Several factors contribute to this:
* Competitive Application Pool: LMU receives a large number of applications each year, many from well-qualified students.
* Strong Academic Requirements: Applicants generally need strong high school GPAs and high SAT/ACT scores. However, LMU emphasizes a holistic review, so strong grades and test scores are not the only factors.
* Emphasis on Extracurricular Activities: LMU looks for well-rounded applicants who have demonstrated involvement in extracurricular activities, leadership roles, and community service.
* Essays and Recommendations: The application essays and letters of recommendation are crucial in showcasing the applicant's personality, aspirations, and fit with the university's values.
To quantify it, LMU's acceptance rate is typically in the low to mid 40% range, meaning that a significant portion of applicants are not accepted. This fluctuates slightly year to year.
Therefore, while not impossibly difficult, getting into LMU requires a strong application, demonstrating both academic excellence and well-rounded involvement. Prospective students should aim for above-average grades and test scores, and carefully craft their application materials to highlight their unique strengths and fit with the LMU community.