Lake Forest College: what international applicants need

What are Lake Forest College's application deadlines for 2026–27?

Lake Forest College has 5 application deadlines for 2026–27: Early Decision on November 1, 2026, Early Action on November 1, 2026, Early Decision II on January 15, 2027, Early Action II on January 15, 2027, and Regular Decision on February 15, 2027.

• Early Decision is binding: if you're admitted, you commit to attend and withdraw your other applications.
• Deadlines are usually 11:59 pm in your own time zone, unless the university says otherwise on its site.

What is Lake Forest College's acceptance rate?

56.8% for students who started in fall 2024: Lake Forest College admitted 3,043 of its 5,356 first-year applicants.

• The rate covers all first-year applicants, US and international: the federal data doesn't give a separate rate for international applicants.
• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 admissions (provisional release). Source

Does Lake Forest College require the SAT or ACT for international applicants?

Lake Forest College is test-flexible for 2026–27: it accepts other exams in place of the SAT or ACT, and its testing page lists which ones.

• This is the policy listed for all first-year applicants. Some universities treat international students differently, so confirm it on the testing page.
• For the Early Decision deadline (November 1, 2026), the last international SAT whose scores come out in time is October 3, 2026: scores on October 16, 2026, registration by September 18, 2026 (late registration September 22, 2026).
• For the Regular Decision deadline (February 15, 2027), the last international SAT whose scores come out in time is December 5, 2026: scores on December 18, 2026, registration by November 20, 2026 (late registration November 24, 2026).
• Official score reports can take a few more days to reach universities.

What SAT score do you need for Lake Forest College?

The middle half of first-year students who enrolled in fall 2024 and sent SAT scores had 590–680 in Math and 600–713 in Reading and Writing (16% of them sent SAT scores).

• On the ACT, the middle half had a composite of 28–32.
• If your score is above the middle of these ranges, it helps your application. At a test-optional university, a score below the lower number usually isn't worth sending.
• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 admissions (provisional release): 25th to 75th percentile of enrolled first-year students who submitted scores. Source

How much is Lake Forest College's application fee for international students?

Lake Forest College charges no application fee, for international and US applicants alike.

Which English tests does Lake Forest College accept?

Lake Forest College lists the TOEFL iBT, IELTS Academic, and Duolingo English Test as accepted English proficiency tests for 2026–27.

• Minimum scores and exemptions (for example if you studied in English) are set by the university: check its international page.

Does Lake Forest College accept the Duolingo English Test?

Yes. The Duolingo English Test is among the English tests Lake Forest College accepts for 2026–27.

How many recommendation letters does Lake Forest College require?

Lake Forest College requires one teacher recommendation for 2026–27.

• Whatever the letters, your school sends the School Report and, after graduation, the Final Report: the Common App says every university requires them.

Does Lake Forest College require the Common App personal essay?

Yes. Lake Forest College requires the Common App personal essay (250 to 650 words) for 2026–27.

How many international students does Lake Forest College have?

358 of Lake Forest College's 1,814 undergraduates were international students (US nonresidents) in fall 2024: 19.7%.

• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 enrollment (provisional release). Source

How much does Lake Forest College cost for international students?

Lake Forest College's published tuition and fees for 2024–25 were $56,402, the same for every student. On-campus food and housing was $12,700. With books and other expenses, a year cost about $73,500 before any financial aid.

• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Published charges for 2024–25. Costs usually rise each year: check the university's site for 2027–28. Source

Does Lake Forest College give financial aid to international students?

Yes. In 2024-25, Lake Forest College gave institutional scholarships or grants to 374 international undergraduates.

• Number of international students aided: the university's Common Data Set 2024-25