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Undergraduate Admissions Uncensored

Northwestern Releases Regular Decisions, Class of 2027 Statistics

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Northwestern University, located in Evanston, Illinois, finalized is Regular Decision selection process and notified applicants of their decisions today, Friday, March 24.

Overall, Northwestern reviewed over 52,000 first-year applications from over 10,000 high schools around the world for a class that will ultimately only include roughly 2,100 students, according to Liz Kinsley, Northwestern’s Associate Dean & Director, Undergraduate Admission. Last year Northwestern reviewed 51,554 applications.

Northwestern previously admitted about half of its incoming Class of 2027 through Early Decision, and the university’s overall admit rate will stay roughly 7%. Northwestern’s Fall 2022 ED applicant pool grew by 3.5% to just over 5,200 applicants. This means that Northwestern’s Early Decision acceptance rate now hovers around 20%. In addition to growth in volume, Northwestern saw growth in the number of secondary schools represented in its ED pool of applicants: the number of schools represented by ED applicants was up 22% overall with a 25% increase in U.S. public schools represented.

Students admitted Regular Decision have until May 1 to accept their offer. Official steps toward enrolling in the Class of 2027 are outlined on Northwestern’s Admitted Student Website and will also be mailed with an admit packet.

For applicants offered a place on Northwestern’s waitlist, the deadline to accept a waitlist offer is May 1. Students who accept a waitlist spot before April 15 will be asked to reconfirm their interest in the waitlist on that date; the university will reach out via email with reconfirmation steps. Northwestern’s waitlist is unranked, and waitlisted students are welcome to write the admissions office if they’re still particularly interested in Northwestern. Additional materials should be uploaded via the applicant portal or emailed.

In other news, high school students in the Class of 2024 should know that Northwestern has confirmed that it will remain test-optional for the 2023–2024 admissions cycle.

Northwestern University’s campus in Evanston, Illinois, USA.

USC First-Year Applications Up 17%

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University of Southern California received nearly 81,000 applications for first-year admission during the 2022-2023 admissions cycle, which is a 17% increase over last year. This comes after USC introduced Early Action as an application plan last summer.

Meanwhile, USC will make Regular Decision notifications later today, Friday, March 24. According to Kirk Brennan, USC’s Associate Dean and Director of Undergraduate Admission, “In hopes of minimizing disruption of school days around the globe, our release is scheduled for the late afternoon Pacific time. Students should wait for our email stating the status is available before visiting the USC applicant portal.”

Ultimately, the university will accept around 8,000 first-year applicants for fall 2023 admission, which includes the 2,470 admitted through Early Action. Though this total is only slightly smaller than last year, with the increased application numbers, the competition for limited space was noticeably higher. USC will post final enrollment statistics later this year.

Tomorrow, Saturday, March 25, USC will email approximately 1,000 admitted students results of their merit scholarship application.

USC does not use a waiting list. Instead, it offers a smaller group of students (roughly 1,200 this year) admission to the spring term, which begins in January 2024. If after May 1 USC has room in its fall class, it will invite some spring admits to change their term to fall. All students who submit their spring Intent to Enroll form by May 1 will be considered for any available space. Students in this situation are asked to refrain from sending any other documents to be considered for fall.

In other news, the LA-based research university announced earlier this month that it will now have a new campus in Washington, DC.

WashU Receives Fewer Applications, Releases Regular Decisions March 23

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Washington University in St. Louis will release admission decisions for Regular Decision applicants in the late afternoon on March 23, 2023. The university will notify students via email on March 23 when decisions have been posted to the WashU Pathway.

This news comes as Ronné P. Turner, Washington University’s Vice Provost of Admissions & Financial Aid, shared that the selective private St. Louis university received over 32,000 applications from “wonderful young people around the globe” this admissions cycle. WashU received 33,214 applications last year for its Class of 2026.

Waitlisted students have until April 15 to respond affirming that they would like to remain on the waitlist, and they can do so by submitting a form through their WashU Pathway. A waitlisted student is also welcome, though not required, to submit updates he or she feels may help the WashU admissions team better understand the student’s application, and again, this can be accomplished via the Application Updates form in the WashU Pathway.

Turner added, “Our selection process is guided by a diverse committee of admissions professionals in an effort to ensure that, together, our five academic divisions create a community that is welcoming, nurturing, and intellectually rigorous.”

Overall, as of this time, for its Class of 2027, WashU admitted 3,644 students as follows: 2,401 students to its College of Arts & Sciences, 364 to the Olin Business School, 236 to the Sam Fox School (101 for Architecture and 135 for Art), 636 to its McKelvey School of Engineering, and 27 to its Beyond Boundaries Program. As a result, WashU’s overall admit rate for the 2022-2023 remains at at roughly 11%.

Admitted students will have access to WashU’s Admitted Student Portal once decisions are released. This portal will be their primary source for information about on-campus visits and virtual opportunities to engage with our admissions team and community. Students have until May 1 to submit their acceptance forms and enrollment deposits via the Pathway.

Meanwhile, students who applied for financial assistance can view their offer in the WashU Pathway. In addition, admitted students will receive more information about housing in mid-April and orientation in May.

Amherst College Accepts 9% of Applicants to Class of 2027

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Octagon Observatory at Amherst College

Amherst College will release its Regular Decision admissions notifications to applicants on Friday, March 17, at 6:21 p.m. US Eastern Time (corresponding to 18:21 on the twenty-four-hour clock in order to pay homage to 1821, the year of Amherst’s founding). These decisions will be posted on the applicant’s online Application Status Portal. Earlier this week, applicants received an email alerting them to the date, time, and manner of the decision release. Decisions options include Admit, Wait List or Deny.

The Regular Decisions notifications come as Cate Granger Zolkos, Amherst College’s Dean of Admission, also shared news about its overall Class of 2027, members of whom will begin their studies at the selective liberal arts college late this summer.

Overall, Amherst received more than 12,700 applications for first-year entry and it admitted only 9% of these applications. Admitted students hail from 54 countries around the world, 49 U.S. states, and Washington, DC.

Meanwhile, 38% of Amherst’s admitted students opted to not have their test scores considered as part of their application.

During the previous admissions cycle, that which took place during the 2021-2022 school year, Amherst received a record 14,800 applications and posted a 7% acceptance rate.

Those Students admitted Regular Decisions this cycle will find information on their Application Status Portals about Amherst’s Be A Mammoth program, a series of opportunities to engage with the Amherst College community and other admitted students, and receive instructions on responding to an offer of admission by the college’s May 1 response deadline.

Those applicants receiving a decision of Wait List will be given the option of electing to remain active on the wait list or declining that offer by submitting Amherst’s Wait List Response Form, found on their Application Status Portal. Students who have been denied admission will receive a message of Amherst’s deep appreciation for their interest in Amherst and the considerable time and effort they devoted to the preparation of their application for review.

Amherst College is a private liberal arts college located in Amherst, Massachusetts. The college has a total undergraduate enrollment of around 2,000 students, and its campus covers 1,000 acres.

Academically, Amherst is known for its strong emphasis on undergraduate education and its commitment to intellectual inquiry. The college offers more than 850 courses across 38 departments, and all students are required to complete a senior thesis or project. Amherst has a student-faculty ratio of 7:1, and the average class size is around 16 students. The college is a member of the Five Colleges consortium, which allows students to take courses at four other colleges in the area.

Amherst is also known for its diverse student body and its commitment to inclusion and equity. The college has a need-blind admission policy and meets the full demonstrated financial need of all admitted students. In recent years, Amherst has made a concerted effort to increase the diversity of its student body and faculty. The college’s teams compete in the NCAA Division III.

Tulane’s acceptance rate is 13%. Only 34% are male.

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Tulane’s Gibson Hall

Tulane University has offered admission to roughly 4,000 students for its Class of 2027. The New Orleans-based university expects roughly 1,850 students to begin as freshmen in August. All decisions have now been released. Among applications submitted, only 13% were admitted.

“To save room for more first-generation college students and students who do not feel comfortable making a binding commitment so early, we reduced our Early Decision offers of admission this year and increased Early Action and Regular Decision offers.” shared Shawn Abbott, Tulane’s Vice President for Enrollment Management and Dean of Admission.

While a 13% acceptance rate certainly sounds extreme, if one digs into the numbers, other stats are may be even more astonishing. For instance, of those accepted, roughly 34% reported their legal sex as male (actually up from 32% last year) and roughly 66% reported their legal sex as female. Nearly 5% identified as trans or non-binary.

Overall, fewer than 800 first-year applicants were offered admission via Early Decision and fewer than 400 via Early Decision II, while nearly 2,400 were offered admission via Early Action and over 400 via Regular Decision. This means Tulane extended roughly 400 additional non-binding offers of admission this year compared to the 2021-2022 admissions cycle.

Roughly 250 additional students were admitted for Spring 2024 with the opportunity to spend their first semester in Barcelona, London, Paris, or Rome.

As it relates to academic credentials, those students admitted on average had a 3.8 average GPA (up from 3.73 last year), a 1473 on the SAT, and/or nearly a 33 on the ACT.  Roughly 50% were admitted without test scores (up from 46% last year). At high schools that provided Tulane with class rank, more than 64% rank in the top 10% of their graduating class (up from 60%).

Tulane is also reporting that 41% of those accepted identify as students of color (up from 38% last year). An additional 11% are foreign nationals (up from 6% last year), not including U.S. citizens schooled abroad, 10% will be the first generation in their families to graduate from college (up from 7% last year), 11% are from Louisiana (up from 9% last year), and 7% are from New Orleans (up from 5%).

Roughly 4,000 students were offered a space on Tulane’s wait list, and Tulane expects that at least half of those 4,000 will see their interest in Tulane wane quickly and significantly as they rightfully get excited about alternate options. By May 1, Tulane predicts fewer than 2,000 students will be holding a space on its waitlist, and it is premature to predict how many will be admitted. In recent years, the number of students Tulane has been able to admit from its waitlist has ranged from zero to fifty.

University of Washington Releases Admissions Decisions

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The admissions team at University of Washington has finished reviewing this year’s over 62,000 freshman applications, which represents another record breaking year, and it looks forward to sending most admissions decisions between March 9 and March 15, 2023.

An applicant will receive an email notifying the student that his or her admission decision has been updated in the applicant’s MyUW portal where the decision can be viewed. If the student hasn’t already done so, he or she will need to set up his or her UW NetID in order to log in to MyUW. Note that it may take up to 24 hours to create a new account.

Admitted students will receive an offer packet in the mail containing an official offer letter with their assigned major or pre-major, possible Purple & Gold scholarship offer (U.S. nonresidents only), and other information about taking the next steps to becoming a Husky. Additional information and next steps can be found at uw.edu/newhuskies.

Students invited to join the waitlist must opt in by submitting the online form found in their MyUW portal. The deadline to join the waitlist is April 1. Students on the waitlist are no longer eligible to appeal for admission off the waitlist. If a student is not admitted from the waitlist, they may appeal once the waitlist is closed.

Application increases make the selection process challenging, and sadly the university was not able to offer admission to many strong candidates. If the university was unable to extend an offer of admission, students will be notified in their MyUW account and directed to other resources.

Students with incomplete applications whose files were closed due to incomplete or missing information may appeal to have their file reopened. More details about the university’s updated freshman appeals policy and process can be found on its website.

The University of Washington is often colloquially referred to as UW, Washington, or simply UDub. The school’s sports teams are known as the Huskies, and their mascot is a Siberian husky named Dubs.

University of Washington is known for its spring cherry blossoms.

UDub is located in the heart of Seattle, with stunning views of Lake Washington, the Olympic Mountains, and the Cascade Range. The location allows for easy access to the city’s cultural and entertainment offerings, including museums, theaters, and restaurants. The campus is known for its beautiful cherry blossoms which bloom every spring. The trees were a gift from Japan in 1912. Meanwhile, the university’s Suzzallo Library is a notable landmark on campus, known for its grand reading room modeled after the Reading Room in the British Museum in London. The Odegaard Undergraduate Library is another unique feature of the campus, with modern and innovative design.

Interestingly, the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture is located on the UW campus and is the state museum of Washington. The museum has over 16 million artifacts, specimens, and cultural heritage objects.

The increase in applications is not a surprise, as the university was one of the last major research universities to join the Common App, which often causes a spike in application numbers. Currently, the university still accepts around half of those students who apply from out of state and roughly 60% of those who apply as residents of Washington.

 

UC Davis Releases Class of 2027 Admissions Decisions

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This Friday afternoon, UC Davis will share via email admission notices with high school seniors who applied to UC Davis for Fall 2023. Students can also check their status in MyAdmissions, the university’s secure admission portal.

UC Davis received more than 94,000 applications for first-year admission, and while the university expects to grow the size of its incoming first-year class by approximately 200 new students this fall, admission remained competitive. As a result, many highly qualified applicants were offered a space on UC Davis’ waitlist or denied due to space limitations.

Robert Penman, UC Davis’ Executive Director of Undergraduate Admissions, said the campus aims to enroll an entering class of about 9,400 new undergraduates, up about 200 from fall 2022. Plans call for almost all of that increase to come from among California residents. California residents applying to be first-year students at UC Davis numbered 65,109 and account for 68.8% of all first-year applicants.

Students who were offered a space on the waitlist should take advantage of that opportunity and opt-in by April 15 if they remain interested in attending UC Davis this fall. The waitlist remains a viable opportunity for admission depending on how many accepted students commit to attend.

Thus, admission to the UC Davis Class of 2027 is a great achievement. UC Davis has created a fun virtual celebration kit, and accepted students are encouraged to attend one of the university’s upcoming events through which students can learn more about the Davis campus.

Admitted first-year students have until May 1 to commit to UC Davis by submitting their Statement of Intent to Register (SIR) through MyAdmissions. Admission notices for transfer applicants will go out in late-April, with an SIR deadline of June 1.

UC Davis Arboretum

UC Davis, formally known as the University of California, Davis, is a public research university that has a long-standing tradition of excellence in agricultural and environmental research, which is reflected in its academic programs, research centers, and collaborations with industry partners. The university is also home to several state-of-the-art research facilities, including the California National Primate Research Center, the UC Davis Medical Center, and the Genome Center, among others. Overall, UC Davis offers a vibrant and dynamic student experience, with over 700 student organizations, world-class athletic facilities, and a beautiful campus located in one of the most scenic regions of the most populous state in America.

UC Davis is located in Davis, California, which is in Yolo County and situated in the Sacramento Valley, about 15 miles west of Sacramento. The campus spans over 5,300 acres, making it one of the largest university campuses in the United States.

The physical campus is characterized by its open spaces, bike paths, and modern architecture. The campus is divided into several distinct areas, including the main campus, the Health Sciences District, and the West Village student housing complex. The campus features a mix of historic and modern buildings, including the iconic Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts, which hosts a wide range of cultural events throughout the year.

UC Davis is also known for its commitment to sustainability, and the campus is designed with sustainability in mind, featuring green roofs, solar panels, and other environmentally-friendly features. The campus is home to the UC Davis Arboretum, a 100-acre garden and educational center, which showcases the region’s native flora and fauna. Overall, the UC Davis campus is a beautiful and unique setting that offers a great environment for students, faculty, and staff to learn, work, and explore.

 

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Releases Admissions Decisions

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University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is projected to enroll slightly above its enrollment target of 8,000 first-year students for the fall 2023 semester.

According to Andy Borst, Director of Undergraduate Admissions at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), final admission decisions will be released on Friday, March 3 at 4:00 p.m., at which time students will be able to view their decisions through myIllini. He also provided estimates related to University of Illinois’ admissions statistics for the 2022-2023 cycle and noted that while Regular Decision applicants were admitted to all programs, students who applied Early Action received an advantage in review, with about a 25% higher admit rate.

Of the approximately 4,450 students who were deferred in early action, about 1,400 will be offered admission during regular decision, 1,300 will be denied, and 1,750 will be moved to the waitlist. Despite being more selective, the university will offer admission to a record number of Illinois residents – over 15,000 for the first time ever. At the same time, “the university was more competitive for non-resident and international applicants, especially for non-Illinois students who applied in our regular decision pool.” added Borst.

Computer science continues to be University of Illinois’ most competitive program. Meanwhile, the Grainger College of Engineering, Gies College of Business, School of Information Sciences, and UIUC’s CS + X programs are all now admitting at similar levels of competitiveness – in the 20% – 25% admit rate range. Applicants also showed strong interest in the university’s new programs in data science, neuroscience, and neural engineering.

Of note: scholarship offers will not be included in the notice of admission on March 3. Financial aid notification for students who applied during regular decision and those who were previously deferred but are now being admitted will be available beginning on March 17. Scholarship notifications will be available by April 1.

The 3,200 applicants waitlisted, which is a smaller pool than in past years, will only be considered for admission if they accept their spot on the waitlist by April 1, and Borst adds that the university does not plan admit students from the waitlist until after May 1 while also planning to wrap up waitlist admissions by June 1. Waitlisted students should not send letters or emails of continued interest, since such information will not be added to their application file or improve their chances of later being admitted.

Finally, Borst noted that many students with strong academic profiles, wonderful essays and statements, and inspiring activities were denied due to space limitations in certain majors. Given the competitiveness of the university’s applicant pool this admissions cycle, UIUC only considered students for programs to which they applied unless they sufficiently demonstrated a willingness to explore alternative majors. UIUC’s admissions committee carefully and thoroughly evaluated each student’s application file using a number of factors, including grades, course rigor, test scores (if available), essays/statements, and extracurricular activities.

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a public university known for its top-ranked programs, with particularly well-regarded programs in engineering, computer science, business, agriculture, and many other fields. As a a top research institution that allows undergraduate students to have the opportunity to participate in cutting-edge research projects alongside faculty and graduate students, UIUC is in growing demand from out of state applicants. Overall, UIUC has a large and diverse student body, with over 33,000 undergraduate students from all 50 states and over 100 countries. The campus offers a wide range of student organizations, clubs, and events, which provides ample opportunities for students to get involved and meet new people.

Located in the twin cities of Urbana and Champaign in central Illinois, UIUC offers a blend of small-town charm and big-city amenities. The campus is relatively accessible by car, train, or plane, making it a convenient location for students from all over the country and the world.

Pros and Cons of Brigham Young University

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BYU’s Campus in Provo, Utah, USA.

Today’s reader question comes from Suzie in Topeka, Kansas:

Question: Brigham Young University seems great for me based on what I’ve read on its website. But a lot of my friends and even my high school counselor have urged me to not to consider it because of its faith-based culture. It seems like people either love BYU or hate it. What’s the deal with that?

Answer: The United States is a free country, which means a diversity of views on all topics is to be expected. Yet, even I find the very strongly held views about BYU to be startling. I think what you are experiencing comes down to those who view religion in general and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in particular with suspicion versus those who are relatively “agnostic” towards attending a religiously-affiliated college and those who view it as a net positive. I encourage you – and all students – to dig deeper than by simply viewing BYU through the lens of religion.

First the basics: Brigham Young University (BYU) is a private research university located in Provo, Utah. It is owned and operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and as such, its educational philosophy is rooted in the values and principles of the LDS Church. As of Fall 2022, Brigham Young University’s main campus in Provo had an enrollment of approximately 31,389 undergraduate students. With 51% female and 49% male, 77% of students were single and 23% were married. The university has 195 undergraduate majors, 112 undergraduate minors, 98 master’s programs, and 30 doctoral programs. About 36% of students are from Utah, 12% from California, 6% from Arizona, 6% from Texas, 5% from Idaho, and 5% from Washington. In terms of student ethnicity, Caucasian make up 81%, Hispanics or Latinos make up 9%, two or more races make up 4.5%, Asians make up 3%, Pacific Islanders make up 1%, Blacks make up 1%, and American Indians less than 1% of the student population. There were 1,241 international students enrolled in Fall 2022, and they came from 102 countries total with the top three countries represented being Canada, Mexico, and South Korea.

Here are some reasons why BYU can be a great place to be an undergraduate student:

Strong Academics: BYU offers a wide range of undergraduate majors and programs, including highly regarded programs in business, engineering, and education. The university is consistently ranked among the top 100 national research universities in the United States by U.S. News & World Report.

Language Education: BYU has one of the largest and most comprehensive language programs in the United States. The university offers courses in over 70 languages, including less commonly taught languages such as Arabic, Chinese, and Russian. BYU also has a Language Training Mission, where students can receive intensive language instruction and practice in a simulated immersion environment.

Athletic Tradition: BYU has a strong athletic tradition, particularly in football and basketball. The university is a member of the West Coast Conference and has won numerous conference championships and national titles. BYU’s athletic programs are known for their emphasis on sportsmanship and moral values.

Quality Faculty: The faculty at BYU are highly accomplished and dedicated to teaching. Many professors have received national and international recognition for their research, and the student-faculty ratio is low, which allows for more personalized attention from professors.

Honor Code: The BYU Honor Code promotes a culture of integrity, respect, and accountability. Students are expected to live by certain standards of behavior and dress, and the university provides resources and support to help students meet these expectations.

Campus Culture: BYU’s campus culture is centered around the values of the LDS Church, including service, leadership, and faith. Students are encouraged to participate in service opportunities both on and off campus, and the university offers many programs and resources to help students strengthen their faith.

Campus Beauty: BYU’s campus is known for its beautiful and well-manicured grounds. The university has won numerous awards for its landscaping, including recognition from the Professional Grounds Management Society. The campus features numerous fountains, sculptures, and gardens, as well as stunning views of the nearby mountains.

Student Life: BYU has a vibrant student life, with numerous student organizations, clubs, and activities. Students can get involved in sports, music, theater, and other extracurricular activities, and there are many opportunities for socializing and making friends.

Location: Provo is a beautiful and safe city located at the base of the Wasatch Mountains. The area offers many opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, skiing, and mountain biking. The city also has a thriving downtown area with many restaurants, shops, and cultural events.

Another view of BYU’s campus.

Overall, I think Brigham Young University is a great place to be an undergraduate student for those who are interested in a strong academic program, a culture of integrity and respect, and opportunities for personal and spiritual growth. I am particularly fond of and think some of the highlights of BYU’s campus include:

BYU Museum of Art: The BYU Museum of Art is one of the largest and most impressive art museums in the Intermountain West. The museum features over 18,000 works of art from various cultures and time periods, including paintings, sculptures, and photographs. The museum also hosts numerous temporary exhibits and events throughout the year.

Harold B. Lee Library: The Harold B. Lee Library is one of the largest academic libraries in the United States, with over 7 million volumes in its collection. The library also features several unique and impressive spaces, including the Sunburst Atrium and the Special Collections Reading Room, which houses rare books and manuscripts.

BYU Broadcasting: BYU is home to a state-of-the-art broadcasting facility that includes several television and radio stations. BYU Broadcasting produces a wide variety of programming, including news, sports, and entertainment. The facility also offers students opportunities to gain hands-on experience in broadcasting and media production.

LaVell Edwards Stadium: LaVell Edwards Stadium is the home of BYU’s football team and is one of the largest stadiums in the state of Utah. The stadium seats over 63,000 fans and features a unique design that allows for excellent sight lines and acoustics. The stadium also includes several impressive amenities, including a state-of-the-art video board and luxury suites.

Though Brigham Young University (BYU) has many positive aspects, there are also some factors that may make it an unpleasant place to be an undergraduate student for certain individuals. Here are some possible drawbacks to attending BYU consider:

Strict Honor Code: While the Honor Code at BYU is designed to promote a culture of integrity and respect, some students may find it restrictive or burdensome. The Honor Code includes rules about dress, grooming, and behavior, and violations can result in disciplinary action, including suspension or expulsion.

Religious Requirements: Because BYU is owned and operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, religion plays a significant role in the university’s culture and curriculum. All students are required to take religion classes, attend weekly devotionals, and uphold certain standards of behavior based on LDS Church teachings. Students who are not members of the LDS Church may feel uncomfortable or excluded in this environment.

Limited Diversity: BYU has a predominantly white, middle-class student population, and diversity in terms of race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic background can be limited. Some students may feel isolated or marginalized if they do not fit the dominant culture on campus.

Social Life Restrictions: BYU has strict rules about relations between students, which are inspired by LDS Church teaching. For instance, sexual relations outside of marriage are not condoned. Some students may find these restrictions frustrating or isolating, particularly if they are used to a more relaxed social environment.

Location: While Provo is a beautiful and safe city, it may not be the best fit for all students. The city is relatively small and may not offer as much cultural or entertainment options as larger cities. Additionally, the university’s location in Utah may not be desirable for students who prefer a more diverse or liberal environment.

Therefore, as you can probably tell by now, while Brigham Young University can be a positive and enriching experience for many students, it is important to consider the potential drawbacks before deciding if it is the right fit for you. I strongly recommend students visit any college before enrolling; therefore, make plans to see BYU for yourself if you are considering applying and/or attending.

A Bit More About Provo

Provo, Utah, is a vibrant and growing city with many positive aspects. However, like any place, it also has some drawbacks. Here are some of the best and worst aspects of living in Provo:

Best aspects:

Natural Beauty: Provo is located in the heart of Utah Valley, surrounded by the majestic Wasatch Mountains. The area is known for its natural beauty and offers a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking, skiing, and fishing.

Community: Provo has a strong sense of community and is known for its friendly and welcoming residents. The city hosts numerous community events throughout the year, including festivals, concerts, and farmers markets.

Safety: Provo is one of the safest cities in Utah, with a low crime rate and a strong police presence.

Worst aspects:

Cost of Living: Provo’s cost of living is higher than the national average, particularly in terms of housing costs. The city’s growing population and limited housing supply have led to higher rent and home prices.

Conservative Culture: Provo has a relatively conservative culture compared to other parts of the U.S.A., which may not appeal to everyone. While many residents value the city’s religious and cultural traditions, others may feel out of place.

Limited Nightlife: Provo has a relatively limited nightlife scene, particularly compared to larger cities. There are fewer options for entertainment and socializing in the evenings, particularly for young adults.

Air Quality: Provo is located in a valley, which can lead to poor air quality, particularly during the winter months. The city has taken steps to address this issue, but some residents may still experience respiratory problems or other health issues as a result.

Overall, Provo, Utah, has many positive aspects, including its natural beauty, strong sense of community, and focus on education. However, the city’s higher cost of living, conservative culture, limited nightlife, and air quality issues may be drawbacks for some.

BYU Admissions

As of 2022, 11,709 students applied to become BYU freshmen, and of those, only 66.2% were accepted. To learn about the latest admissions statistics and requirements to apply as a first-year student to BYU, visit its admissions site here.

Crossover Colleges

Many students who are interested in applying to or attending BYU due to its location also consider and are attracted to University of Utah. Those interested in BYU for its conservative Christian character may also be interested in BYU’s other campuses, Liberty University or Bob Jones University.

Boston University shares some 2022-2023 admissions statistics

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Boston University admissions officers are just about as busy this year as they were last year after receiving 80,484 applications during the 2022-2023 admissions cycle. During the 2021-2022 admissions cycle BU received a record-breaking 80,797 applications from prospective first-year students.

Kelly A. Walter, BU’s Associate Vice President for Enrollment & Dean of Admissions shares that BU received 6,866 applications for admission through Early Decision (ED) and Early Decision 2 (ED2) rounds earlier this cycle, which represents an 8.8% increase over last year. BU expects to enroll approximately 57% of its first-year class through these two binding programs.

Meanwhile, in total, 41.2% of BU applicants indicated an interest in having standardized test scores considered, while applications from students from what BU calls “underrepresented groups” (URG) increased 5.6% over last year and represent 21% of the applicant pool. First-generation college students make up 25% of BU’s applicant pool. Enrollment of first-generation, low-income, and “URG” students continues to be a priority for BU.

BU’s urban campus in the heart of Boston, MA, USA.

Resources and mentorship from BU’s Newbury Center, a support-hub for first-generation students, along with its College Access & Student Success Office, work to ensure that students from “underrepresented groups” thrive on campus.

BU, being in Boston, is also popular with international applicants. International students submitted 15,788 applications representing 171 countries during the 2022-2023 admissions cycle.

Overall, BU’s enrollment target for the Class of 2027 is 3,100 students. Admission decisions for Regular Decision applicants to the BU Class of 2027 will be released on Saturday, March 25, and students will be alerts of decision availability via email.

Walter also noted that, “This was an especially exciting year as BU opened our new Center for Computing and Data Sciences – a monumental testament to BU’s commitment to innovation, sustainability and collaboration. Housing the faculty of computing and data sciences, which brings together students and faculty with a shared passion for societal impact, the Center is an icon not only for the BU campus, but also for the city of Boston.” Its structure is 100 percent fossil fuel–free, and it is the most environmentally sustainable, energy-efficient building at BU as well as one of the “greenest” buildings in all of New England.

As total application numbers seem to have plateaued, in advance of a Supreme Court decision many observers believe is likely to limit colleges’ ability to consider students’ race in admissions BU has decided to remain test optional for students applying for the fall 2025 and spring 2026 admissions cycles. This is in contrast to nearby MIT, which has already gone back to being test-required for first-year applicants and has made no indication, at least so far, that it will be switching back to test optional.