Louisiana State University SAT & ACT Scores

In February 2026, LSU's Board of Supervisors approved bringing back mandatory test scores for admission to the Baton Rouge campus, after a period of test-optional admissions. For 2027 entry terms, the rule depends on your cumulative weighted high school GPA. Below 3.5, you must send an ACT or SAT score to be considered for admission and merit scholarships. At 3.5 or higher, you choose on the Common Application whether LSU should consider your scores. If you opt out, LSU won't consider scores even if they appear on your transcript. LSU sets no minimum score, considers your superscore, and lets you self-report scores through STARS or the Common App. LSU described the board's decision as reinstating mandatory scores, so students applying for later terms should check LSU's admissions site for the current rule.

The SAT is less common at LSU: only 7% of enrolled first-year students in the fall 2024 entering class submitted it. Their middle 50% was 1180–1320, with a median of 1250. Evidence-Based Reading and Writing scores ran 600–680, and Math ran 580–660.

Because the SAT group is small, treat these numbers as a rough guide. Students in the fall 2024 entering class applied while LSU was test-optional, so the range covers only those who chose to send the SAT. LSU's admissions pages publish a separate range for recently admitted students who sent scores. That figure covers everyone admitted, while this one covers students who enrolled.

If your weighted GPA is 3.5 or higher, LSU's advice is to include scores when your superscore is at or above the admitted-class average, and to leave them out when your GPA is strong but your scores are below that average. An SAT at or above 1250 is in the upper half of enrolled students who sent the SAT.

40% of enrolled first-year students in the fall 2024 entering class sent the ACT, compared with 7% for the SAT. Their middle 50% composite was 24–30, with a median of 27. English scores ran 24–32, and Math scores ran 23–28.

Your testing choice at LSU doesn't change TOPS, Louisiana's state scholarship. The Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance, which runs TOPS, still requires test scores to be reported to it even if you apply to LSU test-optional. LSU considers your ACT superscore, and a composite of 30 or higher sits in the top quarter of enrolled ACT submitters.

LSU has no early decision or early action plan. It sends decisions on a rolling basis. The priority deadline for scholarships is in early December, and the regular deadline is in early February.

A practical target for Louisiana State University is an ACT of 30 or higher or an SAT of 1320 or higher, the 75th percentile for enrolled submitters. Scores near 27 or 1250 match the middle of the class. If your weighted GPA is below 3.5, you must send a score for 2027 entry, but LSU sets no minimum, so your score is read alongside the rest of your record.

LSU reviews each application as a whole. Its admissions pages list overall high school performance, rigor of coursework, grade trend, and grades in courses related to your intended major, along with test scores if submitted. Scores also count in merit scholarship review, and LSU says students in the top half of its applicant pool have historically qualified for scholarships.