Appying for Scholarships

Ok, I am referring back to an old post I made in February of 2009 for this topic. I had outlined topics about BYU and need to get through my list.

Anyone out there not like free money? Chirp... chirp... that is what I though. Scholarships (and grants but we'll talk about those later) are awesome to get. Although it may feel like they are hard to get, if you work for it, the reward is great. I once was thinking about how much money a student can get for taking a short amount of time to complete the application. Example: If I take 1 hour to complete the scholarship application and receive a full-tuition scholarship--cha-ching!--it is like being paid $2,200 an hour! Most of us won't ever get that kind of rate in our entire lives.

I don't mean to ramble, so let's cut the the chase. First off, I do want to mention simply by getting admitted to BYU students are on scholarship! I don't even think most students realize this fact or are grateful for it but the subsidy from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is substanital. I have heard it is somewhere around 70%. So if tuition is $2,200 ish... all students should really think that their real tuition rate is $7,300+ and they already have a $5,100+ scholarship. Wow! That is awesome!!

Second, the scholarship application is online and not very hard at all... some simple questions, some essays (possibly the hardest part), and some time!

Tip: Save your essays so you can simply update them and use the next year.

Third, the deadlines are super important! If you miss them, you are just out of luck. The deadline is February 1 and for students admitted winter semesters it is October 1.

So, I guess those are the main things but there are also lots of other little tid-bits I'd like to share... so here is a list of all the other things to keep in mind when applying for scholarships at BYU:

• BYU has lots of different criteria... there are lots of scholarships based on your grades but that is not all! There are scholarships for all sorts of things... financial need, begin from a specific place (alumni chapter scholarships), etc.
  
• Don't decide you won't get a scholarship so you don't even bother applying... apply and find out. It is well worth your time.
  
• Be grateful tuition is already affordable.
  
• Seek out other scholarships from departments or off campus.
  
• If you get a scholarship, follow all the rules and policies BYU has... it would be bad if you get a scholarship and didn't end up getting it because you register for the wrong number of credits or something.
  
• Scholarships are not as competitive in the spring and summer--this may be a good time to get a scholarship and ahead in school.
  

I guess the last little thing I almost forgot to mention is that scholarship come from the Financial Aid Office... (yes, scholarships are a form of financial aid) and it sends messages and notification through Message Center. It is part of My Financial Center. Don't be waiting for the mail man... you will get a message online with your scholarship info (awarded or denied).

Remember, apply online... it is easy, before the February 1 deadline... February 1, and good luck!!

BYU once again nation's most popular university, says U.S. News

Check out BYU's article about being the nation's most popular university:

http://news.byu.edu/archive11-jan-mostpopular2011.aspx


Leave a comment if you like BYU.

NCAA Tournament

BYU Basketball and Jimmer Fredette continue to take the nation by storm...

They will play Wofford on Thursday at 5:15 PM on CBS. Go Cougs!

BYU Basketball Rank 9th in the Nation

Our Cougars are sure making an impression this year! We are half way through the season with only one loss! Keep it up Cougs!

Check out this video of Jimmer draining one from way beyond the arc...

Been too long...

Hello World:

Although this site does not have a lot of traffic and I have not been contributing lately, I thought I would make a post to let visitors know this site is still on my mind. I had an ambitious outline of all the things I wanted to write about but I have been very busy and also am not sure if what I picked would really help you. Anyways, I still plan on writting more and helping people learn more about BYU.

I recently updated my youtube page: http://www.youtube.com/BYU101blogspot and favorited some newer videos related to campus. Also check out http://admissions.byu.edu, they have posted some videos on thier page--including a "BYU Admissions Fireside" that is 40 min of BYU!

Reply to this post if you have specific questions or information about BYU you want to know. Thanks!

BYU Slideshow

This is a nice selection of pictures from the BYU Campus.

I am not sure why this person was so interested in the parking signs... but if you've been on campus, you'll recognize most of these pictures. Enjoy.

Also, there is another must watch BYU video! I think it is for employees but it explains most of the BYU history. Check it out!! http://training.byu.edu/documents/I_AM_BYU.wmv

BYU Slideshow

This is a nice selection of pictures from the BYU Campus.

I am not sure why this person was so interested in the parking signs... but if you've been on campus, you'll recognize most of these pictures. Enjoy.

Also, there is another must watch BYU video! I think it is for employees but it explains most of the BYU history. Check it out!! http://training.byu.edu/documents/I_AM_BYU.wmv

How to Apply to BYU

My intentions have always been to write down a simplified process of how and provide helpful information about BYU related things. I think this blogging forum has made me wordy. However, today I am going to tell you exactly how to apply to BYU.

BYU has made applying very easy. First go to www.BeSmart.com (this is the CES Admissions website) or go directly to admissions.byu.edu. You will begin the online application process by completing the following steps:

1. Go to BeSmart or BYU Admissions website
2. Select apply online
3. Review the Honor Code (read my previous post about the Honor Code)
4. Create or login using your NetID (write this down so you don't forget)
5. Carefully read the application instructions

You are doign great. Now that you are into the application, be sure to make note of the application deadlines and what parts you will need to submit. The application is dynamic--so after submitting part 1 and part 2 it will provide you with an accurate application status. Everything except for part 3, test scores and your transcripts can be turned in online. Even though most things can be turned in online, apply early.

For those of you who need step-by-step instructions, here is what is next:

1. Complete part 1 and part 2 of the application
   
2. Check the application status page to review all of the parts you need to submit before the deadline
3. Print off the part 3 and schedule appointments with your Bishop and Stake President (the part 3 will need to be postmarked before the deadline)
   
4. When applicable, print off the part 4 instructions and give them to your teacher or complete the online self report of seminary and institute attendance
5. When applicable, submit part 5
   
6. When applicable, submit part 6
7. When applicable, carefully write, proof read and submit part 7
8. Pay your application fee online using a credit card
9. Mail a copy of your ACT or SAT scores to BYU Admissions, A-41 ASB, Provo UT 84602 or request they be sent directly from the organization
10. Contact any school you have attended and request a transcript to be mail to BYU Admissions, A-41 ASB, Provo UT 84602 or hand deliver a copy to Student Services at D-155 of the ASB.
11. Check your application status to ensure BYU receives all of your application
12. Resubmit any application parts BYU does not receive
13. After you application is completed, patiently wait for a decision to be made (new freshman are notified after the deadline and transfer student application take 4-6 weeks to be notified)
14. Check your email and application status page for a decision to be posted
15. Read your admission notification letter carefully (all decision are to be considered final)
    

Here is a list of the application parts and what they are:

• Part 1: Student Information
• Part 2: School Selection/Scholarships
• Part 3: Confidential Report
• Part 4: Seminary/Institute Evaluation
• Part 5: High School Information including an Official Transcript
• Part 6: Extracurricular Activities
• Part 7: Student Essay & Other Information
• $30 non-refundable application fee per school
• American College Test (ACT) scores or Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) scores (not required at LDSBC unless home-schooled)
• Official transcripts from each college or university you are attending or have attended

After you have submitted all of your parts, your application status will change to complete. As soon as BYU makes a decision about your application, it will be posted online. There are no tricks to finding out early. As soon as it is posted, you can login and see it.


Tips for Applying

• Apply early (new freshman have a priority deadline)
• Go online to check your application status
• Read the application materials, instructions and emails from BYU
• Prepare
• Take the ACT more than once
• Get good grades (BYU is very competitive)
  
• Be active in your ward and church activities
• Graduate from seminary and attend institute
  

Paying Tuition

I am just going to jump into this. I defiantly agree with BYU's approach for its tuition policy. I also understand students helped create it. Although it seems like too much justice and not enough mercy, the policy must be effective.

Students who do not pay for their tuition by the final deadline have their classes dropped for the semester. Students are either required to reapply for admission (if they are a new student) or can defer the semester (for student who are just continuing). So it is good to know that, "Tuition and fees are due 7 days before the first day of class each semester." Then the policy continues to say, "Failure to pay by the Registration Add Deadline will result in the student’s classes being DELETED automatically, and they will not be reinstated if tuition is paid after the deadline. Late fees will no longer be assessed." Here is a link to the BYU tuition website.

So this would totally suck to forget to pay, be irresponsible and assume it will be taken care of, or expect even a parent to pay--and had your classes dropped. Buck up son--pay your tuition. First of all, as students register for classes, they get charged tuition. So as soon as you have registered for your classes, go on ahead and pay that tuition. Second, it is so easy to pay tuition online. Students line up at offices at the beginning of each semester when most all services are easily found online.

All a student needs to do is login to Route Y, go to the School tab, go to My Financial Center, go to Account Summary, and then hit the 'Make ePayment' button. You can pay online with a echeck or credit card. PAY HERE.

Let's talk about your payment options though. An online echeck is really the way to go. The payment withdraws the money from your account just like a check or debit card. No fees. It was campaign on campus a 'free, easy, and safe'--and it is. (If you have a pop-up blocker on your computer, override it before clicking make ePayment.)

If you do want to pay with your credit card, you can, but you will be charged an additional fee. Paying with a credit card is really only a good option for international students (international student's can pay with an echeck unless they have a U.S. bank account).

Ok, I mentioned parents paying tuition. It is not a parents responsibility to pay a students tuition. This sounds hard but it is true. As a parent if you choose to help out your kids in school, give them the cash and make them be responsible to pay their bills. Leaning to manage your personal finances is a huge deal! Teach your kids!!

FAQ's

• Why is there a fee for credit cards? Whenever a merchant accepts a credit card payment, they incur a fee from the credit card company. BYU lets you pay the fee if you want that convenience. BYU tuition is not expensive--yes, it is extremely inexpensive for what you get!
• Why is tuition so expensive? It is not expensive. The LDS church heavily subsidizes the tuition. The official statement says, "Tuition and general fees for all academic programs are established annually by Brigham Young University's Board of Trustees. BYU is owned and operated by the Church, and significant portions of university operating costs are paid with the tithes of Church members." I do not have any actual data but I have heard the LDS church pays around 80% of the actual tuition costs for LDS students.
• How much is tuition? For 2009-2010 tuition for a full-time LDS undergraduate will be $2,145. Check the tuition website for other rates.

Honor Code

I think I'll dive into my published list and get going... The Church Education System (CES) schools have a unique policy which provides an oversight guide and specific instruction for students enrolled at the CES schools. The CES schools include BYU, BYU-Idaho, BYU-Hawaii, and LDSBC. The CES Honor Code.

In addition to an opportunity to provide education, these schools "exist to provide an education in an atmosphere consistent with the ideals and principles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints." The Honor Code is voluntarily followed by all students, faculty and administrators--but is also a condition of admission and employment.

Applicants to BYU must first read and agree to live according to the Honor Code. This is done prior to anything else... you cannot even establish a NetID (online account) without agreeing to the Honor Code. If you are interested in applying to BYU, check out the Honor Code first (Honor Code Statement). Also, all those who are not members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are also expected to maintain the same standards, except church attendance.

The Honor Code is a 'code of conduct.' Although some of the guidelines seem strict or overkill, there is good reason for each. It requires those who represent BYU to "maintain the highest standards of honor, integrity, morality, and consideration of others in personal behavior." The principle values embodied in the Honor Code are:

• Be honest
• Observe Dress and Grooming Standards
• Obey the law and all campus policies
• Participate regularly in church services
• Live a chaste and virtuous life
• Use clean language
• Respect others
• Abstain from alcoholic beverages, tobacco, tea, coffee, and substance abuse
• Encourage others in their commitment to comply with the Honor Code

In addition to these values, the Honor Code outlines academic honesty, dress and grooming standards, residential living standards, and general conduct.

Students who do not follow the standards outlined in the Honor Code can be refused any service by BYU--this includes enrollment. However, most cases do not result in dismissal from BYU.

A basic infringement on the Honor Code's dress and grooming standards will result in a student being excused from a class period, not being able to participate in intramural sports, taking a test, visiting with an advisor, etc. (Often times girls do not where appropriate clothing and guys are just plain lazy and don't shave everyday.)

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Honor Code Myths:

• You don't have to keep the Honor Code off-campus
• Wrong. The Honor Code is to be kept at all times and all places (on-campus, off-campus, during summer break, etc.)
• The Honor Code is SO strict--I can't do what I want.
• Wrong. BYU expects high standards. The standards are specific and easy to follow--and if you don't want to, then go somewhere else.
• I don't have to shave to go to class.
• Wrong. Although many teachers will not excuse you from a class period, you have committed to keep the Honor Code at all times and places.
• I don't have say anything if I know someone who (including a friend) is not keeping the Honor Code.
• Wrong. The 9th value of the Honor Code is to "encourage others in their commitment to comply with the Honor Code."

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As for my perspective. The Honor Code is inconvenient at times; however, keeping the Honor Code has TONS of benefits. In short, it is very disappointing some students to not comply with the Honor Code and should be dismissed from BYU to give the opportunity to someone else to attend an awesome institution. Keep it or leave it.

Lots to Talk About

I have realized there is tons to talk about. Although there have not yet been many visitors to my bog yet (it is brand new) I thought I should post a list of all the topics I have already thought of explaining and elaborating. This will also remind me down the road so I don't forget about anything. Feel free to leave your comments for things you would like to see on the blog.

I plan to write about the following things:

• The Honor Code (link to site)
• Paying Tuition (link to site) (link to Account Summary)
• Applying for Admissions (link to site) (link to application)
• Applying for Scholarships (link to site) (link to application)
• Registering for Classes (link to site) (link to MyMap)
• Devotionals and Forums (link to site)
• Working on Campus (link to site)
• On-Campus Housing (link to site) (link to My Housing Account)
• Off-Campus Housing (link to site)
• The Testing Center (link to site)
• The Wilk: Food, fun, Cougar Copy, Barber Shop (link to site)
• Hinckley Center: BYU History, Alumni, and Campus Tours (link to site)
• 100 Hour Board (link to site)
• BYUSA: Clubs / Campus Events (link to site)
• Getting a Bus Pass (link to registration)
• Parking on Campus (link to site)
• Apply for Financial Aid (link to site) (link to My Financial Center)
• Intramural Sports (link to site)
• Spring/Summer Classes (link to site)
• BYU Wards and Stakes (link to site)
• Dating
• Technology: Ipods, computers, plasma TVs
• Surplus Sales (link to site)
• Using the Gym
• The BYU Bookstore (link to site)
• Independant Study: Online Classes (link to site)
• And more...

This list will definatly get me started but feel free to share your ideas or make requests by leaving a comment!

Admissions

The greatest hurdle... For many people the greatest hurdle of all is just getting the chance to attend BYU or that is what they think... before I dig too far into this, lets get some perspective.

I have started this entry and now realize there is so much to say about it! So the perspective. I have talked with several people who explain to me that BYU is such a big deal. This is especially the case in smaller LDS areas. It is a big deal. BYU is a fabulous school. There are those who will tell you and even broadcast they had a bad experience at BYU. Not everyone has some kind of miraculous experience but if a student really participates in campus, follows rules, has a good attitude, and is open to learning -- it is more than just college. BYU is an experience that can enrich your life. Don't worry though, you don't have to take my word for it... read what this guy said about it http://speeches.byu.edu/reader/reader.php?id=2973.

BYU is hard. People rarely think of the high expectation that BYU has for its students after they get admitted. Academically it is more competitive that any high school someone may have attended. With hundreds of valedictorians and other students that completed their associates degree during their senior year of high school... anyone who felt smart quickly realizes you are average or just dumb. BYU's freshman applicants are encouraged to have above a 27 ACT and 3.7 GPA in addition to being a seminary graduate, completing 150+ services hours, getting rave reviews from your bishop, and writing a killer essay (these are all part of the application--if you haven't applied you can on BeSmart.com). The bar is high--prepare for it.

Ok, I also know what you are thinking... there is that bratty kid down the street that you know only had a 3.2 GPA. Did he kill the ACT and get a 33. That makes up for it. BYU goes through a crazy process and takes everything into consideration. They say it is a holistic review--and it is. They go through everything! (So be sure to check your grammar and spelling on your essay... it would be embarrassing to be explaining how awesome you did on your AP english test if you forgot to capitalize a proper noun :))

So what you don't get in to BYU. What is the deal? Kidding. You should still want to go. It is super easy to apply again. And it also won't cost you anything. BYU has a one-time application fee policy. You can apply over and over if you have been denied... but you better change something on your application... they already saw you only got a 23 on the ACT--and it didn't matter that you explained in the essay you didn't sleep the night before cause your friend didn't accept your facebook friend request. Ok--sorry for being so facetious. I'll try to stop.

You are denied. Like I said. Reapply! For the time being you can get some other experience under your belt and even save a bunch of $$ if you are smart about it. The other CES schools rock. Go to one of them for a year. BYU-I is fantastic! (Other than being is Rexburg from what I hear--but that is a rumor too. Tons of people love it.) Also, no one seems to know about LDSBC. If you don't know about LDSBC, you have got to check it out! http://www.ldsbc.edu/ There website doesn't really have a lot on it but it is a great place to start. Get a transfer degree and go to BYU when you are done.

This is another time you have to check your perspective... about 12,000+ students apply to BYU as new freshman and BYU can only admit so many students. It fills up fast! Prepare by getting good grades, taking the ACT more than once (people's scores generally improve by 1 or 2 points when they retake it), and apply early. BYU offers a priority deadline that will boost your application if you turn in you application before December 1 (you'll still wait until February to hear back though). Perspective... just because you didn't make it into BYU the world is going to end... even though you and your parents will think that for a week or two--but make a plan B. BYU looked over you application. All the decision BYU makes should be considered final (that is what they say). I have heard of exceptions... but read this carefully... it is for BIG stuff. The kid who was blinded in a car accident in school, the kid who's dad was diagnosed with cancer and has been in the hospital for the past year... first of all, students should say something about this in the essay! However, the kids who just didn't try during sophomore year, or were on the football team, or were doing other great stuff other than keeping their grades up... can prove it by getting good grades at another college and transferring.

Transferring. BYU accepts tons of transfer students every year. Students who stayed home and saved some cash, students from BYU-I, students from UVU, students from everywhere come. Keep in mind you'll need a 3.6 GPA. Also, if you get 30+ college credits before you apply, BYU doesn't even look at those old high school grades. It might not be a bad idea to make sure any credits you take at another school will transfer... look online http://saas.byu.edu/admissionsServices/transferEvaluation/ or email them transfer@byu.edu.

Another way to attend BYU is through the BYU Salt Lake Center http://ce.byu.edu/sl/, the Visiting Student Program http://saas.byu.edu/admissionsServices/admissions/visiting.php?prospective, or the Evening School http://ce.byu.edu/ev/. All these are options but do have different enrollment restrictions and eligibility requirements.

Anyways, it is kinda obvious I am new to this... I have rambled on an don't know if any of this will help you. Please met me know--leave a comment. Maybe in some future updates I'll include some more specifics and talk about what to do if you do get your wish granted and are admitted to BYU. Like I started out with, if you do get the opportunity... there are high expectations for you, so please make it a great experience.

Sports

Ok--go figure. The first thing I chose to write about it BYU sports. BYU sports are a dynamic part of BYU. As a student, alumni, and the entire BYU community. As a subscriber or reader of this blog, you probably have some interest in BYU athletics.

There are tons of great teams on campus. There is everything on campus from baseball to volleyball. That is actually precisely true because I just pulled up the official site of BYU athletics--http://www.byucougars.com/ If you love cougar sports, check byucougars.com regularly. It seems to always be updated with the latest BYU sporting news.

BYU sporting events are a great to attend as a student or a member of the BYU community! Students can purchase discount tickets at most events or even purchase an 'All Sports Pass' that admits you to most of the events on campus for a one-time fee. I think I heard this year the pass was around $100. The pass does include football season tickets! But if football isn't your thing, you can get a different version of the pass for a lower price. http://byutickets.com/content/event/events/allsport.html

Anyways, support campus and the many BYU atheletes by attending games and cheering them on! GO COUGS!

Introduction

Hello. I'd like to introduce myself as 'The Professor'--although I am not a professor I have chosen that title for myself as author of this blog.

First off everyone needs to know I am not speaking, writing, or blogging for BYU. This blog has NO official affiliation with BYU. I think someday a BYU official may come across this page and request it be removed from the website at which point I probably will unless this proves to be an amazingly successful adventure.

As a disclaimer I declare this blog does not express the opinions or view of Brigham Young University, its affiliates, or sponsor. The policies and information provided in my blogs is intended to be informative and accurate; however, not an attempt to speak on behalf of BYU. This is strictly an UNOFFICAL source of information about BYU.

My vision is to write about information that will help applicants, student, alumni, parents and anyone else interested in BYU to know more about it. BYU is a great institution and I in no way intend to misrepresent it.
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I am new to blogging. I really don't know how this will work out or if it will be successful... but it is worth trying. Since I will be regularly updating and posting new information, I recommend 'following' this blog, adding it to your favorites, or even adding it as a home page (ok, that might be a little much).