Brigham Young University-Provo Top Questions

I really got a lot out of my classes here. I found it most effective to take a wide variety of classes in different fields until I discovered what I really wanted to get a degree in. I changed my major at least five times. Many classes are smaller and in those classes I feel more comfortable sharing my opinion or guessing and answer to a question. I took American Heritage with over 700 students and I must say that the class size was WAY too big. The teacher was not respectful of answers from us "common folk" and I think that was unfortunate. My favorite classes, besides those in my major, were definately the RMYL (Recreation Management and Youth Leadership). The Camping class and the Outdoor Recreation classes were so much fun. They really let me have fun for a few hours and forget about the piles of homework I had back at my apartment to do. I was able to try some new things and get to some a group of students in a different way than by taking a regular class.

At BYU some of the classes are big, and I mean really BIG but there are still opportunities to be mentored by a professor or TA. Once you get into your major and out of the GEs your teachers will get to know you. Overall I think that classes are pretty rigerous and teachers expect a lot out of the students. Many teachers also incooperate and LDS perspective when applicable. Well... my major is communications which is generally stereotyped as a journalist--but that isn't me. I was in advertising and actually changed because all of the professors were very arrogant but I am still doing comms and hope to go to grad school.

I love the education I am receiving at BYU...for not being a liberal arts college we really do over so many different majors that are competing with programs that are the best in the nation. Anything BYU does we do well and efficiently. The professors are incredible and I appreciate that event thought the professors could teach what ever they want and not get in trouble by the state they don't abuse that privilege and aren't pushing their own opinions on us.

BYU is a difficult school. The general courses require a lot because they really do want you to be rounded in all areas. Work ethic is usually pretty good, everyone studies quite a bit. We are highly involved politically, the recent debates, knowledge of the world. My favorite classes have been in my major, religion classes, and American Heritage. Least favorite was Geology, but I'm just not into that stuff. I'm in Nursing and I love to be with the same 64 girls and guys each semester because we get so close. Most of our professors care so much about us and our future patients that they are wonderful intellectually and communication wise which is so important in nursing. There have been a couple professors that do not care of the students or at least don't show it, but are very intelligent and therefore at least contribute intellectually when learning nursing skills.

I enjoyed my graduate experience at BYU much more than my undergraduate experience because I felt like I had a class. My undergrad was so huge (humanities) that it was hard to know all the faculty and students that were studying similar things. But my grad experience was phenomenal. I wouldn't trade it for any other two-year period of my life. Including my mission.

Teachers have a great sense of humor and teach with the gospel. Most classes are curved, which can be a good thing or a bad thing. Very few research opportunities compared to other universities. Great diversity in classes offered. VERY experienced professors and great career preparation.

My own experience with BYU's academics has been primarily with the Fine Arts Department and not any of the more general classes that BYU offers since I was a transfer student after getting my associates degree. Probably one of my favorite people that work for the Fine Arts Department are the advisers. They were essential in making all of my desires for academic excellence come true here at BYU. Not only were they helpful in knowing what was required for me to get my degree, but they also knew how to work around those requirements so that I could still take the classes that would make my experience here so much richer. I also was surprised to see the desire for the faculty to help you out in whatever way they could. If they couldn't have one on one time with you, they provided a very knowledgeable TA with lots of time to provide study sessions for tests, personal help with research, or just questions about grades and details like that. Usually the classes that I did the best in were the classes where I knew most of the people in the class and we got in contact with each other on a regular basis. Having at least one study buddy in the class has saved my life in countless situations. The students here are also usually very friendly so if you don't know anybody in your classes, it is usually very easy to meet them.

Hahah, study? While as most of my classes form around art and the HFAC, I know people that live at the library! One time I even stayed there til 1am because of a test that week. Yes, there is a lot of studying at BYU. College might be kicks and giggles for some people, but the rest of us have to study hard to get through to life. There will always be that one professor that you totally loathe, and you think they do too, but the simple fact is that sometimes you will have a conflict of interest, but you can usually tell yourself that "this too will pass" because you won't have that teacher again if you can help it. Just think of the brighter side of your class and get through it will all gusto! I'm a visual arts major (non-specific at this point), so it is very competitive, in my opinion. Especially the animation majors, that are my friends. That is one of the hardest majors to accomplish, because you must have drive, endurance, and patience. lol

Many of the schools here at BYU are competitive. BYU Students are known to be intelligent and hard workers. They know what it takes to get the job done, and therefore there will always be friendly competition. Class participation is very common. Professors are always willing to help students. Many professors even give our their home phone number or their cell phone number so that you may recieve help whenever needed.

Professors know who you are if you make yourself known. In my opinion, tests are the best way to determine grades - I hate papers and always do them last minute, so they don't exactly reflect my utmost intelligence. That's not just me, everyone else I knew (barring maybe one person) did that too). Students are....intelligent. In an academic way, at least. Deep conversations don't always abound, but I think that's healthy sometimes. Too much thinking can do you more harm than good.