
555 North Sheridan Road, Lake Forest, IL 60045, USA


Lake Forest College holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, a regional accrediting body recognized for ensuring academic quality and institutional integrity among colleges and universities. This accreditation confirms that the college meets established standards for curriculum, faculty qualifications, and student services, which is a significant consideration for prospective students evaluating the credibility and recognition of a potential institution.
Prospective students aiming to enroll at Lake Forest College must have completed high school or possess a General Educational Development (GED) certificate. A strong secondary school record and a satisfactory secondary school GPA are mandatory components of the application. Additionally, applicants are required to present recommendations, and submission of TOEFL scores is necessary for non-native English speakers. While admission test scores are not specifically required, other standardized tests are recommended to strengthen the application.
The college expects applicants to have completed college preparatory coursework. Although an open admission policy is not in place, dual credit and general credit transfer options are not offered. However, Advanced Placement (AP) credits are accepted, facilitating some credit recognition for qualifying students.
Regarding standardized testing performance, Lake Forest College reports a mean SAT score of 1238, with strong results in both Math (620) and Writing (618), all falling within the top 30 percent nationally. The mean ACT score stands at 29, placing most students in the top 15 percent. Admission statistics indicate a selective process with an acceptance rate of 59 percent, which ranks in the lower 30 percent nationally. From the pool of roughly 4,811 applicants, about 2,858 are admitted annually, with an enrollment figure near 425 students, reflecting moderately competitive admissions.
Lake Forest College requires all prospective students to submit an application fee when applying. This fee contributes to the administrative costs of processing applications. However, the college offers fee waivers to eligible applicants, helping to alleviate financial barriers for students from certain backgrounds.
The fee waiver program is typically available for students demonstrating financial need or those attending partner high schools. Applicants interested in obtaining a fee waiver must follow specific guidelines to qualify, which may include submitting documentation of income or participating in certain outreach programs. This ensures that the application process remains accessible to a broader range of candidates.
By providing these waivers, Lake Forest College aims to encourage a diverse and inclusive applicant pool, allowing talented students to apply without the concern of application costs. Prospective students are advised to check the college's admissions website or contact the admissions office directly to learn more about the fee waiver eligibility criteria and application process.
Lake Forest College offers access to Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) programs for students interested in pursuing military training alongside their academic studies. The college hosts an ROTC branch unit on campus, allowing students to participate directly without needing to transfer to another institution. In addition, Lake Forest College collaborates with cooperating host institutions that provide additional ROTC branch units. This arrangement affords students the flexibility to engage in ROTC activities either locally or through partner schools, broadening the options for military education and training while enrolled at Lake Forest College.
Lake Forest College welcomes transfer students during the fall and spring terms, providing opportunities for those looking to continue their education there. The institution accepts transfer credits, which can facilitate a smoother transition and potentially shorten the time needed to complete a degree. Recommendations are also considered as part of the application process for transfer students, reflecting an emphasis on holistic review. Prospective students should note that the college's specific policies regarding acceptance of various credit examinations are not disclosed, but credit transfer in general is supported.
Lake Forest College offers a variety of study abroad opportunities designed to enrich the academic and cultural experiences of its students. These programs include semester-long and full-year exchanges, short-term faculty-led trips, and summer study abroad options, providing flexibility in duration and timing to accommodate different academic plans.
Students can choose from a diverse range of international destinations, allowing them to engage deeply with different cultures while continuing their coursework. The college emphasizes integrating global perspectives into its curriculum through these programs, which often align with students' majors or academic interests.
In addition to traditional study abroad programs, Lake Forest College supports service-learning and internship opportunities abroad, granting students practical experience alongside cultural immersion. The college offers advising and preparatory resources to help students select appropriate programs and navigate the logistics of studying overseas.
The institution's commitment to international education ensures that study abroad is accessible and academically meaningful, encouraging students to develop global awareness and intercultural competence crucial for their personal and professional growth.
Median composite SAT score
1238Median composite ACT score
29Percent of students submitting ACT scores
10%Percent of students submitting SAT scores
16%High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
Data not availableComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
Data not availableSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
Data not availableSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
RequiredRecommendations
RequiredFormal demonstration of competencies
RecommendedAdmission test scores
Data not availableTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
NoAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
Data not availableOff-campus study
Data not availableROTC-Army
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionROTC-Navy
ROTC branch unit on campusROTC-Air Force
ROTC branch unit on campusStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
Data not availableStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
YesPreparation at another institution required
YesApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
YesEntrance difficulty for transfer students
Data not availableGenerally accepts credits
Data not availableAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall, Spring