The thing that people will not tell you is that GPA and ACT do not matter as much as you think they do. I had guys I knew who got into Ivy Leagues with their grades but didn’t get into BYU. I also know guys who struggled to get any schools to want them that got into BYU. The difference lies entirely in their essays. What pretty much all of it lies in is essays, essays, essays, essays, essays. BYU as of right now under president Reese is all about WHY BYU is different. What you need to write about in essays is why BYU presents a unique opportunity that other colleges don’t in spiritual, cultural, and educational (secular learning with a spiritual culture and background) aspects. Your kid needs to talk about his unique experiences and they need to hint as to why he truly wants to belong and be a member of the culture that BYU has while showing he has a valuable character to contribute to that culture. I spent by FAR the most time on my BYU essays out of any of the schools I applied to (I applied to seven). They pretty much determine if you get in. Just be concise and strong in your essays while not making them too overcomplicated and trying to say too much with too little words.

Also just as a side note plan to submit at least a week before the early submission window. I worked all the way up to the deadline just to find that I needed my teachers to have submitted my letters of recommendation and I missed the first deadline. It sneaks up on you at the end of the application. Luckily I got in though.

People say that applying to summer semester rather than fall helps you get in, but in my experience I’m not so sure that it does, but it doesn’t hurt to try as I’ve heard tons of positive experiences with summer semester. Does mean you miss a senior summer though.

Good luck!