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BYU bars generative AI while you compose your responses, names no permitted AI use at all, and says it uses software tools to analyze every essay, with rescission on the table. We don't review BYU essays.

You may not pay anyone to help you with your application ... you may not use generative AI tools (like ChatGPT) as you compose your responses. ... We use software tools to analyze the admission essays and activity responses of all students. We may rescind the admission offer of any student whose essay is found to have been generated by AI or otherwise plagiarized. ... You may ask others to read and review your essays to ensure that you are answering the prompt clearly and effectively. ... Although it is acceptable to have others review your essays prior to submission, the words and ideas must be your own.

the school’s published policyChecked Sep 8, 2026

Prompt database · 2026-27 cycle

Brigham Young University

Auto-updated — spot an error? tell usLast verified August 18, 2026

Deadlines

source
Priority deadlineNovember 2, 2026
Final deadlineDecember 15, 2026

Essay prompts (7)

6 required · 1 transfer only

  1. academic interest2026-27
    Describe a topic, idea, or experience that you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. What have you done to learn more or engage further in the topic, idea or experience? What resources do you use to learn more? (1500 character limit)

    This is the 2025-26 wording, carried over: Brigham Young University has not republished this prompt for 2026-27 yet. Schools usually post updates around the Common App opening on August 1; we re-check after that and change this text only against an official source.

    source

  2. community2026-27
    Have you become aware of significant needs in your family, school, and/or community? Please explain how you have worked toward meeting those needs. (1500 character limit)

    This is the 2025-26 wording, carried over: Brigham Young University has not republished this prompt for 2026-27 yet. Schools usually post updates around the Common App opening on August 1; we re-check after that and change this text only against an official source.

    source

  3. identity2026-27
    Briefly describe a time that your efforts have fallen short, a goal was not accomplished, or an aspiration was not achieved (500 character limit). What steps did you take to recover from this defeat? What resources did you use? How and why are you different today? (1500 character limit)

    This is the 2025-26 wording, carried over: Brigham Young University has not republished this prompt for 2026-27 yet. Schools usually post updates around the Common App opening on August 1; we re-check after that and change this text only against an official source.

    source

  4. community2026-27
    Tell us your story. What will you contribute to our university community? Be specific. (1500 character limit)

    This is the 2025-26 wording, carried over: Brigham Young University has not republished this prompt for 2026-27 yet. Schools usually post updates around the Common App opening on August 1; we re-check after that and change this text only against an official source.

    source

  5. why us2026-27
    A BYU education will be spiritually strengthening. BYU students have a unique opportunity to seek learning by study and by faith. Describe the reasons you want to learn in an environment like this. (1500 character limit)

    This is the 2025-26 wording, carried over: Brigham Young University has not republished this prompt for 2026-27 yet. Schools usually post updates around the Common App opening on August 1; we re-check after that and change this text only against an official source.

    source

  6. activity2026-27
    Why did you choose to participate in this activity? How have you benefited from your participation? (1500 character limit)

    This is the 2025-26 wording, carried over: Brigham Young University has not republished this prompt for 2026-27 yet. Schools usually post updates around the Common App opening on August 1; we re-check after that and change this text only against an official source.

    source

  7. why usTransfer applicants only2026-27
    Source details

    Transfer applicants only; this essay is required in addition to the freshman essay questions.

    Why are you applying to transfer from your current institution? How has your initial college experience prepared you for the academic rigor of BYU? Tell us what you have done to challenge yourself academically. Be specific. (1500 character limit)

    This is the 2025-26 wording, carried over: Brigham Young University has not republished this prompt for 2026-27 yet. Schools usually post updates around the Common App opening on August 1; we re-check after that and change this text only against an official source.

    source

The school's published AI policy

Our reading

BYU bars applicants from using generative AI tools such as ChatGPT as they compose their responses, names no permitted AI use whatsoever, and screens all essays with detection software under threat of rescission, while granting human readers the separate right to review drafts for clarity and effectiveness.

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