Criteria for Admission into LSU?

Hey there, I'm a junior this year and LSU is definitely on my college list. I'm curious, what are the admission criteria for LSU? Is it only about GPA and SAT or do they focus on other aspects as well?

Hey! LSU, like many universities, utilizes a holistic review process when considering applicants. This means they consider a range of factors, not solely GPA and standardized test scores. So firstly, let's discuss academics.

LSU's admission criteria are primarily focused on your academic performance in high school. This includes your GPA, course rigor, and standardized test scores if you choose to submit them. As of the most recent data available, the average weighted GPA for admitted freshmen tends to be around 3.8. However, like with all ranges, it is possible for accepted students to be above or below these numbers.

For standardized test scores, LSU is currently test-optional due to the ongoing changes in SAT and ACT administration. This essentially means you are not required to submit SAT or ACT scores, but you can if you believe they add value to your application. LSU's middle 50% SAT score range for admitted students who chose to submit traditionally falls between 1150-1300 and the comparable ACT range is 24-29.

In terms of course rigor, LSU looks favorably upon students who challenge themselves with AP, IB, or dual enrollment courses, where available.

In addition to academics, LSU considers a number of other factors in their admissions process. This includes your extracurricular activities, community service, work experience, personal essays, and letters of recommendation. When looking at these aspects, what LSU really wants to find is evidence of leadership, perseverance, initiative, and other qualities that indicate you will make a positive impact on their campus community.

Finally, LSU also provides an opportunity for prospective students to communicate unique circumstances that may have affected their academic performance through their Statements of Hardship. They allow for consideration of factors such as familial, financial, and educational hardships, so if you've faced significant obstacles, this could be a useful component to include in your application.

So, while GPA and test scores (if you choose to submit them) are important, they aren't the only factors. Emphasizing your strengths in other areas can certainly play a role in admissions decisions!