| Program | Deadline | Notification Mailing |
Candidate Reply Date |
Financial Aid Application |
| Early Decision | Dec. 1 | Dec. 20 | January 1 |
ED Application by Dec 1 & |
| Early Action | Dec. 1 | Jan. 20 | May 1 | FAFSA and LFAFA by Jan. 31 |
| Regular Decision | Feb. 15 | March 20 | May 1 | FAFSA and LFAFA by Feb. 22 |
| Transfer: Fall | June 15 | Rolling | 3 weeks from decision | FAFSA and LFAFA by June 15 |
| Transfer: Spring | Dec. 1 | Rolling | 3 weeks from decision | FAFSA and LFAFA by Dec. 1 |
Details
Early Decision
If Lake Forest College is your first choice, this is the strongest statement you can make about your interest in the College. The Early Decision admissions program provides you with an early announcement of your admissions decision, expedited merit-based scholarship review, and preferential placement for housing and in your first-year studies course. If Federal Work Study is included as part of your financial aid, you will be given priority over other students in job placement. You need to complete the Early Decision Form that confirms that Lake Forest College is your first-choice.
Lake Forest has a binding Early Decision program. If offered admission, it is understood that you will withdraw all other college applications. If an Early Decision candidate is applying for need-based financial assistance, you may wait for the financial aid award before withdrawing other applications. If you are applying for financial aid (including scholarships), please review the Financial Aid page for details and deadlines.
You and your college counselor should complete the Early Decision form that is available on the Common Application site and submit it along with your application.
Early Action
Students applying under the Early Action admissions program will receive an admission decision by January 20 if your application is completed by December 1. This non-binding program is intended to offer you an opportunity to hear from the College prior to the traditional March decision period. You may reply before May 1, but that is not required. If you are applying for financial aid (including scholarships), please review the Financial Aid page for details and deadlines.
Regular Decision
The Admissions Office will begin notifying candidates of admission and financial aid March 20. If you are applying for financial aid (including scholarships), please review the Financial Aid page for details and deadlines.
Transfer Admissions
Transfer applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. The applicant will receive an admissions decision within three weeks of file completion.