Overview
Lake Forest College is a moderately selective private four-year institution in Lake Forest, Illinois. The school accepts 59.7% of applicants and enrolls 1,782 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 59.7%
- Average SAT
- 1,247
- SAT Range (25th–75th)
- 1,153–1,340
- ACT Composite (avg)
- 29
- Total Enrollment
- 1,782
Your Chances by SAT Score
Your score is above the 75th percentile. You are a competitive applicant.
Your score falls within the middle 50% of admitted students.
Your score is below the 25th percentile. Other parts of your application will need to stand out.
Admission Guide
Lake Forest College uses rolling admission, so apply early in the fall to maximize your chances and secure better housing options. The admissions committee pays close attention to your essays, particularly the "Why Lake Forest" supplement where you should mention specific professors, research opportunities, or the college's connections to Chicago's business and cultural sectors.
Your application gains strength when you highlight leadership experience and community involvement rather than just listing activities. Lake Forest's small size means professors know students personally, so emphasize times when you've built relationships with mentors or worked closely with teachers on projects. The college's economics and finance programs have strong alumni networks in Chicago's financial district, making these connections worth mentioning if you're interested in business careers.
The Richter Scholar Program offers substantial funding for student-faculty research, and mentioning specific research interests in your application shows you understand the college's academic culture. Lake Forest also partners with Chicago institutions for internships and study opportunities, so research these connections before writing your essays. The college's location thirty miles north of Chicago provides access to city internships while maintaining a traditional campus atmosphere.
Campus culture centers around small class discussions and close professor relationships. Students who succeed here actively participate in class and seek out faculty mentorship. The college attracts students who want a liberal arts education with pre-professional preparation, particularly in business, communications, and government sectors.
Submit your application by December to receive priority consideration for merit scholarships. Lake Forest meets full demonstrated need, but merit awards can significantly reduce your family contribution. Include a resume with your application highlighting any leadership roles, work experience, or creative projects. The admissions office reviews applications individually rather than using cutoff scores, so a compelling personal story can overcome lower test scores.
Visit campus if possible and attend an information session. Lake Forest tracks demonstrated interest, and showing genuine knowledge about specific programs or campus traditions in your application materials helps differentiate you from other candidates.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $27,499/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $54,202
- Students Receiving Aid
- 35%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 70.4%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $61,825/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 86.3%
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Lake Forest College require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
Lake Forest College is test-optional, meaning you can choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores with your application.
What is the early decision deadline for Lake Forest College?
Lake Forest College offers Early Decision I with a November 15 deadline and Early Decision II with a January 15 deadline.
Can you transfer credits to Lake Forest College?
Lake Forest College accepts transfer students and evaluates credits from accredited institutions on a case-by-case basis. Most transfer students can apply up to 64 credit hours toward their degree.
What GPA do you need to get into Lake Forest College?
Lake Forest College does not publish a minimum GPA requirement and reviews applications using a holistic approach that considers multiple factors beyond grades.