Admissions
International Students > Admissions
At the heart of Lake Forest is the close-knit community of teachers, scholars, students, and staff representing cultures from around the globe who live and learn together in an environment of mutual respect and collaboration. The distinguished faculty shares a fundamental goal of preparing students to become independent thinkers and responsible citizens of the global community. Lake Forest College celebrates the international student culture, which comprises 14 percent of the student body and represents 69 nations.
Admission Requirements
There is no one factor that can ensure a student’s admission to Lake Forest College. We look for a number of indications that an applicant is likely to benefit from the kind of education Lake Forest offers.
Application
The College accepts the Common Application. Complete admission requirements and a link to the application and supplement are available on our Applying Page.
Application Deadlines
December 1 - Early Action
December 1 - Early Decision
February 15 - Regular Decision
April 1 - Transfer Deadline
Required Secondary School Course Work (minimum)
• 4 years of English
• 3 years of mathematics including trigonometry
• 3 years of natural science
• 2 years of social science
Successful completion of more years of the above listed course categories, honors, advanced placement, international baccalaureate courses or international study are all pluses.
Graded Paper
The College requires a 3-5 page writing sample in the form of a graded paper (in English) to be submitted with your application. This should be a paper reviewed and evaluated by a teacher.
University Transcripts
Admission decisions for international transfer students are based heavily on academic performance at the university level. Students must provide an original, official transcript from any university attended. An official English translation must also be submitted if needed. University-level courses taken outside the United States must be evaluated for transfer credit by the College’s Academic Appeals Board.
Interview
Interviews are strongly encouraged if students are able to visit campus but are not required. Contact the Office of Admissions to schedule a visit (847-735-5000).
Test Scores
Please submit either Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) or American College Testing (ACT) scores. We use test results not only as a factor in admission decisions but also for guidance with course placement. A minimum TOEFL score of 220 (computer-based) or 550 (paper-based), or 83 (TOEFL-ibt) is required for international students. The TOEFL and SAT code for Lake Forest College is 1392; our ACT code is 1054.
Recommendations
All freshman applicants must submit at least two recommendations (in English) from a teacher and a school counselor, or two teachers. Transfer students only need to submit one recommendation from a professor (in English).
Costs for the 2007–2008 Academic Year (in U.S. dollars)
Tuition and Fees - $30,964
Housing - $3,700
Meals - $3,626
Health Insurance - $900 (required)
Total - $39,190
In addition to these costs, you should plan to spend $800 per year on books, plus travel and personal expenses (supplies, laundry, trips to Chicago, etc.).
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Lake Forest College offers scholarships to international students through the International Trustee, Deerpath, and Forester Scholarship programs. Applications and additional information about all scholarships are found on our Scholarships page. Applications are also available in paper form from the Office of Admissions.
Participation in the International Trustee Scholarship Program is by invitation only. To be considered for this scholarship, all required admission application documents must be received in the Office of Admissions by January 1.
Deerpath Academic Scholarships are offered to eligible students at the time of admission, and do not require a separate application.
The Forester Scholarship Program recognizes students who excel in art, computer science, languages, leadership, math, music, science, theater, and writing. The Alumni Scholarship recognizes students who are children, grandchildren or siblings of College alumni.
To be considered for a scholarship you must complete the College’s application for admission, the appropriate scholarship form (if required), and any supplemental documentation referred to on the scholarship application. You need not major in the area of the scholarship for which you apply.
The maximum grant/scholarship total for the 2008-2009 academic year will be $21,000.
For information about need-based financial aid, visit our Financial Aid page.
