2024-2025 HPP LFC-RFU Pathway Application Process

• Doctor of Allopathic Medicine (3+4, 4+4)
• Doctor of Pharmacy (3+4, 4+4)
• Doctor of Physical Therapy (3+3, 4+3)
• Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (3+4, 4+4)
• Master of Science in Physician Assistant Practice (3+2, 4+2)
• Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences (3+2, 4+2)
• Master of Science in Clinical Counseling (3+2, 4+2)
• Master of Science in Nursing (3+2, 4+2)

Early Decision means that you are applying as first-Year or sophomore years students (PA and Medical school only allows sophomore year for early decision). 

Regular Decision means you are applying during junior year or senior year (senior year means that you are taking one gap year after graduation).

Accelerated Matriculation means you are planning to spend three years at Lake Forest College. Only a handful of majors will fit for most pathways. Check each pathway for more information.

Regular Matriculation means you will spend all four years at Lake Forest College. You can pursue any major of your choice.

The process for application is as follows:

Fall

Tuesday, September 30, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm, Lillard Science Center, Room 044
Health Professions Program Dual-Degree Pathway Information Session

Wednesday, October 15, by 4 pm, 
Students identify their interest to Dr. Maine (maine@lakeforest.edu)

• If unsure, consult with Dr. Maine before that deadline

Wednesday, November 5, by 4 pm,: Students submit materials to Kathleen Elsasser (kelsasser@lakeforest.edu)

• Transcript (academic progress/pre-requisites /GPA)
• Resume & Personal Essay (relevant experiences)
• Must be reviewed by CAC before submitting
• Early Decisions and/or Accelerated Matriculation applicants are typically ahead in academic progress and professional maturity

Mid-November Interviews scheduled/completed
Interviews with Pre-Health Advising

Wednesday, December 3
Endorsement decisions shared with students (Endorsements are conditional based on your final Fall Sememster grades & status)

Friday, December 5
RFU receives endorsed student names

Spring

 Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Complete & submit Request for a Committee Letter Form.

• Form and Instructions
• Completed Request for a Committee Letter from Pre-Health Advising Forms should be saved to a pdf. and emailed to Kathleen Elsasser at healthprofessions@lakeforest.edu.

Wednesday, January 28, 2026

Pre- Health Advisory Committee Recommendation letters are due by email. Letters are addressed to Dr. Ann Maine, Chair, Pre-Health Advising Committee  and emailed to the HPP Office at:  healthprofessions@lakeforest.edu.

Wednesday, January 28, 2026

• Submit Portfolio to Pre-Health Advising at healthprofessions@lakeforest.edu
• Portfolio details

Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Endorsement Letters completed by Pre-Health Advising

Mid March 2026
Portfolio/endorsement submitted to RFU

Mid March 2026
RFU Sends Candidates Short Application to complete

Tuesday, March 31, 2026
RFU Interview Day

May 2026
RFU Decision on Conditional Acceptance 

Important Dates for Program Information Sessions:

September 30, 2025, 7:00-8:00 pm, LI 044
2025-26 RFU Dual-Degree ALL Pathways Application Process Information

Other Resources:

Application Checklist

Important Application Dates

Links to Forms & Information for Students that have received endorsement from the Pre-Health Advising Committee:

• Request for a Committee Letter from Pre-Health Advising Form
• RFU Pathway Applicant Portfolio Materials