Admissions

• Online Application
• Paper Application (pdf)
• Application Deadlines
• Test-Optional Process
• AP and IB Credit
• Pay Application Fee Online

We make it easy to apply to Lake Forest College!  Apply using our online application, submit the Common Application, or download a paper application. The $40 application fee is payable online or by sending a check to the Office of Admissions. 

Our Admissions Office will read your file carefully and look at the following areas when deciding if you are a good fit for the College:

Academic record: The combination and quality of the courses you've taken and your grades are most important to us. You will be judged within the context of your high school (so don't worry if your HS does not rank). Our average student has 4 yrs of English; 3 or more years of mathematics; 3 or more years of social and natural science; and in-depth study of one or more foreign language(s). Many have taken courses at the AP, IB, honors and accelerated level.  We will make every effort to find out what your high school curriculum offers and to understand your specific academic schedule.

Personal Interview: A personal interview, while not required, is an important part of the application process.  We welcome the opportunity to meet with students and their parents.  To schedule a visit, please call our visit coordinator at 800-828-4751.

Recommendations: Also important to us are your secondary school report and teacher/professor recommendation. How you are evaluated as a student, such as your work ethic, your love of learning, and your ability to work with others is helpful to us as well.

Graded Paper: Academic writing is a large part of a Lake Forest education, so we need to see an example of your writing that demonstrates style, a clear thesis, and a well-constructed argument. We prefer a junior or senior-level English, history, or other humanities course paper. Required Graded Paper Form should be submitted along with the graded writing sample.

Activities/Jobs: In this section you will be asked to tell us what you've done outside the classroom, including co-curricular activities, community service, work experience, and travel. We think these 'outside' endeavors say a lot about your personality.

Test Scores: Lake Forest now has a test-optional admissions process.  Although scores are not the most important part of your file, they can reinforce past performance.  You may choose to submit the best scores of either the ACT or SAT. For more information click here.

Common Application Supplement: If you appy to the College using the Common Application the Graded Paper mentioned above is the required supplement.

A complete application includes:
-Secondary School Transcript
-Counselor Recommendation
-Teacher Recommendation
-3-5 Page Graded Paper
-Interview (highly recommended, but not required)
-Standardized Test Scores (optional)
-Any supplemental material that will help us to know you better

If you have further questions please call us at 800-828-4751.  You may also fax your material to 847-735-6271.