Anna sat in a circle eating jambalaya with old high school buddies, reminiscing and talking about random things. Afterward she took a walking tour of campus, visiting the sculpture garden, noting the sidewalk ads and watching physics experiments.
Free food and entertainment, course exemption and orientation programs drew thousands of high school students to the University on Wednesday for Spring Testing. The University invites high school seniors with at least 3.0 grade point averages and ACT scores of 25 for the priority orientation.
Terrebonne High School’s Anna Castrillo is just one of many students who learn about the University, test out of classes, schedule and attend informational and entertaining programs.
Castrillo travelled from Houma, La., with only one other person from her high school to Spring Testing. However, she said the University was not a lonely place because she was able to hang out with some of her old friends from high school who are current students.
Castrillo’s Spring Testing adventure began Wednesday when she took her Spanish test.
“[The test was] freaking hard, and I’m Spanish,” she said.
After the test she went to the Preview Session, a welcoming program with the Chancellor, Nick Saban and other campus leaders. She arrived late because of her Spanish test.
After attending the crowded welcome, LSU Ambassadors split the testers into groups divided by intended major. Castrillo said she felt pressured to meet new people because she was placed in a small group with people she did not know.
The event gave her the chance to meet with other future pre-med majors in her assigned group. They discussed the schedule, how to get around campus and what to expect at Spring Testing and LSU in general.
Ambassadors then explained the orientation booklets to Castrillo and helped her use the school’s Web site. The itinerary was confusing, but her Ambassadors helped her out, she said.
      The University impressed Castrillo, but students were calmer than she was expecting.
“LSU is fun, but I always thought it was a wild and crazy school,” she said.
She took her math exam Thursday morning in the Fieldhouse. It was not that bad, but the building was far away and unattractive, she said.
“It wasn’t bad at all. I was expecting it to be boring like the ACT, but it was better,” she said.
Spring Testers have a schedule, but they can pick and choose the activities and tests they take. Exams are offered in foreign languages, math and sciences. Students can attend seminars on topics including learning PAWS, scheduling tips, studying abroad, career services and scholarships.
Testers also can take their pictures for student ID cards, although they will not get their cards until classes begin. Testers also had the opportunity to go on guided tours of campus, residence halls, cultural centers and religious organizations.
“From my point, other students are excited and want to do all the activities,” Castrillo said. “They planned it out really well, but some things are not for everyone.”
She said the ID line was long, but she lucked out by going right before they closed so she did not have to wait in line.
One problem she foresees about the University is parking.
“I don’t know how I’m going to park every day,” she said. Her friend’s mom took her to campus for testing, but she still noticed the parking situation.
Corinthia Emery, from Central, La., also said parking is bad. She noticed the school has a lot of students but few parking spaces.
She said she has enjoyed Spring Testing events. She also likes the people at LSU because they have been helpful to her.
Danni Balczon from Murphy High School in Murphy, Ala., said she has had a lot of fun at Spring Testing even though she came not knowing anyone. She wants to come to LSU because she likes the location.
“I have a nice roommate and the bathrooms are clean,” said Balczon, who is staying in Broussard.
Chris Kaleel, an LSU Ambassador, said he loves Spring Testing because it pumps potential students up. He said Spring Testing gives Ambassadors the chance to show exceptional students how much LSU cares about them.
Castrillo agreed because LSU was not her first choice, but after visiting campus she likes the University and looks forward to coming. She has visited other campuses and did not like the people or buildings as much as LSU’s, she said.
Spring Testing is a good program because, “All the smart kids and nerds are finally getting something,” Castrillo said.
She liked the numerous free food opportunities, testing out of classes and missing school.
Kaleel also had ranked LSU his third choice college before he attended Spring Testing. He saw how LSU makes Spring Testers a priority by allowing them to schedule first.
“I came to LSU more reserved,” he said. “The Ambassadors made me feel so comfortable and so excited, which is why I wanted to come here.”
Kaleel decided to become an Ambassador because he appreciated how his Ambassadors eased his transition to college.
“LSU does so much in attracting students,” he said. “Spring Testing gives the chance to see first-hand the greatness of LSU.”
Orientation sessions are held all summer but for shorter periods with less students. Spring Testing is energizing because it occurs during the busiest time of year when campus is bustling with activity, Kaleel said.