Brigham Young University announced this year's admissions decisions after about 13,500 prospective students applied.
The BYU application changed several years ago to take a broader approach, Todd Hollingshead, the university's spokesperson, said.
"About six years ago, we kind of reviewed the process and really bolstered it and made it a little more — like I said — holistic in reviewing every element of the application," Hollingshead said.
The new BYU application reviews students' GPAs, essays, recommendations and extracurricular activities. Since the change, the number of applicants has increased.
"The last cycle of admissions applications is the highest we've seen since that change," Hollingshead said.
The BYU acceptance rate is about 70% and has steadily increased over time, Hollingshead said.
An Instagram reel featured C. Shane Reese, president of BYU, as he welcomed the new students to BYU.
"Your unique experiences and characteristics will add to our BYU community," President Reese said. "I hope you are excited to make BYU your home away from home."
In the reel, President Reese also explained that students will have the opportunity to grow spiritually, deepen intellect, build character and serve.
Mary Smith is a BYU freshman this year. Smith had always dreamed of coming to BYU, she said. She recalled that she immediately called her dad when she received her acceptance letter.
"He was like, 'You're in, you're in!' and came home from work (and) put on this BYU dad shirt that he had been waiting to put on," Smith said.
Lizzy Hess, another BYU freshman, recalled that she was equally excited.
"It just was relaxing to just know that my dream had come true," Hess said.