BYU Admission ACT Cutoff Might Surprise You This Year
- 01. BYU Admission ACT Score Cutoff: The Hard Numbers You Need
- 02. Why There's No Strict Cutoff But There Is a De Facto Threshold
- 03. Complete BYU ACT Score Statistics for 2026 Admissions
- 04. How BYU Evaluates ACT Scores in Holistic Review
- 05. ACT Score Impact on Admission Probability
- 06. Historical Context: ACT Score Trends at BYU
- 07. Strategic Recommendations for ACT Submitters
- 08. Additional Admission Requirements Beyond ACT Scores
- 09. Final Takeaway: The ACT Reality for BYU Applicants
BYU Admission ACT Score Cutoff: The Hard Numbers You Need
There is no official ACT score cutoff for BYU admission, but the middle 50% range for admitted freshmen in Spring/Summer/Fall 2026 is 28-32. Scores below 28 significantly reduce competitiveness, while scores of 30+ substantially improve admission odds. BYU uses a holistic review process where a certain ACT score does not guarantee admission, and the university has been test-optional through winter 2028.
Why There's No Strict Cutoff But There Is a De Facto Threshold
BYU's admissions office explicitly states that all parts of the application are considered, meaning no single GPA or ACT score guarantees acceptance. However, the competitive reality reveals that admitted students typically cluster within a specific ACT range. The 25th percentile sits at 28, meaning 25% of admitted students scored below this, while the 75th percentile is 32, with 25% scoring above. This statistical distribution creates what applicants call a de facto cutoff around 26-27 for serious consideration.
According to CollegeVine's 2024 analysis, ACT composite scores of at least 26 are required for consideration, with students who get into BYU usually having scores between 26 and 32. A score of 24 may negatively impact prospects, particularly when paired with a lower GPA. The average ACT score for admitted students is 30, making this the target most applicants should aim for.
Complete BYU ACT Score Statistics for 2026 Admissions
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Middle 50% ACT Range | 28-32 | |
| 25th Percentile ACT | 28 | |
| 75th Percentile ACT | 32 | |
| Average ACT Composite | 30 | |
| Minimum for Consideration | 26 | |
| Test-Optional Period | Through Winter 2028 | |
| ACT Submission Rate | ~90% | |
| Overall Admission Rate | 70.2% |
How BYU Evaluates ACT Scores in Holistic Review
BYU evaluates only the sections that contribute to your composite score: Math, English, and Reading. While you may take the Science and Writing sections, they are not included in admission evaluation. BYU considers only the highest overall composite score received and does not use superscore averaging across test dates.
- Submit your ACT score when you submit your application before the priority or final deadline if you want it considered
- Ensure your composite score includes Math, English, and Reading sections only
- Aim for 28+ to be competitive, with 30+ being strongly recommended
- If your score is below 28, consider whether to submit it based on your overall application strength
- Remember that approximately 90% of applicants submit ACT results, making your score a key differentiator
ACT Score Impact on Admission Probability
With a 69.7% acceptance rate, BYU can be tough to get into despite appearing accessible. Last year, 8,402 students were accepted out of 12,061 applicants. The average GPA at BYU is 3.86, and students typically rank in the top 21% of their class. ACT scores strongly correlate with admission success when paired with this GPA range.
A score of 24 may negatively impact prospects, particularly in relation to your GPA. Conversely, scores of 30 or higher should definitely be included in your application. The middle 50% range for BYU applicants who provided ACT scores is between 28 and 32, making this the competitive sweet spot.
Historical Context: ACT Score Trends at BYU
BYU is becoming more selective annually, and academically it is one of the toughest religious schools in the United States. The average ACT score has remained stable around 30 for several years, with the 75th percentile consistently at 32 and the 25th percentile at 28. This score stability indicates institutional commitment to maintaining academic standards despite the test-optional policy.
In the 2023-2024 application cycle, BYU adopted test-optional policy, with admitted students showing an ACT range of 26-31 when scores were submitted. By 2026, this range shifted slightly upward to 28-32, suggesting increasing competitiveness as more high-achieving applicants submit scores.
Strategic Recommendations for ACT Submitters
If you choose to submit ACT scores, understanding the strategic implications is crucial for maximizing admission probability. The test-optional window extends through winter 2028, giving applicants flexibility but also creating uncertainty about how scores factor into decisions.
- Scores of 30+ should definitely be submitted as they place you above the average
- Scores between 28-29 are competitive and should be submitted
- Scores of 26-27 are borderline; submit only if your GPA and other application components are exceptionally strong
- Scores below 26 should generally not be submitted unless you have mitigating circumstances
- Scores of 24 or below may negatively impact prospects, particularly with a lower GPA
"BYU uses a holistic review process. All parts of the application are considered so a certain GPA or ACT score does not guarantee admission." - BYU Entrance Stats, Spring/Summer/Fall 2026
Additional Admission Requirements Beyond ACT Scores
While ACT scores are important, BYU considers multiple factors in its comprehensive evaluation. The university accepts students with high admission test scores, often from the top 21% of their class. The average GPA is 3.86, and it is wise to aim for a 4.0 GPA or higher if applying.
As a religious institution, BYU considers religious affiliation, extracurricular activities connected to the Church, leadership experience, and demonstrated commitment to their Honor Code. Candidates are first screened based on GPA, SAT, and ACT scores, then invited for an interview if they pass this stage. Most students invited for interview are selected according to recent data.
The application requires agreeing to the Honor Code and submitting several documents including transcripts, essays, and letters of recommendation. A strong essay, solid extracurriculars, and letters of recommendation can bolster your application significantly.
Final Takeaway: The ACT Reality for BYU Applicants
The tough reality revealed by BYU admission ACT scores is that while there's no official cutoff, the competitive threshold is effectively 28-32 for serious consideration. Aim for 30+ to maximize your chances, understand that BYU uses holistic review, and remember that the test-optional policy through winter 2028 gives you flexibility but also places greater weight on other application components if you opt out.
With 14,067 freshman applicants and 9,870 admitted in the 2026 cycle, the 70.2% admission rate masks the competitive reality for high-achieving applicants seeking specific majors or scholarships. Your ACT score, combined with a 3.86+ GPA and strong Honor Code alignment, forms the foundation of a competitive BYU application.
Helpful tips and tricks for Byu Admission Act Cutoff Might Surprise You This Year
Is there a hard ACT cutoff for BYU admission?
No, BYU does not have a strict ACT cutoff. The university uses holistic review where all application parts are considered, so no certain ACT score guarantees admission.
What ACT score do I need to get into BYU?
Aim for 28-32 to be competitive, with 30 being the average for admitted students. Scores of at least 26 are required for consideration, but below 28 reduces competitiveness.
Is BYU test-optional for ACT scores?
Yes, BYU is test-optional through winter 2028. However, about 90% of applicants submit ACT scores, and submitting a strong score (28+) improves admission chances.
What is the middle 50% ACT range for BYU?
The middle 50% ACT range for admitted freshmen (Spring/Summer/Fall 2026) is 28-32, meaning 25% scored below 28 and 25% scored above 32.
Does BYU superscore ACT results?
No, BYU does not use superscore. It only considers the highest overall composite score it receives, minus the writing portion.
Which ACT sections does BYU evaluate?
BYU evaluates only Math, English, and Reading sections that contribute to your composite score. Science and Writing sections are not included in admission evaluation.