BYU ACT Requirements 2026: The Score That Might Surprise You
- 01. BYU ACT Requirements 2026: The Basics
- 02. What "Test-Optional" Means at BYU
- 03. ACT Score Ranges You Should Target
- 04. Sections BYU Actually Evaluates
- 05. Who Still Needs an ACT Score?
- 06. How to Send ACT Scores to BYU
- 07. ACT vs. SAT: What's Better for BYU?
- 08. Impact on Scholarships and Competitiveness
- 09. Historical Changes in BYU's ACT Policy
- 10. How to Decide Whether to Submit an ACT
BYU ACT Requirements 2026: The Basics
For the 2026-27 cycle, Brigham Young University remains test-optional for most first-time applicants, meaning you are not required to submit an ACT score to be considered for admission; however, submitting a competitive ACT composite in the 28-32 range can strengthen your application and improve eligibility for merit scholarships.
Approximately 46% of admitted students at Brigham Young University in recent cycles report an ACT score, with the middle 50% ACT range sitting between 28 and 32, according to official entrance statistics. This band represents the 25th-75th percentile of students who enrolled, not a strict cutoff, and the university practices a holistic review of high school transcripts, grades, and Church activity.
What "Test-Optional" Means at BYU
Under BYU's 2026 policy, most freshman applicants who have completed sufficient accredited high school work can decide whether or not to include an ACT score with their application. The application itself will guide you through whether your coursework meets the "sufficient" threshold, which typically means four years of college-preparatory work in core subjects.
Even though ACT scores are optional, they are strongly encouraged if you believe your composite score reflects your academic ability well. BYU will only consider your highest ACT composite score (from a single test sitting) when evaluating your file, and it does not use superscoring.
ACT Score Ranges You Should Target
While Brigham Young University does not publish a hard minimum ACT score, data from recent admissions cycles show that the middle 50% ACT range for admitted students is 28-32. Competitive applicants often cluster in the upper half of that range, especially for selective academic majors or.honors programs.
The following table illustrates how your ACT composite might compare against the typical admitted cohort at BYU in 2026-27.
| ACT Composite Range | Admission Context at BYU |
|---|---|
| Below 26 | Less competitive without very strong high school GPA and AP/IB coursework; may be admissible under holistic review but with smaller odds. |
| 26-27 | Within the 25th percentile band; competitive if paired with solid course rigor and Church activity. |
| 28-32 | Middle 50% range; aligns with typical admitted students and supports merit scholarship consideration. |
| 33-36 | Highly competitive; can significantly enhance your profile for honors colleges and selective programs. |
Sections BYU Actually Evaluates
If you choose to submit an ACT, BYU focuses on the three core sections that contribute to your composite score: English, Math, and Reading. The Science section is factored into the composite but is not analyzed separately in the same way, and the Writing/essay portion is not used in admissions decisions.
Typical 25th-75th percentile section scores for admitted students tend to fall in the low- to mid-20s for Math and English, with Reading often slightly higher. A strong score in Math, especially for STEM-related majors, can help offset a slightly lower composite.
Who Still Needs an ACT Score?
Not all applicants have the luxury of being test-optional. For example, homeschooled students who have not completed sufficient accredited high school work or earned at least 24 graded college credits are required to submit either an ACT or SAT result. Similarly, certain international applicants fall into test-required categories, typically when their secondary education is not aligned with U.S. high school standards.
- Freshman applicants who meet BYU's definition of "sufficient accredited high school work" may apply with or without an ACT score.
- Transfer applicants with fewer than 24 graded college credits are treated similarly to freshmen for test-optional status.
- Concurrent enrollment students (high school students taking college courses) may also apply with or without a test score.
- Homeschooled applicants without sufficient accredited work or 24 transferable credits must submit an ACT or SAT.
- International applicants in the sub-24-credit bracket follow the same rules as freshmen.
How to Send ACT Scores to BYU
If you decide to submit an ACT, BYU prefers that scores arrive directly from the ACT organization via its official reporting system. You can also forward an official score report mailed or delivered to BYU's admissions office, provided it is clearly labeled with your name and ACT ID.
For students who cannot immediately obtain a paper report, BYU allows you to upload screenshots from your ACT account. The screenshot or screenshots must include your name, ACT ID, test date, and the individual section scores; if the new ACT website layout requires two images, one must show three of these elements and the other two.
- Create or log in to your ACT account and navigate to the score reporting page.
- Capture at least one screenshot that includes your name, ACT ID, and test date; if needed, capture a second showing section scores.
- Log in to your BYU account and submit a support case through the online portal, attaching the screenshot(s) as instructed.
- Confirm with BYU's admissions office that your ACT record has been added to your file before the deadline.
ACT vs. SAT: What's Better for BYU?
Brigham Young University treats the ACT and SAT as equivalent, so you should choose the test that better reflects your academic strengths. The middle 50% SAT range for admitted students is roughly 1300-1430, which corresponds closely with the 28-32 ACT band.
If you already have a strong ACT composite near or above 28, there is usually no need to take the SAT unless you are targeting a program with especially high expectations, such as certain engineering or pre-professional tracks. Conversely, if your SAT score is clearly stronger, you can simply send BYU your SAT instead and forgo the ACT.
Impact on Scholarships and Competitiveness
Even though ACT scores are optional for admission, they can play a significant role in merit-based scholarships and other competitive programs. BYU's scholarship committees often review standardized test results alongside your high school GPA, course difficulty, and involvement, so a score above 30 can realistically improve your funding profile.
Data from recent cohorts suggest that students in the 28-32 ACT band receive offers in a majority of the university's need- and merit-driven financial-aid packages, assuming strong Church activity and academic persistence. Those above 33 frequently land in the top tiers of institutional aid, including funded spots in honors programs and research-oriented tracks.
Historical Changes in BYU's ACT Policy
Brigham Young University adopted a test-optional approach for several admission cycles leading into 2026, with the latest official note specifying that the school will be test optional through spring/summer/fall of 2026. This shift reflects broader trends in U.S. higher education, where many institutions have moved away from mandatory standardized testing in favor of holistic review.
Before the test-optional era, BYU relied more heavily on ACT and SAT scores as key predictors of success, often expecting scores in the low-to-mid 20s for applicants. The current policy still "values" test data but treats it as one component among scriptural living standards, academic record, and personal interview feedback.
How to Decide Whether to Submit an ACT
To decide whether to include your ACT score, start by benchmarking your composite against the 28-32 middle-50 band. If your score is near or above 28 and you have a solid high school transcript, submitting it is generally advisable.
On the other hand, if your composite is below 26 and your academic record is already strong, omitting the ACT may be the better choice under a holistic review. BYU's admissions staff have stated that they do not penalize applicants for not submitting scores, but they also emphasize that strong test data can "tip the balance" in close cases.
Helpful tips and tricks for Byu Act Requirements 2026 The Score That Might Surprise You
Is the ACT required for BYU in 2026?
For most freshman applicants with sufficient accredited high school work, the ACT is not required; BYU operates under a test-optional policy for spring/summer/fall 2026. However, some groups-such as homeschooled students without sufficient accredited work or 24 graded college credits-must submit an ACT or SAT.
What ACT score do I need to be competitive at BYU?
Competitive applicants typically fall within the 28-32 ACT composite range, which represents the middle 50% of admitted students. A score at or above 30 can further strengthen your chances, especially for merit scholarships and selective academic programs.
Does BYU superscore the ACT?
No. BYU does not superscore ACT results; it only considers the highest overall composite score from a single test sitting. Any additional section combinations or higher section scores from other dates are not combined into a new composite.
Are ACT Writing or Science scores important for BYU?
BYU evaluates the ACT primarily through the composite score derived from English, Math, and Reading; the Science section is used only in calculating that composite. The Writing/essay portion is not considered in admissions decisions.
Can I still get in without an ACT if my GPA is strong?
Yes. Many students are admitted to BYU based primarily on their high school transcript, grades, and Church activity, even when not submitting an ACT. However, a strong ACT score can help distinguish your application in a competitive pool, particularly if your GPA is borderline or your coursework lacks advanced subjects.