Pre-Health Program

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The medical school acceptance rate among Lake Forest graduates is 90% versus the national average of just 40%. Graduates of the pre-health programs go on to such graduate schools in top programs around the country as Brown University, Stanford University, Princeton University, and the University of Chicago, to name a few. 

  • <em>Alina Konnikova ‘11 listens for a child’s lung clarity while volunteering in Costa Rica</em>
    Alina Konnikova ‘11 listens for a child’s lung clarity while volunteering in Costa Rica

Advising by the Health Professions Advisory Committee (HPAC) is designed for students in all majors – but students most often come from Biology, Chemistry, Neuroscience, Psychology, Physics, or Mathematics. HPAC assists students who are interested in entering programs in the health professions, including medical and dental school, nursing school, pharmacy school, physical therapy training, etc.

 

The goals of the HPAC are to:

  • advise appropriate course selection
  • help plan timing and sequence of courses
  • aid in assessing student’s progress toward professional school goals
  • provide information about professional school requirements and admission criteria
  • provide information and assistance regarding standardized tests 
  • assist students in selecting schools and in the application process, including writing a cover letter

 

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Check out what alumni are doing in the health and medical professions

  • Alexandra Charron MD ‘09

    University of Maryland School of Medicineimage

    About her volunteer work in Kenya: “My time at Lake Forest College provided a great base to build on my experiences to achieve my goal of going to medical school. Being a small school, it was so easy to get involved in research and extracurriculars. The pre-health advisers were a huge asset, with their extensive knowledge of what would make me a great applicant and their willingness to go above and beyond to help me achieve my goals. I wouldn’t be where I am without the people at Lake Forest College.”

  • Simon Kotlyar MD, MSC ‘99image

    Medical School for International Health

    About his UN mission in Liberia: “The commitment to each student is what stands out in my memory of the learning environment at Lake Forest College. Knowing the science is the first step, just as important, however, is figuring out how to translate one’s knowledge into practice. The first part demands academic rigor, the second requires guidance and mentorship. I respected this dichotomy as a student at LFC and I strive to impart this standard in my work today.”

  • Karina Nikogosian ‘07Karina Nikogosian ‘07 examines the interior of the eye at her optometry externship

    “The professors at Lake Forest College provided me with a nurturing environment where I was able to grow on a personal and intellectual level. The work ethic I developed at Lake Forest College prepared me for the rigorous curriculum at Illinois College of Optometry. Currently, I am in my 4th year of optometry school and will be graduating with the Doctor of Optometry degree in May of 2011.”

  • Michael White ‘07 image

    State University of New York School of Medicine

    “Lake Forest College laid the foundation for my career in medicine by providing me with endless opportunities to develop and pursue my interests. In addition, Lake Forest College developed my character and gave me an academic foundation in science that I rely on every day in the hospital. Equally important was learning how to think objectively and scientifically, as well as effective dissemination of knowledge.”

  • imageMithaq Vahedi MD ‘08

    Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University

    “Lake Forest College has provided me with the ideal education on my path to becoming a physician. I was taught how to think independently, and to find answers to the myriad questions I had. The excellence of professors at Lake Forest College is manifested by their wholehearted dedication to teaching and their love for research. I am grateful to my professors who were always available to answer my questions and guide me. Students, take full advantage of the exemplary learning environment at Lake Forest College!”

  • Arun Paul MD, PhD ‘05image

    Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Sciences

    “My undergraduate education and rigorous training in basic science research within a liberal arts context at Lake Forest College taught me the significance of patience, persistence, and pragmatism to survive and succeed in a highly demanding, competitive, and rewarding healthcare professional environment, and how to still maintain a sense of humanism, service, and philanthropy.”

  • Terese (Beth) Noe ‘10 Terese (Beth) Noe ‘10 at UIUC Vet Med Wildlife Medical Clinic with an opossum being treated for a degloving injury

    Pictured at UIUC Vet Med Wildlife Medical Clinic with an opossum being treated for a degloving injury: “Lake Forest College helped me to develop leadership skills outside of the classroom, which I believe are important in any professional medical field. Also, I felt comfortable taking classes in completely different departments, which helped me to become a more well-rounded student. I couldn’t have asked for a better undergraduate experience.”

  • Alli Chase ‘11image

    Rush University College of Nursing

    “If I could sum up Lake Forest College in one word it would be dedication. The dedication to education and to each individual student is unparalleled. Because of the support I had from my professors and advisors I was able to flourish to my absolute potential. Through HPAC I was able to land a job at Advocate Condell’s Emergency Room where my love for nursing began. Through Lake Forest College’s affiliations I was accepted into a top 15 nursing program in the nation at Rush University. The tools and skills I learned at Lake Forest College have been essential in this next step in my education.”

  • Ethan Helm MD ‘07image

    University of Arkansas College of Medicine

    “Lake Forest College prepared me for medical school by teaching me to think critically. My classes were not designed to ram hundreds of forgettable details down my throat, but instead, to teach me how to obtain and process information. This training has been invaluable to me.”

 

Health Professions Advisory Committee 2012-2013