Does anyone have tips for writing strong BYU college essays?

Applying to BYU means your essays should reflect a combination of your authentic voice, unique qualities, and how your values align with the university's mission. BYU’s prompts often ask about challenges, service, leadership, and spiritual experiences, so the admissions team wants to see not just what you did, but who you are and why you did it.

Focus on real, personal stories that show your character and decision-making. For faith-related topics, only share those that feel meaningful and genuine. If your journey of faith has been significant to you, talk about a specific moment or dilemma that shaped your beliefs or service to others. But if other aspects of your character—like creativity, resilience in a non-faith context, or leadership in an unexpected situation—better show who you are, those can work just as well.

Details make your essay stronger. Rather than saying “I love serving others,” describe a time when helping someone changed your perspective. For example, you could share a story about an ongoing commitment to a local food pantry, then reflect on how it challenged your assumptions or built empathy. If you have a leadership example, don’t just list what you did—instead, show the struggle or learning process. Maybe you organized a church youth event that fell apart, so you solved problems on the fly and learned humility or teamwork.

Be thoughtful about tying your story back to BYU’s community and mission. Admissions officers want applicants who will contribute positively, respect the school’s values, and grow during their time at BYU. For instance, you might conclude by explaining how your experience prepares you to live BYU’s motto, “Enter to learn; go forth to serve.”

Proofread your essay carefully to avoid mistakes, and consider having someone familiar with BYU’s standards review it. The process can be stressful, but if you write about what genuinely matters to you and connect it to BYU’s values, your application will stand out for the right reasons.