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Multicultural Student Services

SOAR INFORMATION

SOAR is a BYU college preparation & scholarship program that values and provides opportunities to domestic students who possess a variety of individual characteristics, perspectives, and talents, and who have a variety of life experiences and circumstances. It aims to expose students to BYU campus, faculty, and advisors to guide them through the admissions application in order to become competitive BYU applicants.

Although SOAR is open to all domestic students after their junior year of high school (or equivalent), priority will be given (through a holistic evaluation) to individuals who lack access to the same educational resources, experiences, and opportunities as others.
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SOAR Information

Benefits of the SOAR Program

1. Identify students committed to BYU’s unique mission.
2. Exposure to BYU campus & college life
3. Strengthen students’ BYU admissions application
4. Connect students to various university departments, faculty members, and administrators
5. Assign an advisor to help navigate SOAR and higher education
6. If admitted to BYU*, be considered for a 4 year need-based scholarship** and holistic advisement
*Note: successful completion of the SOAR program DOES NOT constitute acceptance to BYU. Students are still expected to go through the normal application process and will be evaluated by the admissions office: apply.byu.edu
**Students are evaluated regarding their financial need

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Format

To maximize access to those who apply SOAR will be offered in person on the following weeks

  • June 24- June 28
  • July 8-July 12
  • July 15- July 19

Students will participate the summer before the year they are eligible to apply for BYU (usually right before their senior year of high school or equivalent) and be admitted to only one of the formats (in-person/online). Student preferences, abilities, and circumstances will be considered in the review process.

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Pillars of SOAR

In accordance with the objectives of SOAR and the Aims of a BYU Education, each SOAR session will provide the following core elements:

  • Spiritually strengthening:
    • All workshops and activities will interweave both the secular and spiritual nature of BYU, giving the student an accurate view of how BYU integrates spiritual learning with other areas
    • Devotional
  • Intellectually enlarging:
    • Students receive exposure to what it’s like being taught by a BYU professor in a classroom setting
    • Students are connected to academic resources that will help them on campus: TAs/tutors, academic advisors, Research & Writing Center, etc.
    • Students receive exposure to major and career resources to help them start the process of discovery for themselves (e.g., McKay School of Education)
    • Exposure to the BYU Admissions process and education to help clearly outline the expectations and resources to be a competitive applicant to BYU
    • Students receive test preparation (ACT/SAT) materials and instructions
  • Character building:
    • Students are connected to various departments that help them be successful on campus: Counseling & Psychological Services, University Accessibility Center, Multicultural Student Services, Enrollment Services, Campus Life, Career Services, etc.
    • Students are exposed to the various social aspects of college with a focus on building connections with their peers
    • Students will engage in crucial conversations about where they are in their personal heritage, and become equipped to navigate difficult discussions in college
    • Students will be exposed to students of other backgrounds and have opportunities to share and teach about their own life experiences
  • Lifelong learning and service:
    • All sessions are geared towards the joys of learning in all its forms, as well as the service opportunities BYU offers
    • In connecting with faculty, administrators, and other students participants can integrate learning with BYU’s service-oriented mission

SOAR Fee

In-person SOAR: $350 (scholarships available)
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Refund Policy

If you withdraw from any SOAR session more than 15 days before your session begins, you may receive a refund, minus a nonrefundable $50 fee. After that time, you will not be able to receive a refund as housing and all other arrangements have been finalized. You should receive a refund in three to four weeks. No refund will be given when a participant is sent home for violating SOAR standards and rules; legal guardians will be responsible for all travel arrangements and expenses.
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Scholarships

Upon receipt of a free/reduced lunch form from your school, you can be considered for a need-based tuition scholarship in the amount of $300
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Special Accommodations

If you would like additional information on special accommodations, please email us at soar@byu.edu