June 09, 2023
Linda Blaser
Richter Scholar Program puts students on path to success
The Lake Forest College students who are invited to participate in the Richter Scholar Program conduct independent research with faculty members the summer after their first year on campus.
The goal of the program is to enhance students’ intellectual lives at an exceptionally early point in their college studies so that they are more likely to consider careers in research and teaching.
Annually, 30 to 50 students first-year Foresters are selected to participate in the College’s signature program, conducting research in disciplines across the College’s academic offerings.
This early research experience sets Richter Scholars on an upward trajectory that leads to academic honors and graduate school completion at much higher rates.
Academic honors
Lake Forest College Richter Scholars are:
| 3.5 times more likely to be inducted into Phi Beta Kappa |
3 times more likely to earn a coveted Senior Award |
Graduate school enrollment
Gorter Family Career Advancement Center data shows:
| Overall, 18 percent of Lake Forest students go on to grad school. |
By comparison, 66 percent of Richter Scholars go on to grad school. |
Just under 50 percent of Richter grad school attendees complete doctoral-level degrees. |