Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Higher Learning Commission
Lake Forest, Illinois
59.4% Acceptance Rate
Lake Forest College — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
59.4%Acceptance Rate
3.62Avg GPA
1309Avg SAT
30Avg ACT
$68,191Annual Cost
$61,825Grad Salary
35.2%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
59.4%
Avg GPA
3.62
Avg SAT
1309
Avg ACT
30
Selectivity
Somewhat Selective
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission
SAT Middle 50%
1170–1365
ACT Middle 50%
28–31
Need-Based Aid
35.2% receive Pell
Lake Forest College, founded in 1857 on Chicago's North Shore, is a top-ranked liberal arts college with strengths in business, neuroscience, and environmental studies. The college's location provides exceptional access to Chicago internships.
The 107-acre wooded campus features the state-of-the-art Lillard Science Center, the Sonnenschein and Albright art galleries, and a biological field station on Lake Michigan. Its distinctive 'First-Year Studies' program fosters intellectual community.
Lake Forest College Acceptance Rate
Lake Forest College is somewhat selective in its admission process. The acceptance rate of Lake Forest College is 59.4%. This means that 59 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
Admissions Guidelines
- Broad Evaluation: Personal growth and vocational goals are considered alongside grades.
- Flexible Standards: Strengths in extracurriculars can often balance an average GPA.
Selectivity at a Glance
Somewhat Selective
Selectivity scale: Somewhat Selective — 59.4% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.62 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.42 – 3.61
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.17
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Lake Forest College GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at Lake Forest College is 3.62. Lake Forest College is highly selective.
Mostly A's with a few B's will keep you competitive. Taking AP/IB courses related to your field will improve your chances.
Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.82-4.02 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 3.32 and 3.62, a strong SAT or ACT score is recommended.
Lake Forest College GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective; solid academic performance is expected.
Recommended Strategy: Focus on a Strong 'Spike' in extracurriculars or research.
Admissions at Lake Forest College utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.62, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.62 – 4.00
Target/Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.42 – 3.61
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.22 – 3.41
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.21
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At Lake Forest College, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at Lake Forest College
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Lake Forest College's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Lake Forest College Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Can I Get Into Lake Forest College Without SAT or ACT?
Lake Forest College considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores.
Lake Forest College Average SAT Score: 1309
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Lake Forest College is 1309 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1309 — Competitive
This score makes it Competitive for SAT scores. You need to do well to score 1309 on the SAT.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1365 SAT or 31 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Lake Forest College allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1170, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at Lake Forest College. Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 630 | 580 | 680 |
| SAT Reading | 638 | 590 | 685 |
| SAT Composite | 1309 | 1170 | 1365 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1170 then you are below most of the admitted students at Lake Forest College and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1365 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students.
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1300
Can I get into Lake Forest College with a 1350 SAT?
With a 1350 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Lake Forest College are good but the admission staff at Lake Forest College tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Lake Forest College ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at Lake Forest College is 30.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 30 — Very Competitive
This score makes Lake Forest College very Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do very well to score 30 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 27 | 25 | 28 |
| ACT English | 31 | 28 | 33 |
| ACT Composite | 30 | 28 | 31 |
Can I get into Lake Forest College with a 31 ACT?
A 31 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at Lake Forest College — meaning you score higher than 75% of students who were accepted. This is a strong position, but the ACT is just one dimension of your application. Admissions officers at Lake Forest College use the ACT as a benchmark to validate your academic readiness, not as a standalone admission ticket.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT measures four distinct subject areas — English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science — each scored on a 1–36 scale. If one of your section scores is significantly lower than the others, admissions staff will notice the imbalance. For example, a weak ACT Science score at a STEM-focused institution carries more weight than the same weakness at a liberal arts college. It is worth reviewing your section-level scores and addressing any outliers before applying.
One important advantage the ACT has over the SAT is that Lake Forest College — like most US universities — accepts Superscoring for the ACT, meaning they take your highest section scores across multiple test attempts and combine them into a new composite. If you have taken the ACT more than once, confirm whether Lake Forest College uses Superscoring, as this could meaningfully improve your effective composite beyond what any single sitting shows.
Beyond your score, what ultimately determines admission at this level is the strength of your overall profile. Your unweighted GPA, course rigor (AP, IB, or dual enrollment), extracurricular depth, letters of recommendation, and personal essays all carry significant weight. A 31 ACT gets your application through the first filter — but your essays and activities are what move it forward from there.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Lake Forest College
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
Lake Forest College is accessible to students who show core competency. The focus should be on proving readiness for college-level work and securing financial aid.
Consistency over Perfection
Prove you can handle a college curriculum by maintaining a steady or upward GPA trend. One or two lower grades won't be a dealbreaker if you've improved since.
Placement Validation
Use the SAT or ACT to exempt yourself from non-credit remedial courses. A solid score here saves you time and tuition money once you enroll.
Practical Leadership
Highlight work experience, family responsibilities, or community service. These schools value 'grit' and real-world maturity.
FAFSA & Deadlines
At schools with higher acceptance rates, the 'win' is financial. Submit your FAFSA and local scholarship apps as early as possible to maximize your aid package.
Next Step: Review the specific 'Pre-Professional' tracks at Lake Forest College to ensure your high school electives align with your intended major.
Lake Forest College Profile
Full Name
Lake Forest College
City
Lake Forest
State
Illinois
ZIP Code
60045-2338
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
Is a Lake Forest College Degree Worth It?
Getting into Lake Forest College can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. Lake Forest College offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at Lake Forest College is $84,700 and the graduate unemployment rate is 2.78%.
How much does a degree from Lake Forest College Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Lake Forest College is $68,191. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Lake Forest College is much less than this.
35.2% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 70.8 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Lake Forest College and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Lake Forest College, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Lake Forest College as your choice in the form.
How much does a Lake Forest College Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $61,825. An average Lake Forest College graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Lake Forest College. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Alabama | Tuscaloosa, AL | 1287 | 28 |
| University of Arizona | Tucson, AZ | 1261 | 26 |
| Point Loma Nazarene University | San Diego, CA | 1278 | 26 |
| Thomas Aquinas College | Santa Paula, CA | 1277 | 29 |
| United States Coast Guard Academy | New London, CT | 1290 | 28 |
| University of Delaware | Newark, DE | 1297 | 29 |
| University of Central Florida | Orlando, FL | 1277 | 27 |
| Florida Southern College | Lakeland, FL | 1263 | 28 |
| Agnes Scott College | Decatur, GA | 1296 | 29 |
| Mercer University | Macon, GA | 1280 | 28 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Lake Forest College. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn University | Auburn, AL | 1318 | 28 |
| University of the Pacific | Stockton, CA | 1303 | 27 |
| University of San Francisco | San Francisco, CA | 1313 | 29 |
| Rollins College | Winter Park, FL | 1304 | 29 |
| University of Georgia | Athens, GA | 1301 | 29 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Lake Forest College. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chapman University | Orange, CA | 1353 | 30 |
| Pepperdine University | Malibu, CA | 1367 | 29 |
| Westmont College | Santa Barbara, CA | 1367 | 32 |
| University of Colorado Boulder | Boulder, CO | 1353 | 31 |
| University of Denver | Denver, CO | 1344 | 31 |
Degree Programs at Lake Forest College
Bachelor Degree Programs
Full list of all degree programs offered by Lake Forest College →
Frequently Asked Questions About Lake Forest College Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $61,825 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
The tuition fee at this university is quite high, approximately $68,191 or more per year, so it is important to consider additional funding options.
35.2% of students receive a Pell Grant at this institution. Your chances of need-based aid are moderate and depend primarily on your household income. Filing FAFSA early significantly improves your chances of receiving the maximum available grant amount.
The acceptance rate of Lake Forest College is 59.4% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
The average GPA of admitted students is 3.62. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
While there is no single cutoff that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.32, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.32, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 3.22 or less, it may make admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.62, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Admission to Lake Forest College is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1309 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1170–1365.
Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.