Admissions

LSB 1st Floor, (808) 675-3738, admissions@byuh.edu, Ho'okele Website

All Applicants

Application Methods

BYU–Hawaii exists to provide an education consistent with the religious and family values taught by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Admissions department gives preference to members of the Church in good standing but will not unlawfully discriminate against applicants based upon gender, race, creed, religion, national origin, age, or disability who meet the requirements, who agree to abide by the Honor Code and Dress and Grooming Standards, and who are otherwise qualified based upon available space. High standards of honor, integrity, and morality, graciousness in personal behavior, application of Christian ideals in everyday living, and abstinence from tobacco, alcohol, and harmful drugs are required of every student.

An applicant with Church membership restrictions, withdrawal, or voluntarily disaffiliated from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is generally inadmissible until reinstated to full fellowship. Students, who withdrew on grade probation or suspension more than five years prior to reapplying, may be admitted at the discretion of the Admissions Exceptions Committee. Students on academic status who have been away for five years or less are generally admitted on the same status provided they have received a clear ecclesiastical endorsement.

 Important Notice: When admission has been offered to the maximum number of students to achieve approved enrollment goals, Admissions will only consider applications for the next possible semester or term. The President and the Admissions Exceptions Committee reserve the right to make exceptions to admission policy and guidelines as deemed appropriate.

Second Degree

In keeping with its mission to educate as many students of Oceania and the Asian Rim as possible, BYU–Hawaii does not admit students for a second bachelor’s degree.

Missionary Deferrals

Individuals who intend to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints prior to beginning study at BYU–Hawaii are encouraged to apply before departing for missionary service. In most cases, applicants admitted to BYU–Hawaii may defer enrollment for a Church mission. Please contact the Admissions department for more information.

Military Service Deferrals

Applicants admitted to BYU–Hawaii may defer enrollment for compulsory military service. Individuals required to perform military service may defer enrollment prior to beginning study at BYU–Hawaii without having to reapply. Current students who want to defer their enrollment for military service must complete the deferment process through the Registrar's office. Domestic students on deferment will need to submit an updated ecclesiastical endorsement. International students will need to submit an updated ecclesiastical endorsement and financial verification at least several months prior to the returning semester.

Enriched Environment Statement

“The Mission of BYU–Hawaii - founded, supported, and guided by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints— is to assist individuals in their quest for perfection and eternal life. That assistance should provide a period of intensive learning in a stimulating setting where a commitment to excellence is expected and the full realization of human potential is pursued.”

To this end, the university seeks qualified students of various geographic, educational, cultural, ethnic, and racial backgrounds and talents who relate together in such a manner that they are “no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God.” It is the university’s judgment that providing educational opportunities for a mix of students who share values based on the gospel of Jesus Christ and come from various backgrounds and experiences is an important educational asset to BYU–Hawaii.

Entrance Exam

See Required Tests Section.

Other Considerations for Admission

The Admissions Committee also considers applicants with a special talent, exceptional creativity, or other unusual preparation for university study not otherwise revealed in standard admission data. In evaluating these criteria, the Admissions Committee relies on scholarship recommendations from a BYU–Hawaii department as a demonstration of the required talent, creativity, or unusual preparation. The Admissions Committee also uses Parts 6 and 7 (activities and essays) and Part 4 (seminary/institute recommendation) 15 of the application in making an evaluation. The committee may also consider such factors as mission, military service, career choices, and personal circumstances.

Full Disclosure

Failure to disclose and submit all documents required for admission, including transcripts from each institution in which the applicant has or is currently enrolled, or any falsification of information required for admission consideration may result in disallowance of transfer credits, immediate suspension and/or loss of all credit earned at BYU–Hawaii.

Application Deadlines

All application materials must be received by the CES Admissions department on or before the deadline for the semester for which the applicant is seeking admission. Applicants who submit any portion of their application after the deadline for the semester for which they are applying, may submit an appeal for consideration, however your application will be marked “Late.”

*NOTE: All transcripts and financial documents must be received two weeks before the deadline for the semester you are applying. All transcripts and documents received closer to the application deadline may not be processed in time to submit the application. All applicants are required to submit by the dates provided.

Holistic Application Process

The Admissions Committee uses all sections of the application in making an evaluation including the essays, activities seminary/institute recommendation sections. The committee may also consider such factors as mission, military service, career choices, and personal circumstances. Specific requirements for International Students can be found on the Admissions’ Country Criteria page.

Seminary

Prospective students are expected to participate in Seminary during each year of high school, where available. BYU–Hawaii is committed to the concept that thoughtful and consistent study of the scriptures is vital to preparing those desiring to enter the university. Graduation from seminary (released time, early morning or home study) is an expectation and gives priority in the admission process. Exceptions will be considered in unusual circumstances where seminary graduation was not attainable.

Domestic U.S. Applicants

High School Preparation

Domestic (U.S.) Applicants are required to obtain a high school diploma (or equivalent) before beginning at BYU–Hawaii. No prerequisite courses are needed for admittance to BYUH, but students may choose to complete courses from the list below to assist in preparation for university study.

• Four years of English
• Three years of mathematics (two or three years beyond algebra 1)
• Three years of science
• Four years of social studies
• Two or more years of foreign language (advanced skill in one language is preferred)

Courses such as computer science, the arts (music, drama, painting, etc.), and other worthwhile choices may benefit for students. Students should consider taking classes with substantial content that challenge them. In today’s world computer skills are valuable assets. These skills should be learned in high school or independently. BYU–Hawaii offers courses online to help students who do not meet admissions standards.

High School Graduation

Applicants should be graduates of fully accredited high schools. Those who complete their secondary education through the General Education Development Test (GED), home study, home school, or other programs will be reviewed individually by the Admissions Committee to determine admissibility and must submit an official GED score, as well as an ACT of 24+.

GED

For admissions consideration, a GED score from a student must also be accompanied with an ACT or SAT test score. BYU–Hawaii generally requires an ACT score of 24+ for students who complete the GED do home-study or home-schooling.

The GED in most states consists of four sections: Reasoning through Language Arts, Social Studies, Science and Mathematical Reasoning.

For admissions consideration, a GED score from a student must also be accompanied by an ACT or SAT test score. BYU–Hawaii generally requires an ACT score of 24+ for students who complete the GED that does home-study or home-schooling.

Home School Applicants

Applicants who have been home-schooled instead of attending a high school environment must receive a passing GED score and a composite ACT score of 24 or higher or SAT of 1090 or higher to be competitive for admission consideration. These individuals must also complete all other application requirements for freshman applicants.

Early Admit

High school students graduating early (less than 4 years attended) must meet all application requirements including seminary graduation. Applicants graduating early can also submit a plan for seminary completion prior to attending BYUH if they have not met all the requirements for seminary graduation at the time of attendance. All applicants graduating early from high school will be reviewed individually by the BYU–Hawaii Admissions Exceptions Committee and may be contacted for additional information or further follow-up.

Advanced Placement (AP) Credits or International Baccalaureate (IB) Test Scores

Students who completed Advanced Placement courses in high school and scored a composite grade of 3, 4 or 5 on any subject test may receive college credit for their work. Please refer to the AP Credit matrix for more information. Likewise, students who complete International Baccalaureate tests may receive college credit for their work. Be aware if a student has taken multiple tests with the same course equivalency they will be given the course equivalency for one test and elective credit for the other tests.

BYU–Hawaii Concurrent Enrollment Program

High school students who would like to be considered for admission to BYU–Hawaii as part-time students while still enrolled in high school must:

• Have a cumulative high school grade point average of 3.0 or higher on all work to date.
• Submit a BYU–Hawaii concurrent enrollment voucher signed by the applicant, the parent, and a high school counselor.
• Have completed at least the first semester of junior year of high school.
• Complete the admissions application. The student will need to complete the application each semester that they desire to take concurrent enrollment courses.
• ACT/SAT score.
• Pay the one-time non-refundable application fee of $35.

Transfer Students

Information pertaining to transfer students can be found at Transfer Evaluation Guidelines and Matrix.

Concurrent/Dual Enrollment Credit Transfer Policy

Many students now receive enriched academic experiences by enrolling concurrently in college courses while completing their high school curricula.

An applicant that has completed concurrent/dual enrollment courses, and is applying immediately after high school graduation will be considered a New Freshmen applicant. A Transfer Applicant is an applicant that has completed 24 semester/36 quarter hours of concurrent course work at a college or university other than BYU–Hawaii following high school graduation. Their admission and scholarship status will be evaluated based on BYU–Hawaii’s transfer student criteria.

Full Disclosure

Failure to disclose and submit all documents required for admission, including transcripts from each institution in which the applicant has or is currently enrolled, or any falsification of information required for admission consideration may result in disallowance of transfer credits, immediate cancellation of admittance, and/or loss of all credit earned at BYU–Hawaii.

International (Non-U.S.) Applicants

BYU–Hawaii encourages international (Non-U.S.) students to begin the application process well in advance of the deadlines. Once admitted, the required $500 International Processing Fee must be received before the I-20/DS-2019 will be issued. Transfer students are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants should submit detailed written descriptions in English for all coursework completed prior to attending BYU–Hawaii with their application. This information, in addition to official college or university transcripts, will help BYU–Hawaii staff to determine the number of credits transferred and the length of the course of study at the university. Official transcripts not in English should be accompanied by certified English translations. International students may transfer to BYU–Hawaii from a U.S. college or university if they hold a valid F-1 visa and have maintained their student status during their prior enrollment.

VISA Policies

Questions concerning non-immigrant student and exchange visitor visas should be referred to International Student Services.

Financial Aid & Scholarship/IWORK Program

Questions concerning non-immigrant student and exchange visitor visas should be referred to Financial Aid & Scholarship.

Former Student Readmission Policy

Former students who fail to enroll for at least one academic semester per calendar year, unless granted a deferment or leave of absence, are required to submit an application for readmission (refer to Registration Policy). Prior academic records may undergo reassessment, and program requirements could be adjusted to align with current academic standards. It is imperative that any outstanding financial obligations, such as past-due balances, be resolved before a readmission determination can be made. This policy aims to ensure a streamlined and equitable process for rejoining our academic community while upholding the high standards of the university.

Required Tests

American College Test (ACT) or Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) Scores

Applicants from the U.S., Canada, American Samoa, Marshall Islands, Guam, the Federated States of Micronesia, and U.S.-patterned international schools must submit either ACT or SAT results.

All new freshman applicants and transfer students who have completed fewer than 24 semester (36 quarter) hours of college credit at the time of application are required to take the ACT or SAT, national standardized entrance exam. Students are encouraged to take the test during the last semester of their junior year in high school. The test should be taken early enough for the results to be received by Admissions two-weeks before the deadline for the semester in which a student intends to enroll.

English Proficiency Test

Applicants from any non-U.S.-patterned international schools must have their results from the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), IELTS (International English Language Testing System), or ELAT (English Language Admissions Test) to reach BYUH Admissions before the application deadline. The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), IELTS (International English Language Testing System), and ELAT (English Language Admissions Test) are the approved tests of English language proficiency. For more information about these tests, contact TOEFL@collegeboard.com. or IELTS Website. For more information on English proficiency exam requirements, please visit the Admission’s English Test Requirement website.

Recruitment

BYU–Hawaii strives to treat students ethically, respectfully, and professionally in the marketing, recruiting, and admissions process so that students can make an informed enrollment decision. BYU–Hawaii complies with applicable regulations related to restrictions on misrepresentation, recruitment, and payment of incentive compensation. In compliance with applicable state and federal nondiscrimination laws (e.g., Title VI, Title IX, and Section 504) and its Nondiscrimination and Equal Opportunity Policy, BYU–Hawaii prohibits unlawful discrimination against applicants based upon race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, sex, pregnancy condition, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status.

Admissions Exceptions Committee

The Admissions Exceptions Committee (AEC) is responsible for establishing a selective admission exception process for applicants who do not meet the admission eligibility standards, or who have applied and have received an official denial from the University, and may submit a letter of appeal to the AEC. The committee is composed of the following members: Student Life Vice President, Dean of Students, Admissions Manager, Admissions Officers, Recruitment Manager, Financial Aid Manager, International Student Services Manager, Residential Life Manager, and Faculty. The committee will meet bi-monthly or as needed. All members of the committee have full voting privileges. Each case will be reviewed carefully by the committee. A majority vote is taken to determine the admission decision. Applicants are notified by email shortly after final decisions are made. The Admissions Exceptions Committee reserves the right to make exceptions to admission policy and guidelines as deemed appropriate.

Notification of Admissions Decision

All applicants will receive official written notification from BYU–Hawaii Admissions or from the Church Educational System (apply.churchofjesuschrist.org) website. Any other notification, either verbal or written, will not be considered valid. A letter of acceptance is valid only for the semester indicated. Admitted students wishing to be considered for a later enrollment period must notify Admissions to cancel their admittance, and reapply for a later semester or term. Students can reapply at apply.byuh.edu/.