Tiger Pride!

Introduction
College means something different to adults than it does to students. To adults, it's a place to get an education and begin your adult life. For kids, it's primarily about having a good time before you enter *THE REAL WORLD*. They're both right. In my college selection process, I wanted a school that would allow me both opportunities - to grow and to be a kid to the fullest of my abilities - in a comfortable, fun setting where I'd make lifelong friends to share my experiences with in college and after it.

When I visited LSU, I knew this place would completely address all my needs and be the best of all worlds. LSU offers an enormous array of fields of study (and training for a variety of career paths) for a tution lower than most. It also has an amazing social scene, filled with everything from clubs and organizations to the raucous of raucous parties you'll remember when you're sitting at that desk in your 30s gazing at the Alumni Magazine...

There's more: LSU is home to one of the greatest football teams/crowds and boasts a gorgeous campus and consistently warm, paradise-like (though sometimes too humid) weather. We also have many nationally-ranked academic programs, though we lack the elite reputation of some private colleges.

Campus Life and Social Life
I have to admit, one of the top draws of LSU for me was the social life. Whether you're looking to party all week long or just on the weekends, there is always something happening here. There are 10 bars within walking distance from campus and at least double that if you're willing (and able) to take a 5-minute drive downtown. Downtown also boasts a rising music scene with an unbelievable variety of bands, if that's your thing. If you're looking for smaller-scale partying, there are always countless parties on campus or in off-campus student apartments.

The administration is also heavily involved in helping students feel at home here, hosting weekly events to help students relax and take breaks from their studies.

I should also say again that if you're into sports, you will find all that excitement here. NEVER have I felt exhiliration like the thrill I get on game night in Tiger Stadium. Want to see what the big names in sports have said about playing there? Check out http://www.tigerstadium.com/quotes.htm Advertisement
Academics
LSU has nationally recognized LAW, JOURNALISM, MUSIC and BUSINESS programs. The Engineering, Construction Management, and Architecture programs are also top-notch and offer excellent research facilities.

The downside: I have found that our Psych and Sociology classes are extremely dull. If either is your area of interest, I'd caution against applying here.

Student Body
LSU has a very large Greek population so that's the dominant presence on campus, but the kids here are diverse on the whole. You'll find people here who participate energetically in music, arts, sports, politics, and religion. Whatever your niche, there's a sub-community here for you.

In Closing...
Something you may not know: the Mascot for LSU, Mike the Tiger, is a live Bengal Tiger. He is available for viewing every day of the week in a 2-million-dollar cage donated by Tiger fans worldwide.