Navigating Admissions at Louisiana State University
Louisiana State University (LSU) provides a multitude of opportunities for prospective students. Understanding the admissions requirements is the first step toward becoming a Tiger. This article will cover the key aspects of LSU admissions, encompassing freshman, transfer, and international student requirements.
Admission Overview
Admission to LSU is based on a holistic review of a student's high school record. This includes the rigor of courses completed, grades, standardized test scores (if submitted), educational objectives, and experiences. The Admissions Committee reviews qualifications and application packages to determine whether additional predictors of success exist as a basis for admission. Other factors considered include choice of degree program, rank in class, scores on standardized tests (SAT or ACT), credit in advanced placement and honors courses, pattern and quality of courses, grade trends, educational objectives, extracurricular activities, and school recommendations.
Freshman Admission
Application Deadlines
The regular application deadline is April 15. However, the priority deadline for full consideration for LSU scholarships and for admission to the Honors College is December 15. Scholarship offers are made from December through April. All applicants are encouraged to apply well before the deadline dates.
Required Materials
To apply for undergraduate admission, prospective freshman students can access the application through /lsu.edu/admissions/apply/freshman.
The application for admission also serves as the application for all freshman scholarship programs and for the Roger Hadfield Ogden Honors College.
Read also: LSU Calendar Guide
A non-refundable application fee of $50 must accompany the application for admission or re-entry. This service fee is used to help cover the cost of processing applications. It is neither refunded if admission is denied, nor is it applied against other costs when a student subsequently enrolls.
Academic Requirements
High School GPA: LSU uses a recalculated GPA for consideration during the admissions process, reviewing the high school transcript and recalculating the GPA using the core academic courses taken (English, Math, Science, Social Studies, and Foreign Language). The minimum requirements for assured admission are 3.0 Core GPA on the 19 units of college-preparatory high school courses as outlined in the LSU Core. The average admitted student's GPA is around a 3.5 on a 4.0 scale. The ranges reflect what most admitted students scored, but many are outside these ranges.
- 3.75+: 59%
- 3.50-3.74: 18%
- 3.25-3.49: 14%
- 3.00-3.24: 9%
- 2.50-2.99: 1%
College Prep Courses: 19 units of college-preparatory high school courses as outlined in the LSU Core.
High School Rank: Required.
Standardized Test Scores: LSU has transitioned to a test-optional admissions process for the 2024-2025 application cycle, so submitting standardized test scores (SAT or ACT) is optional. However, if you choose to submit your test scores, here are the average score ranges for admitted students:
Read also: Louisiana Scholarship Eligibility
- SAT: 1130-1420
- ACT: 23-28Note that these are average scores, and students with scores both above and below these ranges are admitted. If you don't submit scores, you'll have one fewer dimension to show that you're worthy of being admitted, compared to other students. The minimum requirements for assured admission are a 1030 Old SAT (Critical Reading and Math)/1100 New SAT (Evidence Based Reading/Writing and Math)/22 Composite ACT.
Recommendations: Students must submit at least one letter of recommendation from an academic source (counselor, teacher, advisor, administrator, etc.) or someone who can speak to the student’s ambitions, work ethic, or perseverance through challenges.
Course Requirements
To be considered for admission, students must have completed the following high school coursework (in Carnegie Units):
- English: 4 units
- Math: 4 units
- Science: 4 units (two units from Biology, Chemistry, or Physics; remaining units from Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, Environmental Science, Physics, or related science AP courses)
- Social Studies: 4 units
- Foreign Language: 2 units (of the same language)
- Arts: 1 unit (selected from Fine Arts Survey, Art, Dance, Music, or Theatre)
Additional Considerations
Submitting additional materials like a resume, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement is not required but can be beneficial. These can help highlight accomplishments, interests, or any unique circumstances that you'd like the admissions committee to consider.
Early Admission Program
The Early Admission Program permits high school students who have not completed all requirements for a high school diploma to apply for admission to LSU as regular students, provided they fulfill these minimum requirements: 15 units of high school credit, including three units of English; an overall academic average of 3.00 (“B”); and a composite score of 28 ACT/1250 SAT. A limited number of students are selected from those who meet these requirements.
Concurrent Enrollment Program
The Concurrent Enrollment Program permits exceptional high school seniors to enroll in one or more courses at LSU when space, faculty, and other facilities are available. Students enrolled in this program will be required to attend classes on LSU’s campus. Students must have a GPA of 3.00 (“B”), a composite score of 27 ACT/1210 SAT, and be recommended by the high school principal or counselor for enrollment in a specific course or courses. Students must have completed the most advanced courses offered by their school in the academic areas in which they wish to enroll or must be considered qualified for the college course by the principal or counselor. Continuation in this model requires renewed approval each semester. Students are eligible for honors activities and are encouraged to visit the Honors College office. Students who participate in Concurrent Enrollment Program are responsible for all costs associated with attending LSU. These costs may include, but are not limited to, tuition and fees, a student parking permit, and books.
Read also: Understanding TOPS Eligibility
Transfer Admission
Students with previous college or university work from regionally accredited institutions may be considered for admission if they have an overall 2.50 GPA or better on all college work attempted, including a grade of “C” or better in both college-level courses in English and in mathematics (above remedial) that fulfill a general education requirement at the institution where they were taken.
LSU computes the GPA on all courses taken, including repeated courses, courses with incomplete grades, and those with any other grades, except “W,” “WA,” “WB,” “WC,” “WD,” “WF,” “unsatisfactory,” and “no credit.”
Effective Fall 2015, transfer students submitting an application for enrollment to LSU for Spring 2016 and beyond will be considered under the new plus/minus grading policy. Transfer students submitting an application for enrollment to LSU for Spring 2016 and beyond will be considered under the new plus/minus grading policy. From Spring 2016 forward, transfer coursework earned Fall 2015 and beyond from sending institutions awarding plus/minus grades will be included in the calculation of the student’s grade point average. Grade point averages will be computed using the lower grade given by institutions that issue upper/lower grades (“AB,” “BC,” etc.). Grades of “pass,” “credit,” and “satisfactory” will be treated alike and will be counted as earned hours, but not in the computation of the GPA. “Fail” will count as hours attempted, but not as hours earned, and will be used to compute the GPA, including any remedial course work.
All students will be considered for admission based on an evaluation of their likelihood of success at LSU.
Application Process
A prospective transfer student should submit an admission application and a complete official transcript from each college or university attended, whether or not credit was earned or is desired. Provisional admission, pending receipt of supplementary records, may be granted when it is impossible to obtain final records prior to scheduled registration dates.
Transfer Student Orientation
Transfer students are required to participate in the Transfer Student Orientation program. This program provides information about student services and resources at LSU and the credit evaluation process. Students meet with an advisor, obtain an ID card and a myLSU account, and schedule classes.
Re-entry After Absence
Re-entering students who have not enrolled in the university for one or more regular semesters must apply for readmission. Students who have attempted 29 or fewer semester hours at other accredited colleges or universities since last attending LSU must meet the senior college scholastic requirements for re-entry; or may be placed on scholastic probation or warning upon re-entry. Students who have attempted 30 or more semester hours at other accredited colleges or universities since last attending LSU must have a GPA of at least 2.50 on all college work attempted including a college-level course in English and in mathematics above the remedial level.
LSU Second Chance
If a student has not enrolled in any credit-bearing coursework for five or more years, the student may apply for the LSU Second Chance, which permits prior university credit to be carried over and applied to the total hours earned but not used in the computation of the grade point average. These credit hours may be applied towards degree program requirements if approved by the dean of the student’s major college. Only students who were admitted to LSU and left without a degree are eligible for the LSU Second Chance. Transfer students and students who have a degree from LSU are not eligible for consideration. Students must meet the residency requirements for the university before graduation.
Transfer Credit Evaluation
The Office of Enrollment Management evaluates credit from other institutions after the student’s complete application and all official transcripts from each college and university attended have been received. Credit earned in colleges and universities accredited by regional accrediting associations is generally accepted; however, courses taken at the lower (1000-2000) level cannot be given upper (3000-4000) level credit. For schools not regionally accredited, the university is guided in its decision regarding acceptance of credit by recommendations of selected institutions in the states in which the schools are located. Applicants who are admitted are given an opportunity, usually through advanced-standing examinations, to validate some or all of the credit. Questions relating to the evaluation of credit should be referred to the Office of Enrollment Management: Undergraduate Admissions. Questions relating to the acceptance of credit toward a degree program and the length of time required for completion of degree requirements should be referred to the appropriate senior college or school.
International Admission
International admission requirements are applied to all students who have international secondary or post-secondary educational credentials, regardless of country of citizenship, immigrant status, or visa status.
General Requirements
International students must meet the same admission requirements as detailed in previous sections. Any transcript or documentation issued in a language other than English must be sent with an official English translation. Official transcripts or scores are required showing completion of one of the above before a student can be exempted from the Duolingo/TOEFL/IELTS/PTE requirement.
The Office of Enrollment Management: Undergraduate Admissions reserves the right to require a satisfactory Duolingo/TOEFL/IELTS/PTE score from any applicant. Students must submit complete official records for the secondary level of education and are strongly encouraged to submit ACT or SAT scores. International students who have attended any post-secondary level college, university, or institution must apply as transfer students.
Transfer Students
International transfer students will have their transcripts evaluated using a 4-point grading system for all transferable credit from accredited international institutions. Students must submit official transcripts from each post-secondary institution attended, listing courses taken and grades earned. Also required are the official course descriptions or syllabi to be evaluated for possible credit toward an LSU degree. Transfer credit is not given for English as a second language, non-English native language courses, or vocational/technical courses. The minimum requirements for transfer are an overall GPA of at least 2.50 and 30 semester hours of transferable credit, including college-level courses in both English and math.
English Proficiency
An applicant whose native language is not English must demonstrate college-level English proficiency before admission through TOEFL (paper-based or internet-based), IELTS, or Duolingo.
Financial Resources
International applicants are required to offer proof of the availability of sufficient funds to meet all costs while studying in the United States. They must return the Confidential Financial Information Form and Affidavit of Support with the appropriate signatures and supporting documentation of available funds.
Application Deadline
All materials for admission must be on file in the Admissions Office at least 90 days before the beginning of the semester in which admission is desired.
Student Visa
Any person wishing to obtain a student visa to study in the United States must go through an interview process at the American Consulate or Embassy in his or her country. This interview must be scheduled after the I-20 is received. It may take a long time to get an appointment, so students should make this appointment as soon as the I-20 is received.
Additional Information
Immunization Requirements
All students enrolling for the first time at LSU or after an absence of one semester or more must furnish proof of immunization for (or immunity to) measles, meningitis, mumps, rubella, tetanus, diphtheria, and tuberculosis screening prior to enrollment at the university.
Selective Service Registration
All persons who are required to register for the federal draft under the federal Military Selective Service Act shall be required to certify on their application for admission that they have registered with the Selective Service.
Residency
Eligibility for classification as a Louisiana resident is determined by the Office of Enrollment Management: Undergraduate Admissions in accordance with LSU System regulations and is based on evidence provided on the application for admission and related documents. Regulations relate primarily to location of the home and place of employment. An individual’s physical presence within this state for one year must be associated with substantial evidence that such presence was with the intent to maintain a Louisiana domicile. For additional information concerning the establishment of residency, contact the Office of Enrollment Management: Undergraduate Admissions.
Campus Tours
Campus tours are offered Monday-Friday, excluding university holidays, in the LSU Geaux Center. Tour sessions begin with an overview of the campus, descriptions of programs of study, admission requirements, and information about student aid and scholarships. Special Saturday tours are conducted in the spring and summer semesters.
Freshman Orientation
Freshman applicants who intend to enroll at the LSU flagship campus must participate in a freshman orientation and registration program. This program includes introduction to campus resources and staff, testing for placement or advanced standing and the opportunity to select courses course preferences for the coming semester. Students must be admitted to the university and have submitted the enrollment deposit to participate in orientation.
Admission to the E. J. Ourso College of Business
Students in good standing may apply for admission to the E. J. Ourso College of Business after completing 24 credit hours on the LSU A&M campus, of which at least 9 hours must be from the E. J. Ourso College of Business core courses (ECON 2000, MATH 1023, ISDS 1102, and ACCT 2001) with a “C-” or better in each course. Students may apply for admission to the E. J. Ourso College of Business after final grades have been posted. Students may apply on the MyLSU portal the first day to add courses for the following semester in which they intend to enroll. The GPA requirements for each major are listed in the LSU catalog.
tags: #louisiana #state #university #admissions #requirements
