2025-2026 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
Attend the 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

Thursday, October 30, - Submit Resume & Personal Essay Draft Materials to Khadija Manzoor in CAC for review. 

• Resume:  Complete your resume by following the 2025-2026 guidelines and using Hiration Platform. Once complete, select the "get expert review" button and select, Khadija Manzoor from the drop down list. Instructions for Hiration are here.
• Personal Essay:   Please refer to Graduate School Prep and Personal Statements resource to begin writing your first draft for your personal statement. You may also use this Brainstorm Tool to get started. All personal statements should be single paced, Time New Roman font, font size 12, & no more than 2 pages.
  Once you have completed your first draft:
  • Schedule an appointment with the Writing Center to review format, language, and structure.  
  • After you have visited the Writing Center,  email (word document) your personal statement to Khadija Manzoor at kmanzoor@lakeforest.edu  and schedule an appointment through Handshake with Khadija to review your draft.  The CAC will review your personal statement twice. You may schedule up to two appointments, if needed, to review and provide edits, comments, or changes. 

Early November:  
Wednesday, November 5, by 4 pm: Students submit final materials in pdf format 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 with Pre-Health Advising Committee are scheduled/completed:  

• In late October, you will receive an email from Khadija Manzoor with a link to schedule your 15–20-minute practice interview, along with a list of questions to help you prepare. Please review the questions in advance and be ready to participate fully. Responses to questions should be 1–2 minutes long, allowing you to be clear and concise while demonstrating your strengths. It’s also important to dress and speak professionally—this includes using appropriate language, maintaining eye contact, and presenting yourself in a confident, respectful manner. The dress code for your practice interview is business casual. 
  

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