International Students

Most students applying to the College have taken a college preparatory curriculum. 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).

Interviews are required if you apply test-optional. A member of our admissions team may reach out to you to schedule an interview as a way to evaluate your English proficiency.

Applicants from China are welcome to submit a Vericant interview. This service provides the opportunity to talk personally with an interviewer in China. The conversation will be recorded and can be reviewed by the Lake Forest Admissions Office.

We require a letter of recommendation (in English) from a teacher or a college counselor. While we only require one recommendation, we recommend submitting a letter from both a teacher and a college counselor as it will provide us with a more complete picture of you.

Lake Forest's classes are instructed in English. Only students who have a strong command of the English language (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) will be offered admission. International students are required to show proof of sufficient English-language ability. This may be fulfilled in the following ways:

1. Submit one of the following official score reports:

• TOEFL score with a minimum TOEFL score of 83/TOEFL-iBT

• IELTS score with a minimum 6.5 composite
• SAT examination results (Code 1392)
• ACT examination results (Code: 1054)
• GTEC Computer Based: 1200
• Duolingo English Test (DET) score of a minimum 115
• PTE Academic and PTE Online score of a minimum 56

2. If you believe that you can provide proof of English proficiency in another way, please submit the English proficiency waiver request, also available in your application portal.

3. US citizens and US Permanent Residents who study and/or live outside the US do not need to provide proof of English proficiency unless requested to do so by the Office of Admissions. Additionally, if you will have completed two years of secondary education in an English-based curriculum by time of graduation, you need not submit one of the above proficiency tests.

The CSS Profile is required for all non-US citizens who would like to be considered for need based aid.

First-Year Student Admissions Deadlines

International students that are currently attending school in the U.S. on a F-1 visa can follow the First-Year deadlines and Transfer deadlines in the tables above. International students that do not live in the U.S. and will need a new F-1 visa to study in the U.S. should follow the deadlines below: