Transfer Admissions
As a transfer applicant, you can apply to enter in either the fall or spring semester. Admission decisions are based heavily on academic performance. You should have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale to apply for most majors. Applicants wishing to major in business/economics, education and communications are required to have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for consideration, and require approval by the chair of the department.
You must be eligible to return to your previous institution. If you are not eligible to return, you must wait at least six months before Lake Forest can consider you for admission. If you have been dismissed from a college or university more than once, you will not be eligible for admission at Lake Forest College.
To apply to the College, complete the online Common Application and the Common Application Supplement.
Application Requirements
In addition to the application for admission, candidates must submit the following:
- Post-secondary transcripts - You must have official transcripts sent to the Admissions Office from each college or university you have attended, including your present college, through the most recent term. If you are currently enrolled in a college, a final transcript is required at the completion of the current term.
- High School transcripts - Although emphasis is placed on your post-secondary coursework, we require transfer applicants to submit an official final high school transcript.
- Professor Recommendation - If you have more than 30 semester hours (44 quarter hours), you are required to submit a letter of recommendation from a professor at your most recent college. If you have completed fewer than 30 semester hours, you must submit a secondary school teacher recommendation.
- Essay - Transfer students are required to submit a recently written 3-5 page graded essay. The paper should be analytical in nature; creative writing samples will not be accepted for the admissions essay. Students in their first semester of college may submit a paper from their senior year of high school.
- Dean’s Statement of Standing – The Dean’s Statement of Standing form must be completed by all students who have attended a four-year institution at some time in their college career. Your application will not be considered complete until this form has been received from each four-year institution you have attended.
- Tests - ACT and/or SAT scores are not required for transfer students with more than 30 semester hours of college level coursework. Students with 30 hours or less are subject to the Office of Admissions Test-Optional Policy.
- Interviews - You are required to complete an interview with an admissions counselor. You can contact our visit coordinator directly to set-up a visit and interview at 847-735-5002. You may also schedule a phone interview if you are unable to visit campus.
- International students are required to submit a TOEFL score. We require a minimum score of 550 on the paper-based exam, 220 on the computer-based exam or an 83 on the ibt. In lieu of the TOEFL score, international students may submit a minimum score of 6.5 on the IELTS.
Questions? Contact Melissa Naughton at 847-735-5009 or naughton@lakeforest.edu