Admission Questions

FAQ for Pathway Presentations

ADMISSION QUESTIONS

Q: What if I have previous college credit from another school? A: Transfer credit is not evaluated during Pathway. It is only evaluated if a student enrolls in a BYU-Idaho degree program following Pathway. All students are required to complete the prescribed Pathway curriculum regardless of previous credit earned.

Q: What if I attended a Church school previously? A: Students who have earned at least 15 credits at any Church college are eligible (if they desire) to apply to BYU-Idaho Online directly. However, they will pay the full tuition rate.

Q: What is the English proficiency requirement? A: All Pathway courses and weekly gatherings are facilitated entirely in English. Some students are required to take an English proficiency assessment to determine if they meet the minimum level of proficiency required to succeed.

Q: Do I need a bishop’s endorsement to participate in Pathway? A: No. Pathway is intended to be a period of preparation, both academically and spiritually. However, students who desire to apply to BYU-Idaho Online after Pathway will be required to get an ecclesiastical endorsement at that time.

Q: When is the application deadline? A: Fall (mid August); Winter (mid December)

Q: How will I know the status of my application for admission? A: Log in to pathway.lds.org

AFTER PATHWAY QUESTIONS

Q: Will Pathway course credits transfer to other colleges or universities? A: Transfer credit evaluation occurs locally by each school. Students interested in transferring to a local college or university after Pathway should contact that school to determine if and how Pathway course credits will transfer.

Q: If I am already admitted to Pathway, why do I have to apply to BYU-Idaho Online after Pathway? A: Pathway is a separate program from BYU-Idaho Online. Pathway students who desire to continue their education through the online degree program must apply for admission.

Q: What are the admission requirements to be eligible for BYU-Idaho Online? A: Students must achieve a B average during Pathway and get an ecclesiastical endorsement from their bishop or branch president. Students will apply for admission at www.lds.org/church-education.

Q: What if I want to take a break after Pathway, but then later apply to BYU-Idaho Online? A: No problem. Students can take as long of a break as they'd like. Whenever they apply to BYU-Idaho Online, they will still be eligible to keep the reduced tuition rate.

Q: What value are professional certificates? A: Professional certificates are designed to expose students to a field of study in a way that will prepare Focus Groups — 2016 Marketing Materials Page 2

them for better jobs. Better jobs and increased income often become available to students who complete a certificate. Certificates also build into BYU-Idaho associate and bachelor’s degrees, so no credits are lost.

Q: What degrees can I earn through Pathway? A: None. Pathway does not offer degrees. Pathway is a college preparation program that prepares students to further their education. Students who desire to earn a college degree may consider such goals after Pathway. Students may consider applying to BYU-Idaho Online or a local college or university of their choice.

Q: Why are there only a few bachelor degree options available through BYU-Idaho Online? A: Online degrees take a great deal of time and collaboration to create. BYU-Idaho anticipates adding additional degrees in the future.

Q: How long do I have to complete a degree through BYU-Idaho Online? A: Technically, students are given eight years to finish a degree. If students take longer than that they may be required to take some additional courses and may lose some of the credits they have already completed.

GATHERING QUESTIONS

Q: Do I have to attend the Thursday evening Pathway gatherings? A: Yes. Attendance and participation at the weekly gatherings is expected and comprises a significant portion of a student's overall course grade.

Q: What if I need to miss a gathering? A: Attendance and participation at the weekly gatherings is expected and comprises a significant portion of a student's overall course grade. Students will lose grade points when they do not attend. Multiple absences may cause a student to be ineligible for admission to BYU-Idaho's Online after Pathway.

PATHWAY COURSES QUESTIONS

Q: Do I need a laptop? A: It is highly recommended. However, students are just required to have daily access to any computer with high-speed Internet.

Q: Can I work at my own pace? A: Yes and no. There will be assignments due every week and it is very important that you keep up. This will require you to pay close attention to due dates.

Q: What if I need help with my homework? A: You will have very close interaction with your instructor. You will also have other students in your Pathway group and in your online class that you can work together with. There is also free tutoring available from BYU-Idaho online and over the phone.

TUITION & FINANCIAL AID QUESTIONS

Q: How long does the reduced tuition rate last? A: Students will receive the low Pathway tuition rate during Pathway and in BYU-Idaho Online Program. However, tuition typically increases annually.

Q: Is financial aid available? A: Pathway is a college preparation program and does not grant degrees. Therefore, students are not eligible for U.S. federal financial aid. Once they complete Pathway and matriculate into a degree program, Focus Groups — 2016 Marketing Materials Page 3

they will be eligible to apply for federal financial aid. International students do not qualify for any type of U.S. federal financial aid but may consider using the Perpetual Education Fund (PEF) if it is available.