The University’s Undergraduate Admissions Department held its Kickoff LSU event for the fourth time this fall on Friday where 335 high school seniors and juniors visited campus to learn about being a student at the University.
 Kickoff LSU is the largest on-campus recruitment event and features events all over campus to show potential Tigers what sets the University apart from other schools. Coordinator of On-Campus Events and State Rally Janae Theriot said the biggest goal for Kickoff LSU was to have as many prospective students attend and learn about what the University offers.
“We want every student to feel like they’re so special and like a member of the LSU community,” Theriot said.
Many students in attendance had a positive takeaway from the event, with several students saying the event is what sold them. Kaitlynn Miller from Luling, Louisiana, enjoyed the contrast of the big campus to her small hometown and the enthusiasm shown by current University students.
“The students are really lively,” Miller said. “The school itself has a lot of pride and I haven’t seen that in any other college.”
Miller added that she was concerned about the consequences of losing TOPS to budget cuts, especially after having being promised it for years. Kickoff LSU did hold a presentation to address any questions or concerns about scholarships and financial aid.
Several students came away from the event with a better understanding of what they wanted to study after learning about what programs were offered. Aubrey Hurley was undecided on a major before attending Kickoff LSU but the events helped her find one.
“I received a lot more information about what I want to major in,” Hurley said. “I wasn’t too sure but now I definitely know what I want to do.”
Many students and parents praised the LSU Ambassadors. Mary Mitchell, who was attending with her daughter, Caroline, said the ambassadors were very enthusiastic and welcoming.
Friday was the fourth time Kickoff LSU was held this semester. The event originally only took place in the fall on Fridays before home football games but has been expanded to a few more Fridays as well as several dates in the spring semester.
The event was also originally only open to high school seniors but has since been expanded to juniors. Every student that attends returns home with several items including an LSU t-shirt and an “LSU Bound” yard sign.