Criteria
Applicants will be selected for admission to University Laboratory School by an admission committee consisting of the superintendent and principals of ULS, a representative selected by the superintendent, a representative of the Dean of the College of Human Sciences & Education and a representative from Louisiana State University selected by the university president.
The following factors, in no particular order, may be considered by the selection committee:
- readiness for the curriculum at University Laboratory School
- most recent academic performance
- demonstrated level of maturity
- demonstrated academic ability
- standardized test scores
- discipline record from other schools attended
- academic rigor of the applicant’s prior program
- goal of maintaining a balance of males and females in each class
- non-academic accomplishments
- significant life challenges faced by the applicant
- whether the applicant has siblings who currently attend University Laboratory School and have attended for at least one full school year
- whether the applicant has siblings who have recently been admitted to University Laboratory School
- whether the applicant is a dependent of a University Laboratory School alumnus
- whether the applicant is a dependent of a full-time LSU employee
- whether the applicant has another significant connection with Louisiana State University or University Laboratory School
- other factors that the admissions committee believes contribute to a complete evaluation of the applicant
University Laboratory School generally receives more applications than the school’s enrollment can accommodate. Although a candidate for admission may successfully meet some or all of the criteria listed below, this does not assure admission. Generally, an applicant is reviewed based on the application, including any added materials, and personal interactions, if any. To the extent an applicant wishes to share information that relates to one or more of the factors set forth below, such may be done in space provided on the application and/or with a one-page addendum. Outside letters of recommendation are not necessary but may be submitted with a completed application. Principal and teacher recommendations should be sent directly to the Admissions Office by the student's current school, if any. The admissions committee and/or the Director may request an interview or additional information from any applicant. Each candidate for admission is presented to an admissions committee. The admissions committee will consider each applicant and make a recommendation to the Director. The review of applications is holistic, with consideration of many criteria, including those listed below. The admissions committee neither assigns point values nor ranks applicants. The admissions committee and/or the Director may request an interview or additional information from any applicant. The deliberations of the admissions committee are confidential. The Director will make final admission decisions. Any questions about an application may be directed to ulsadmissions@lsu.edu.
I. Non-Exclusive Criteria Which May be Considered by the Admissions Committee (in no particular order) | Siblings currently enrolled Parent alumni Grandparent alumni Other family alumni (aunt, uncle) Academic record (GPA, LEAP, IOWA, ACT/PLAN/ASPIRE) Extracurricular activities Child of LSU/University Laboratory School Employee Disciplinary history |
II. ULS Goals Considered When Making Admission Decisions |
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III. Special Admissions | To further the mission and partnership of the University Laboratory School and Louisiana State University, the admissions committee may be convened to review and consider mid-year candidates at the request of the University. The admissions team and the Director will employ the same criteria and processes detailed in this policy when reviewing any mid-year candidates. |
LEAP Tests
Students entering 5th grade or 9th grade are required to pass the LEAP 2025 Test or the State Placement Test prior to enrollment.