Explore Lake Forest College: Ranking, programs and more!

Dreaming of a college that offers academic excellence and real-world experience? Then Lake Forest College is the perfect choice for you! This is one of the best colleges in the US. It helps students transform from dreamers into doers by offering small classes and great internships, and helps them develop confidence and professionalism. 

About Lake Forest College

Lake Forest College, a private liberal arts college, is located in a peaceful North Shore suburb on Sheridan Road in Lake Forest. Lake Forest University Illinois was established in 1857, and educates around 1700-1800 students every year. The student-to-faculty ratio is 11:1 or 12:1, which shows the strength of academics. Known for fostering hands-on research and internship opportunities, Lake Forest empowers students to become confident, career-ready professionals

Professors in this college are more than just teachers. They are experts, mentors, and industry professionals, and they educate students career-wise. 96% of professors hold a doctorate or its equivalent. They offer guidance that is valuable for life! Undergraduate students and freshers participate in primary and independent research projects, creating a strong impact!

Top Programs and Ranking of Lake Forest College

Lake Forest College offers a wide range of programs with 32 undergraduate majors and minors, allowing students to learn according to their own interests.

Undergraduate

Other top courses also include Computer Science, English Language and Literature, Environmental Studies, and International Relations. Data Science, Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Pre‑health (including nursing), Pre‑law, Computer Science, Environmental Studies, Creative Writing, and Communication & Business pathways.

Postgraduate

Students at Lake Forest Chicago learn through practical experiences. There are internships, research programs, and study abroad opportunities that help students gain more clarity on the subjects they have chosen to study. The classes are of small sizes with an average of 19 students, making sure each one of them gets personal attention and help. Even though the postgraduate options are valuable, an important focus is given especially to undergraduate courses, as the college is strongly recognized for its undergraduate liberal arts education. 

Lake Forest University Admission Process and Requirements

Lake Forest College acceptance rate is around 59% and is very selective about applications. The admission team reviews every application carefully, giving prior importance to the student’s GPA scores. For college enrollment, along with GPA, high school rank, and letters of recommendation are also reviewed and considered. As the college has a lower rate of transfer-in students, the focus is on students who begin their academic journey at Lake Forest University. 

1. Choose Your Application- Apply through the College Application or Common Application. You can also submit your application online through the Common/ Coalition App. 
2. Decide application timeline- Apply as early as possible, don't delay till the deadline.
3. Submit important documents- You should provide official academic transcripts and, letter of recommendation(LOR) from a teacher or counselor. Also, provide a personal essay describing your goals, skills, and experiences.
4. SAT/ ACT scores- SAT and ACT scores are optional. In case not available, an interview needs to be scheduled and is required if you skip test scores, for assessing the character
5. International students- If you are an international applicant, proof of English proficiency or a semester of college credit from an English language institute is required. If you lack these, then you must submit TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, or ACT scores 
6. Additional Documents- FASA, CSS Profile, and other supporting documents for financial aid must be submitted
7. Important deadlines are divided into three aspects 

Early Decision I and Early Action - apply by November 1
Early Decision II and Early Action- apply by January 15
Regular Decision- apply by February 15

8. Secure your spot- You’ll receive your admission decision based on your application plan, and if accepted, you’ll need to pay an enrollment deposit to confirm your spot.

Lake Forest College Tuition Costs 

Below is the snapshot of Lake Forest College Costs, which include tuition, fees, housing, and other expenses. The Lake Forest College costs change every year, so it is important to check the current expenses and stay updated.

Lake Forest College Scholarships & Financial Aid

Universities often provide funding in the form of scholarships that you don't have to pay back. Need-based scholarships help students with financial need, and merit-based scholarships are for academic and sports achievements of students. Lake Forest College offers various types of scholarships, which make it easier for students to get admission.

1. Fine Arts Scholarships: These are talent-based scholarships in music, studio, art, and theatre. Available to major, non-major, first-year year and transfer students. The application process is simple. You need to fill out the application form and finalize it by submitting your audition via email or mail. The deadlines for applications and portfolios for Spring Transfers are December, Fall Transfers are June and July, and First-year students are in March.  

Note: You must be a student of Lake Forest College to be eligible for this scholarship.

Carnegie English Essay Contest: As a first-year Fall student of Lake Forest, if you wish to study English through literature or creative writing, then there is the Carnegie English Essay Contest. This scholarship is for Fall students at Lake College. All you need to do is submit an essay by answering two questions;

1. Why write?
2. Why study literature?

The answer must be between 500-1000 words, and you should have a major in literature or creative writing in English

Forester Flagship Program: This program provides grants and scholarships, covering 100% of tuition costs for qualified first-year students, that does not need to be repaid. The federal loan comes with a low interest rate and covers food and housing costs. Along with campus employment opportunities, students can focus on education and their future without any financial stress. 

How to Apply? 

1. Apply to the college by any deadline you choose
2. Submit Fafsa
3. Qualify for the Federal Pell Grant
4. Be a US citizen or a permanent citizen
5. Be an Illinois resident, carry FAFSA with parents listed on the form who are also living in Illinois
6. Ready to live on campus for four years
7. Once selected, you will be informed by email. Pay the deposit and accept the scholarship

Lake Forest also provides academic scholarships up to $34000 per year based on high GPA or test scores.

Financial Aids 

FAFSA(Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is required by US citizens and permanent residents to apply for grants, loans, or work-study from college, state, and federal institutions. The FAFSA must be completed using school code 001706. The FSA ID is compulsory for both students and parents, as it is used to sign FAFSA and access federal aid systems. 

Lake Forest University provides financial aid to students. Almost 95% of students who have applied have received financial aid from Lake Forest! The college has offered scholarships and grants to first-year students of more than $20,000,000. 

Lake Forest offers new students various financial aid options, federal loans, and scholarships. Completing the FAFSA is a must. CSS profile is optional for early applicants. Nearly 90% of applicants receive some form of financial support.

Undocumented students can benefit from institutional aid and Illinois state grants via the Alternative Illinois Application. They are not eligible for federal aid. If a student holds DACA and shows financial need, they can apply for work-study. 

International students can receive merit-based scholarships, and additional need-based based using their CSS profile. F-1 visa students with financial needs can receive work-study scholarships. If academics are good, the aid can be renewed annually. 

Why Choose Lake Forest College for Your Student Life Experience?

The college is famous for its lively campus, and it has students from all over the world. Most of the students live on campus itself. Students always engage in clubs, sports, and events like Founders Day and Winter Carnival. This reflects the vibrant mix of academic and cultural life. The campus provides Metra train access for internships, off-campus classes, and trips. 

Conclusion 

The global exposure, community culture, and academic experience prove why this college is the perfect place to begin your college life! Are you still struggling to secure off-campus housing? 

Amber offers you student apartments that blend safety, comfort, and convenience, making your move hassle-free and stress-free. With modern facilities and reasonable prices, Amber makes sure that you find the ideal home away from home, so you can focus on education and socializing during your time at Lake Forest College.