The number of requests for applications have increased compared to this time last year. Recent news reports have indicated that requests have increased because of the LSU Tigers’ Sugar Bowl win, but they are not increasing solely because of the victory.
Cleve Brooks, dean of admissions, said even though the game does bring national exposure to the school, people are not applying solely because of the University’s winning football team. He said application requests increased well before the Tigers played in the SEC championship game. However, said Brooks, the game could be one factor contributing to the rising interests prospective applicants have for the University.
Andy Benoit, LSU recruitment director, said the national exposure and having Tiger football coach Nick Saban representing the school definitely helps the University’s recruitment.
Benoit said recruiters responded to 400 telephone calls from people requesting information about the University three days after the championship game.
He also said the recruitment staff has had a lot of inquiries from out-of-state prospective applicants and their parents, asking questions about deadlines and requesting campus tours.
Benoit said he does not attribute the increase in interest solely to LSU being in the national spotlight.
“There’s probably a number of different efforts,” he said.
University recruiters have traveled the state since August seeking prospective students, Benoit said. Since July, 21,000 people have been contacted by the University.
He said it is hard to pinpoint exactly what has been causing the application request increase, but he does credit the academic caliber of the University with attracting students’ interest.
“We’re aiming toward quality here at LSU,” Benoit said.