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Lake Forest College First Year Application

We are thrilled that you've decided to apply to Lake Forest College! Before proceeding, please note that this application is exclusively for prospective first-year students. Transfer students can locate their application on the College website.

Please fill out the application in its entirety in a single sitting. Unlike the Common Application, you will not be able save as you go. While this application form is not a lengthy one, the admissions committee requests a short essay (250-600 words). It’s recommended that you prepare your response before completing the rest of the application form.

If you have any questions regarding your application to Lake Forest College or opportunities in academic programming or student life, we encourage you to reach out to your admissions counselor. We look forward to learning more about you and serving as a resource as you progress through your college search.

Entry Term

Our Spring 2026 application is now closed.
We are currently accepting applications for Fall 2026

Entry Term

Other Institution Attended

Dates Attended- Start Date

Dates Attended- End Date

Level of Study

Add another institution you have attended?

Yes

Other Institution Attended

Dates Attended- Start Date

Dates Attended- End Date

Level of Study

Counselor Information

Provide your current secondary school counselor's contact information.

First Name

Last Name

Email Address

Phone Number

Are you working with an independent college counselor?

Did you receive free assistance in your application process from a community program or organization that aided in your application process?

Provide your independent counselor's contact information.

First Name

Last Name

Phone

What is the name of the community program or organization that assisted you?

Did the community program or organization provide you with a counselor, advisor, or mentor?

Counselor/Advisor/Mentor Name

Counselor/Advisor/Mentor Email

Test Score

Lake Forest College has a test-optional admissions policy that allows domestic students to decide if their ACT and/or SAT results accurately reflect their academic ability and potential. If you would like your scores to be reviewed as a part of your application for admission, please provide them below and confirm with an official score report from your institution or the testing agency. If you do not want to submit your test scores, you are required to have an interview. Reach out to your admissions counselor to schedule your interview.

*Please note, international students, excluding those in an English-based secondary school curriculum, must provide proof of English proficiency from one of the following: TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, SAT, or ACT. If you believe that you can provide proof of English proficiency in another way and are not presently in an English-based curriculum (i.e. IB), please contact Associate Director of International Admissions, Molly Noyed, with details, or submit the English proficiency waiver request following submission of your application. International transfer students who are studying at an English language based institution and have completed a minimum of one semester of college credit are not required to submit test scores.

I will include ACT and/or SAT scores as part of my application.*

Provide your self-reported SAT or ACT score results below. Please note, we super score results from multiple exam dates. Official score reports are required for admissions decisions.

SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing

SAT Math

ACT Composite Score

ACT English Section Score

ACT Mathematics Section Score

ACT Reading Section Score

ACT Science Section Score

Test Date*

Academic Areas of Interest

As a liberal arts institution, we want you to explore many areas of academic study. Tell us what you're interested in now knowing that you do not apply to a major, but rather to the institution. Students are not required to formally declare a major until the end of their sophomore year.

Academic Interest 1

Academic Interest 2

Athletics

Which varsity sport(s) are you interested in participating in at Lake Forest College?

Varsity Sport Interest 1:

Varsity Sport Interest 2:

I'm interested in joining the following club sport:

Extracurricular Interests

Please tell us about your interest in participating in extracurricular activities as a future Lake Forest College student.

Extracurricular Interest 1

Extracurricular Interest 2

DeleteActivity _ID_
Extracurricular Participation
Please list any extracurricular activities you participated in during high school/secondary school. Activity Type Organization/Activity Name

Add another activity

Financial Aid

I plan to apply for need-based financial aid.* (FAFSA or CSS Profile)

If you are a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident, please file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to be considered for need-based aid. Be sure to add our college code 001706.

International students must submit the CSS Profile to be considered for admission if applying for need-based aid. Please contact our Senior Associate Director of Admissions, International Recruitment Molly Noyed, if you will not be able to submit the CSS Profile.

All students are automatically considered for merit aid based on academic background. Are you interested in applying to and auditioning for a Fine Arts Scholarship? These awards are in addition to merit-based scholarships.

Yes

I am interested in applying and auditioning for a performing arts merit scholarship in:

Music, Instrumental

Music, Vocal

Studio Art

Theater

For more information and to apply, click here: Fine Arts Scholarship Application. Note, these scholarships have specific renewal requirements for every year you are enrolled at the College.

Contacts

How did you learn about Lake Forest College?*

Name, if known

Parent or Guardian Information

Are you a first generation college student? (Select "yes" if neither of your parents have obtained a bachelor's degree)*

Yes

Parent/Guardian Marital Status*

Parent or Guardian 1

Parent/Guardian Relationship*

Parent or Guardian 1 Title

Parent or Guardian 1 First Name*

Parent or Guardian 1 Last Name*

Parent or Guardian 1 Phone Number*

Parent or Guardian 1 Email*

Parent or Guardian 1 Birthdate*

Parent or Guardian 1 Employer*

Parent or Guardian 1 Job Title/Occupation*

Is this parent/guardian a graduate of Lake Forest College?

Yes

What year did they graduate from Lake Forest?

Add another Parent or Legal Guardian?

Yes

Parent or Guardian 2

Parent/Guardian Relationship*

Parent or Guardian 2 Title

Parent or Guardian 2 First Name*

Parent or Guardian 2 Last Name*

Parent or Guardian 2 Phone Number*

Parent or Guardian 2 Email*

Parent or Guardian 2 Birthdate*

Parent or Guardian 2 Employer*

Parent or Guardian 2 Job Title/Occupation*

Is this parent/guardian a graduate of Lake Forest College?

Yes

What year did they graduate from Lake Forest?

Do you have other relatives who graduated/will graduate from Lake Forest College?

Yes

DeleteAlumni Relation _ID_
Alumni Information
Relationship to Alumnus Add Alumni Relation Flag Add Alumni Relation Flag Yes No Alumnus First Name Alumnus Last Name Alumnus Phone Number Alumnus Email What year did/will they graduate from Lake Forest?

add another alumni relation

Disciplinary Information

Have you ever received a school disciplinary action such as probation, suspension, removal, dismissal, or expulsion, any time from 9th through 12th grade?*

Please explain:

Have you ever been adjudicated guilty or convicted of a misdemeanor, felony, or other crime that has NOT been expunged, sealed, annulled, pardoned, destroyed, erased, impounded, or otherwise ordered by a court to be kept confidential?*

Please explain:

Essay

Please select the way you would like to submit your essay.*

I would like to upload my essay.

I would like to write my essay now.

In 250-600 words, please write an essay in which you answer one of the three prompts below. Please be sure to select the prompt you would like to respond to.*

Describe an instance when a belief or idea you held was challenged. Explain why you either changed your mind or not and the effect(s) it had or could have moving forward.

Lake Forest College is a setting where students from many different types of communities intersect. Choose one community that you identify with and describe the role it has played in your life so far.

You enter a room with everyone you've ever met in your life. Who do you look for and why?

Please write your essay in the text box below.

The information on this application is truthful to the best of my knowledge.

E-signature (First and Last Name)*

Date*

Congratulations on submitting your application to Lake Forest College! We are eager to review your file. As we work collaboratively to complete your application, please be thoughtful with your secondary school's document request policies. Official transcript, test scores (if applicable) and at least one letter of recommendation are required in order to complete your application. Stay on the lookout for follow-up information regarding submission of these items. We look forward to learning more about you, and will notify you of your admissions decision according to the dates set on our Apply page.