Yes, NO and that area of Louisiana is a different beast all together. Our family that went to Jesuit were D1 sports recruits. It was totally different for them, but I know SEVERAL guys who went there who were not athletes and are nowhere close to Drs or engineers. All of DH's branch of the family are scattered. Pretty much all over the country, and overseas. We have had family at LSU since the 30's, when it was still Newcomb College and LSU. DH was the oldest and the first to go elsewhere. I get it, but I do think things in the area have changed since DH was in high school and college, based on what I see. More of DH's NO family is branching out. The kids are looking past LSU or Tulane.
We looked at Tulane for about 3 seconds. No way we are paying $80,000 a year! I don't know why anyone would pay what they are asking, even in state without serious scholarship money, which you basically have to have a 35-36 ACT and comparable coursework to even have a hope at. We have looked at LSU as an option for DD as well. Requirements for scholarships at LSU have stepped up a lot too. The ACT needed for academic scholarships is higher than when DH applied, and you can no longer get more than 20% of the $12,000 a year in out of state fees waived. You need a 32-33 ACT to get your tuition paid, much less room, board, books ect. That's going to take a serious resume. The situation, even at state schools, is highly competitive. That's why kids are in these programs.
I think it definitely prepares them for college. Kids who have gone through the program DD is in come back saying how thankful they are for being prepared in this way. It makes college much less stressful and more enjoyable for them, even at high pressure schools. While others are stressing over getting it together freshman year, they are fully prepared and can relax and settle in.