Brigham Young University - Provo

Date: May 26 2007
Major: Design Arts - Industrial Design/Graphic Design/etc (This Major's Salary over time)
I attended BYU as a Non-member on a full scholarship. I don't really regret going, but if I had it to do over again, I would not go to BYU and I do not recommend the school to other non-member students or any student who thinks a university experience should open their minds up to alternative ways of seeing the world.

In some ways, the education is worse for members. Since I am not LDS, I at least learned about a new way of seeing the world. I would never want to be LDS, especially after attending BYU, but now I know what it is like to be in an extreme, obedience-obsessed religion that is consumed by how they appear to others. I was continually "friendshipped." I was careful not to insult the LDS religion, but I grew very weary of being people's conversion projects. I am sure I had hundreds of people praying for my conversion.

There is no room for really respecting others' beliefs in a deep or meaningful way. Most LDS people believe theirs is "the only true church." I went to countless "testimony" meetings where people parroted this exact phrase. Needless to say, BYU is not a great place for the open sharing of alternative beliefs.

I made the mistake of being open about my beliefs twice. Even the LDS students who considered themselves open and who were critical of LDS exclusivity and arrogance were not safe confidants. If you go there, be wise—don't share ANY of your beliefs if they don't align with LDS beliefs. You will regret it if you open up. Trust me.

Some programs are technically okay and the facilities are good, but you will have to go to the most awful religion classes. They were a direct assault on reason. I read the Book of Mormon eight times while at BYU. I can't imagine how a thinking person can serious believe the Book of Mormon is a literal history as LDS members claim. When it comes to their religion and especially the B of M, there is no room for critical thinking.

Some of the students are insufferably arrogant. Generally, there is a naive "friendliness" everywhere, but it does not run deep. The competition for a spouse is keen, and the angst runs deep.

Most LDS are very bigoted against gays and women. They aren't as bad as many evangelicals, but the bigotry is openly institutionalized at BYU. Most LDS will say they aren't bigoted againt gays, but will admit they are treated differently. On the other hand, they don't even see their bigotry against women, because it is like air—it is everywhere. I was surprised how women were treated by the faculty, men, and especially by other women. If you are female, and you are serious about your education, go to a different school. Many women dropped out after finding a husband. It is NOT a female-friendly school.

I went to three other universities after BYU. I received a second BS degree and my Masters from a liberal UC school, and I am still working slowly towards finishing my doctorate. My business and family seem to trump my dissertation most nights. I loved my post-BYU studies. I have been deeply challenged and have changed who I am and how I see life completely. With regards to opening me up to seeing the world in different ways, BYU was not even a university in comparison. BYU is about strengthening LDS beliefs and obedience. If that is what you want, I am sorry, but BYU might be the right place for you.