re: I need help...

LSU is the flagship University of the State. And it has a Med School, Dental School, and a Vet School if you're considering something along those lines.

One thing to note: The "LSU is too big" argument is one that really irks me. No matter where you live on campus it won't take you more than 10 min to walk to any of your classes from your dorm or on-campus apartment. And if you're a science major, most of your classes are all going to be in one general area after your freshman year. I'd give the bus system a 4/5 as well.

Also to note, the Union is going through some awesome renovations and should be done by spring/fall of 2010. The campus is also REALLY nice in the spring time. Sunday afternoons on the parade grounds = And you can't leave here without running the lakes at least once.

I didn't have time to read this whole thread, so hope this helps.

I'm in almost the exact same situation (bleed purple and gold, have family nearby, want to go pre-med) except my parents are super excited about me going there next year. It's the snobs in my grade and teachers who think i should "aim higher" who are all "omg why are you going to louisiana state for college? why not SMU or TCU or, like, Harvard or something?" Anyways, my argument, besides the fact that I could never ever cheer for any other team besides LSU and have wanted to go to there all my life, was like this:

I'm in the Honors College (not that I actually plan on spending much time partying with the asian exchange students or the d&d club, but whatever), which will cut most of my class sizes by 50-75%, force me to work harder than I would in regular classes, and will look great on med school applications. Every college has one but if your heart is set on LSU, this might raise the academic standards in your parents' eyes.
Also, my dad was an alumni, so our out-of-state tuition fee was waived. This basically made the cost of paying for LSU cheaper than paying for my private school tuition. Unless you're qualifying for a whole bunch of other scholarships, LSU will be one of the cheapest schools for you out-of-state.
Finally, if you honestly won't be happy anywhere else, let them know that. Constantly. Hell, pretend to keep your mind open and visit some other colleges. Then point out how LSU is million times better

Well really it's more then just a party school. Yea, there a lot of cool parties, but it's also pretty tough. Like the mass comm college and business college are very demanding. Even if you want to go for the party, your still gonna have to do some work. Im sure your parents will appreciate that part of it, plus academically it's a great school.

Just tell them to check the website out or call administration for a brochure.

Basically, my parents said go wherever you want as long as your happy. I'm a pretty good distance away from home (over a 15 hour drive)

Coming to LSU was one of the best decision I have made. Its a lot of fun, awsome ppl, and I'm getting a good education