Admissions

Jake Bedenian

Associate Director of Transfer Admissions
847-735-5013
jbedenian@lakeforest.edu
Pronouns: he/him/his
Territories: Harper Community College, McHenry County College, Oakton Community College, all other community colleges, except College of Lake County (CLC), all in-state 4-year institutions, and first-year students and first-year international students who intend to enroll in the spring (January) semester.
Schedule a time to chat with me

High School
Prospect High School, Mt Prospect, IL
 
College and Major
B.A. History & B.S.Ed. Secondary Education
M.S. Global Strategic Communication
Loyola University Chicago
 
Working with the College since
2022
 
My life before Lake Forest
Before Lake Forest, I held several roles in the Undergraduate Admission Office of Loyola University Chicago where I worked my up from a student tour guide to the Assistant Director of Transfer Admission. Essentially, my entire adult life has been in an admission office!
 
Top three reasons I would choose to attend Lake Forest College
1.     Access to incredible internships both in and around the city of Chicago
2.     Small class sizes that allows you to connect and grow with your professors and fellow classmates
3.     Our beautiful campus, especially when the leaves change in the fall!
 
One word or phrase to describe myself
Welcoming
 
What makes the College unique?
A liberal arts education in close proximity to Chicago is the perfect mix of having the college experience you want while still setting yourself up for success after you graduate and begin your career search. Some days you’ll be in class doing hands-on research with a professor and others you’ll be taking the Metra train downtown for either an internship or to explore and not many colleges can offer something like that.
 
Tip for the college search
Find the school that’s the right fit for you. The right fit can be something very different than what your family and friends think. At the end of the day, the best way for you to be an effective student is if you put yourself in a setting that you know you will be able to succeed.
 
What character traits do I appreciate in an applicant?
Holistic applicants can be found in many different ways. I look for well-rounded students who are able to succeed despite adversity. That could mean doing well in classes while juggling several extracurriculars or helping provide and take care of your family. Showing a willingness to learn and perseverance can go a long way.


Hint for success
Be yourself! Pursue a degree or organization that speaks to you.
 
Favorite activity in Chicago
Go to the Shedd Aquarium and find the strangest fish!
 
Favorite place in the town of Lake Forest
Francesca’s! Get the chicken parm sandwich, you’ll thank me later.
 
Fun fact to share
After receiving my bachelor’s degrees, I completed a Disney College Program internship at Walt Disney World!