in the admission process. The final application deadline for those semesters is December 15, 2020. For details, please visit deadlines.byu.edu.

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