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
  • extent to which the applicant promotes the goal of diversity
  • 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-Exclusinve 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 2025 IOWA ACT/PLAN/ASPIRE • Extracurricular Activities• Child of LSU/University Lab School Employee• Disciplinary history• Diversity
II. ULS Goals Considered When Making Admission Decisions • Implementation of exemplary, research-based teaching practices.
• Provision of a safe environment that promotes teaching and learning.
• Provision of a rigorous curriculum rich in the liberal arts and sciences.
• Promotion of a diverse community of learners and teaching professionals.
III. Diversity Considerations by the Admissions Committee ULS believes that interaction among students from different backgrounds and with different life experiences enriches the overall learning environment. Because students learn from one another as well as from our faculty, diverse racial, socioeconomic, religious, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds improve understanding of and appreciation for the differences among individuals and social groups. In keeping with that goal, the admissions committee will consider race and ethnicity as well as religious diversity, diversity in life experiences and socioeconomic diversity as a factor when considering applications for admission.
IV. Special Admissions To further the mission and partnership of the Lab 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. 

Policy of Nondiscrimination 

To assure equal opportunity for all qualified persons in admission to or participation in the programs and activities of the University Lab School, no preference is given to any race, creed, color, religion, gender, national origin, or disability. University Laboratory School prohibits discrimination against any applicant because of race, creed, color, ethnicity, religion, gender, national origin, or disability. Applicants with disabilities must be qualified otherwise for the program they seek to enter, with or without reasonable accommodations, and must be able to perform the essential elements of the program.