What are LSU's Admission Standards?

Hello! I've been looking into LSU as a college option, but I'm kinda confused about what they're expecting from applicants. GPA, extracurriculars, essays, etc... anyone could give me a rough rundown? Thanks, everybody!

Sure, happy to clarify LSU's admission standards for you!

1. Academics: LSU has a minimum requirement of a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale for their undergraduate admissions. However, the average GPA of admitted students is about 3.8.

2. Course Rigor: They look for students who took challenging classes during high school. That means AP courses, dual enrollment, or other college-prep classes.

3. SAT/ACT scores: Although LSU has a test-optional policy due to COVID-19, if you choose to submit your test scores, the middle 50% of admitted students generally have ACT scores between 24 and 29, and SAT scores between 1150 and 1300.

4. Extracurriculars: Like any university, LSU values students who are engaged in their communities. That doesn't mean you need a ton of extracurriculars -- a few that you're deeply committed to can actually be much more significant.

5. Essays: While the LSU application doesn't require a general personal statement, there are short answer questions that you'll need to respond to. Treat these like mini-essays -- they're your chance to add a personal touch to your application and make a memorable impression.

6. Recommendations: LSU requires at least one letter from either a teacher, counselor, or administrator. It's usually best to get these from teachers who know you well and can talk about your academic achievements and personal growth.

Please note that LSU has a holistic admissions process, which means they consider not just your grades and test scores, but also your essays, extracurricular activities, recommendation letters (if submitted), and the full arc of your achievements in high school. Each part of your application gives the admissions committee a different perspective on your capacities.

Good luck with your application!