When Can I Apply?
Applications for the Strategic Management program are accepted once a year. The application deadline is the last business day of June at 4:30 p.m. (MDT). Late applications will not be accepted.
You are eligible to apply after completing the mandatory prerequisites (ACC 200, IS 201, and ECON 110). Although other classes will help prepare you for the program, they are not required in advance.
Typically, students apply the summer after their sophomore year. However, freshmen, juniors, or seniors (who are willing to extend their BYU education) may also apply. Please note that deferment is only provided for medical reasons or military service, so students should be prepared to start the program in the fall if admitted.
Elements of the Application
GPA
Grades will be evaluated using a best two-out-of-three approach, where programs will equally weight the best 2/3 potential GPA calculations for use in admissions decisions. The three calculation options are prerequisite GPA, last 30-Credit-Hour GPA, and Overall BYU GPA. Typically, the average GPA of admitted students is > 3.8, although applicants should not be discouraged if they are slightly below this mark.
TEST SCORES
Your ACT or SAT score will be considered in the admissions process. No preference is given to a specific exam. Typically, admitted students have average scores of 29 or 1340. If you haven't taken these exams, you can apply test optional, but more weight will be given to your GPA and Case Interview. Please note these are average scores, applicants should not be discouraged if they are slightly below this mark.
CASE INTERVIEW
Applicants will be asked to respond to two question in a recorded interview format. Questions will ask why you chose to apply to strategic management, and a market sizing question. The first question is likely similar to your essay responses. To practice market sizing, please see WSA's resources here. We recommend practicing in advance. You will be assessed on your ability to answer the question, poise, and accuracy.
ESSAY
Applicants will be asked to write about why they chose to apply to strategy; what it is about a career in strategy that is appealing and why; and what personal attributes, background, or experiences they feel will help them excel in the major. We recommend utilizing BYU's Essay Tips and editing frequently. Essays and Resumes are typically used in the final steps of the application, when deciding who should receive final spots.
RESUME
Please review the BYU Marriott resume guide here. Your application resume must follow this format. Download the general BYU Marriott resume template for reference. We recommend tailoring your resume to Strategy. Focus on decision-making, problem-solving, and analytical skills you may have. VMock is a free tool you can use to get automatic feedback on your resume's formatting and content.
OTHER
The Strategy Program also provides preference to students who have expressed serious interest in Strategy. We highly recommend attending clubs such as WSA, MCA, CSA, and PMA. WSA's event calendar can be accessed here.
We Would Love to Help You Prepare
During application season, WSA hosts events and virtual workshops to assist you. Follow our Instagram for updates.
WSA highly recommends meeting with an academic advisor. Advisors are an excellent resource to help you determine if the program would be a good fit for you. We especially recommend speaking to the Strategy advisor.
Although you must submit your own application, current or former WSA members would be happy to offer additional assistance.
