First-Year Students

First-Year Students

• Sure, we take into account your high school curriculum, your grades, and your extra-curricular activities, but we also want to know about the experiences and ideas that have shaped your life.

  We want to know if you value the experiences you will have at Lake Forest: For example, will you take advantage of our proximity to Chicago, our research and study abroad options, or our internships? Will you embrace the diversity of our campus community and the wide variety of interests and backgrounds?

  We look forward to helping you decide if Lake Forest is the right fit for you. Here’s what we are looking for:

  Find it quick!

  Our ACT code: 1054
  Our SAT code: 1392

  High school transcript

  Most students applying to the College have taken a college preparatory curriculum including honors, AP, and IB courses. We look at your transcript within the context of your high school, knowing that all schools offer different academic programs. You can receive college credit for both AP and IB classes based on exam scores (review our AP/IB credit score requirements for more information.)

  Our minimum requirements are:

  • 4 years of English
  • 3 or more years of mathematics (minimum requirement is through algebra II/trigonometry)
  • 3 or more years of natural science, including 2 years with laboratory sections
  • 3 or more years of social science
  • 2 or more years of foreign language(s)

  Interview (highly recommended)

  Almost every applicant is interviewed either on or off campus, and we truly enjoy getting to know our prospective students. We see the interview as an opportunity to “lift yourself off the page” and get beyond just the statistics and test scores. You have a counselor specifically assigned to you and should feel free to contact them to set up an interview or ask a question.

  Letters of recommendation

  We require a letter of recommendation from a teacher and a college counselor. Though not required, you may also submit one additional reference from an athletic coach, scout leader, community service coordinator, or work supervisor.

  Standardized test scores

  We accept both the ACT and the SAT, and take the best sub-scores to compile a composite score. You may choose not to submit your scores as part of our test-optional admissions policy. If you make use of this opportunity, you must have a personal interview with an admission counselor. This can be done via phone or in person and you should take the initiative to set-up this interview as soon as possible. International students are required to submit TOEFL scores. Homeschool students are required to submit standardized test scores.

• Deadlines:

  Early Decision (binding):
  December 1 (with decision notification December 20)

  Early Action (non-binding):
  December 1 (with decision notification January 20)

  Regular Decision:
  February 15 (with decision notification March 20) We will continue to accept applications after this priority deadline until the class is filled.

• Non-discrimination policy

  Lake Forest College’s nondiscrimination policies are based on federal laws and regulations, including Title IX and other relevant regulations, as well as on its institutional ideals.

  It is the stated policy of Lake Forest College that appropriate qualifications for and performance of specific duties are the basic criteria for the employment and promotion of all College academic and nonacademic staff. Lake Forest College does not discriminate against any persons because of race, color, sex, religion, or national or ethnic origin in its education program, activities, or employment. In addition, Lake Forest College is required by Title IX and regulations promulgated thereunder not to discriminate on the basis of sex in educational programs, activities, and employment. Lake Forest College does not discriminate on the basis of disability against any otherwise qualified person by denying participation in, or the benefits of, any College program or activity. Lake Forest College also does not discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression in its education programs, activities, or employment. For purpose of this policy, the term “sexual orientation” means the status or expression, whether actual or perceived, of heterosexuality, homosexuality, or bisexuality.
  
  The campus coordinator for Title IX (prohibiting sex discrimination) is the Personnel Officer, to whom inquiries concerning Title IX may be referred. The campus coordinator for Section 504 of the Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (prohibiting discrimination based on disability) is Stephen D. Schutt, President.