Y. a best buy; U. diverse

"True blue" Mormons generally head to Brigham Young University while the University of Utah attracts a "diverse crowd."

So says the Fiske Guide to Colleges 2005, whose author writes, "From the time they are knee-high, Mormons in all corners of the country dream about coming to BYU."

The book's author, Edward B. Fiske, uses quotes from students that spokeswomen from both schools say don't paint a complete picture of why people choose one school or the other.

The U. and BYU are the only two schools from Utah in this new 765-page book, which also lists BYU as one of 43 "Best Buy" schools.

"Certainly, many young people who are members of the church, that is their goal, to come to BYU," said school spokeswoman Carri Jenkins.

One excerpt notes that the U. has a LDS Institute of Religion, which the book says sponsors dances and other social activities, "though the conservative social attitudes may dampen the spirits of the party animals."

A BYU student is quoted as saying that BYU is a "clean-scrubbed complacency farm," which Fiske says "may be just what the elder ordered."

The author also says of the U., "If you are looking for a diverse campus and an escape from what is typically a Mormon area — look no further."

U. spokeswoman Coralie Alder said students are not asked about religious affiliation on their applications, but that about half of U. students are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

"We value diversity and hope to continue to attract top students, regardless of race, gender, religion or social interest," Alder said.

The Fiske guide's assessment of the schools and its quotes — some printed in bold, larger lettering in the guide — don't exactly tell the whole story, according to Jenkins and Alder.

For example, the guide, which USA Today rates "the best college guide you can buy," says that most students choose BYU because of its commitment to church values. Jenkins disagrees, citing a survey of alumni who graduated in 2000.

The top two reasons those graduates chose BYU, she said, were that students wanted to develop their intellectual skills and prepare for a career.

The third most popular reason students chose BYU, according to the survey, was because of the school's "spiritually, religiously based education." After that, students liked what BYU had to offer in their areas of interest.

Other surveys, Jenkins added, have dubbed the school "stone-cold sober" or the "Got Milk?" school, but the school's academics and low price are what make BYU a popular choice.