LSU’s New Admission Policy Receiving Criticism
There’s controversy about LSU’s decision to adopt a holistic review when considering applications from new students. The review process would factor in more than just a high school senior’s ACT and GPA, and incorporate other elements for consideration. Board of Regents member, Richard Lipsey, not speaking for the board, says the move would hurt both LSU and regional colleges.
"And if now we can say don't worry about supporting Thibodaux or Lake Charles, you can come to LSU, because we are going to lower our standard, all we are doing is hurting the colleges and cities round the state," said Lipsey.
But LSU Vice President of Enrollment Jose Aviles says that’s just not the case, and holistic review does not lower standards or pull in students who shouldn’t be at the flagship university. Aviles says they utilized the method during the last enrollment period and saw higher ACT scores despite adding 1,000 students.
"When you look at ACT averages, we are matching last year's historic high, of 26," said Aviles.
Aviles, says standardized test scores are also not a true predictor of how students will perform in college. He says that's why they are analyzing a student's extracurricular work and course load.
"All GPAs are not created equal, we want take a deeper dive into the transcript, to look at the student's strength of high school schedule for example, courses that were available to the students versus the courses the student selected," said Aviles.
Lipsey says he’s concerned that such a change could incentivize the legislature to get involved, if it determines that LSU is trying to change entry standards for students, or pull in more out of state students at the expense of locals.
"Create political chaos in a state like Louisiana that always the legislature wants to get involved in the university's politics," said Lipsey.
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