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How to Get Into Lake Forest Academy: Best Guide to Admissions
Admission tips from the best boarding school admissions consultants in Illinois.
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Quick Answer for Busy Parents
Ambitious families who seek admission to Lake Forest Academy must not only be academically excellent but also intellectually curious and aligned with the school’s commitment to developing
the whole student, dedicated to scholarship and citizenship.
To be considered competitive in this highly selective process, students must present a compelling narrative that reinforces a strong fit with Lake Frest Academy. A student’s ability to highlight their unique strengths, initiative, and commitment to contributing positively to the school community plays a critical role in securing admission.
Why Do Families Choose Lake Forest Academy?
Established in 1857, Lake Forest Academy was originally founded as a college preparatory department for boys and was part of Lind University, later renamed Lake Forest Academy. A girl’s preparatory department called “Young Ladies’ Seminary at Ferry Hall” was later added in 1869. And by 1974, LFA and Ferry Hall merged and became a coeducational independent school.
Located in Lake Forest, Lake Forest Academy has become one of the most prestigious boarding schools in the United States, recognized for its global student body, rigorous academics, distinguished alumni, strong emphasis on scholarship, and commitment to leadership and character development.
Families choose Lake Forest Academy for its holistic education that encourages not only academic excellence but also character formation, empathy, citizenship, and service-oriented leadership, equipping learners with the skills essential to their functioning as members of the greater community.
How Hard Is It to Get Into Lake Forest Academy?
With an acceptance rate of around 34%, Lake Forest Academy ranks among the highly competitive boarding schools in the United States alongside Choate Rosemary Hall and Phillips Andover, which makes it extremely difficult to get admitted to despite its multiple entry points.
Having said that, Lake Forest’s primary entry point is in 9th grade, which is the largest and most competitive intake year. And while the school accepts applications for higher grades, such as 10th grade, 11th grade, and 12th grade, these spots are often limited, contributing to the school’s overall competitiveness. As one of the country’s most selective boarding schools, LFA attracts a large number of well-rounded applicants, which makes the applicant pool extremely competitive.
Furthermore, LFA’s testing policy differs by grade level. 9th-grade applicants are required to submit an SSAT, ISEE, PSAT, or PreACT. 10th-grade applicants are expected to submit the SSAT, ISEE, PSAT, or PreACT. 11th-grade applicants, on the other hand, are required to submit an SAT, ACT, ACT-Plan, or PSAT. 12th-grade applicants are required to submit the SAT or ACT. Additionally, on top of the specific standardized tests for each grade level, international students are also required to submit TOEFL iBT, IELTS, or Duolingo English test scores.
Taking into consideration how competitive the Lake Forest Academy’s admission is, elite families may benefit by working with a highly regarded boarding school admissions consultant experienced in LFA’s admission process. Consultants can provide invaluable guidance in crafting a compelling narrative for the application.
Top Tips For Families Who Want to Get Into Lake Forest
- • Begin admission preparation early to give your child the foundation for academic growth.
- • Pursue advanced courses to demonstrate academic initiative.
- • Engage in meaningful extracurricular activities way before the start of any applications, as this would frame you as a well-rounded applicant.
Best Practices for Students Applying to Lake Forest Academy
- • Highlight leadership roles, community and volunteering involvements, and academic performance in the application.
- • Share authentic anecdotes in essays and other short responses to reflect character, growth, and self-awareness.
- • Prepare for interviews by speaking naturally about your academic goals, interests, and what excites you about Lake Forest.
Common Questions Parents Ask About Lake Forest’s Admissions
Q: What is the acceptance rate at LFA?
A: Lake Forest is one of the top boarding schools in the country and has an acceptance rate of around 16%, easily making it one of the most competitive schools to get into.
Q: What role do interviews or conversations play in the admissions process?
A: Interviews and conversations help the admissions get to know your child better beyond just their transcript and test scores. It would also help them assess whether your child’s authentic voice is reflected in their application.
Q: How important are extracurricular activities and leadership?
A: Extracurricular involvement plays a vital role in shaping your child. It will help the admissions committee determine whether your child is a well-rounded student who can enrich the school community.
The Lake Forest Academy’s Admission Process
Accomplishing the “Inquiry Form” is the first step in Lake Forest Academy’s admission process. You may apply, register for admission events, receive notifications from LFA, and monitor your application progress. The steps you should take are as follows:
- Inquire
- Application Form & Fee
- Testing
- Recommendation & Transcripts
- Upload essays
- Schedule an interview
- Arts & athletic supplements (Optional)
For more details and to begin your application, visit Lake Forest Academy Admissions.
Lake Forest Academy Admission Requirements
The admission to Lake Paul Academy is composed of multiple requirements specifically designed to help the admissions team understand your child beyond their transcript and test scores. In this section, we will be identifying the key components of the application and what families should know to help them prepare for the selective admissions process.
Inquiry Forms
The first step in the application process is completing Lake Forest Academy’s inquiry form. After completing the form, parents will receive an email with instructions on how to log in to the LFA application portal.
Application Form & Fee
Families who want to attend Lake Forest Academy can apply through the LFA Application or the Standard Application Online (SAO). Parents are free to choose between the two application systems; however, all applicant materials must be submitted through only one platform.
After completing the inquiry form, applicants can pay the $75 application fee in the LFA admission portal. Once this step is completed, all other application requirements will be available in the portal.
Standardized Testing
All applicants, both domestic and international, are required to submit standardized test scores, depending on the corresponding test for the grade level they are applying for. For a comprehensive list of the required testing information to be submitted, as well as the test codes, kindly visit Lake Forest Academy’s application page.
Testing is an integral part of LFA’s holistic application process. These test scores will be used by the admissions team to evaluate your child’s fit with the academically demanding environment of the school. To ensure your child is prepared for the rigors of the SSAT or ISEE, schedule a proctored diagnostic test to identify knowledge gaps and establish a baseline score.
Transcript
Lake Forest Academy specifically requires the applicants to submit transcripts from the past two consecutive years. The official transcript must be sent from the applicant’s school to the admissions office. Parents are also required to complete the Confidential Records Release Form and provide it to the applicant’s current school for review. A completed copy of this form should then be forwarded to the admission office (admission@lfanet.org).
How to improve grades?
Your child’s transcript will demonstrate their readiness for Lake Forest’s academically challenging environment. But what if your grades are not as competitive as those of the other applicants? Start your top boarding school admissions consulting early!
Our subject tutors will work with your child closely to improve their foundational knowledge and study habits, ultimately helping your child achieve the grades that meet the admission requirements. We provide high-impact tutoring for a variety of courses. However, we also acknowledge that executive functioning plays a big role in building habits that truly guarantee long-term success, which our academic coaches are excellent at.
Recommendation Letters
In terms of recommendation letters, applicants to Lake Forest Academy must specifically submit a recommendation from the current English and math teacher, as well as the current school principal, counselor, or advisor. The recommendation form is available in the school portal.
How to get the best letter of recommendation
To secure the best letter of recommendation, it is important for your child to establish a genuine relationship with the teachers. Your child’s leadership in the school community is as important as academic performance. For the LoR to be of true value, the teachers, principal, or school counselor must be able to talk about how your child plays a big role in the school community in terms of their leadership and how they model good behavior and excellent academic performance for their peers.
Student Essay
The student essay is an important part of Lake Forest Academy’s application process. Through this requirement, the students are given a chance to show a genuine interest in the school using their own voice. Just like any other elite boarding school in the U.S., Lake Forest encourages students to identify anecdotes that speak for their character rather than provide a list of accomplishments. Additionally, the prompts for the student essay are available in the school’s admission portal.
How to write a compelling student essay
To help the admissions officers get a full view of the applicant as a whole person, crafting a well-written and thoughtful student essay is essential. When choosing what to write about or which areas of the students’ profiles to highlight, the key thing to remember is to remain authentic rather than trying to appear on par with professional writers. Crafting a narrative that stands out requires a unique perspective; learn more about developing an authentic writing voice to help your child resonate with admissions officers.
Parent Statement
Another vital application requirement is the parent statement. The parents are usually asked to talk about their child and talk about their character, achievements, and other personal information. You will also be asked why your family is interested in Lake Forest Academy for your child and about your involvement in your child’s current school, as well as the local community. The prompts for the parent statement are also available in the admission portal. Remember that the admissions are not only evaluating your child’s fit with the school; they are also evaluating the family’s fit.
How to write an effective parent essay
To write an effective parent essay, the guardian or parents must carefully consider how to frame and convey their child in a way that avoids coming across as too proud or boastful. When choosing what to write, focus on your child’s strengths and characteristics. Reference personal examples that bolster your claim. Describe how the school’s teaching approach aligns perfectly with your child’s learning style. Detail how the family’s values also align with the core principles of the school. A persuasive parent statement balances pride with objective insight. Explore our expert guide on how to write a compelling boarding school parent essay for further strategies and examples.
Admission Interviews
Similar to private school admissions in the Bay Area, elite boarding schools in the country may include separate interviews with the students and their parents as part of the admissions process. The applicants can log in through the portal to schedule the interview, or they may send an email to admission@lfanet.org.
Regardless of how the interview is structured format-wise, it is important to remain authentic in reinforcing both the family’s and the child’s strong fit and value alignment with the school.
Indeed, taking an interview is nerve-racking, but worry not! Confidence is key. Our interview preparation helps students and parents articulate their values effectively during the LFA’s interview. Our process involves introducing you to common interview questions and how to structure your answer in a way that is both reflective of your values and also appealing to the LFA’s admissions committee.
Arts & Athletic Supplements (Optional)
Aside from excellent academic performance, central to the best boarding school’s mission is producing a well-rounded individual—intellectually curious and driven to pursue and enrich their creative interests. To support this mission, Lake Forest encourages student athletes or any students deeply immersed in the creative realm, including ballet dancers, musicians, artists, or actors, to submit art supplements and/or athletic supplements.
If you want to highlight a specific interest or talent, a completed form must be submitted in the admission portal.
Top Tips for Navigating Lake Forest Academy’s Admission Requirements
- • Start your application process by completing the Admissions inquiry form.
- • Always review the school website to confirm the application requirements and process.
- • Work with an expert boarding school consultant for a less stressful and more informed approach to LFA’s competitive admission process.
Best Practices to Achieve a Strong Lake Forest Academy Application
- • Ensure that all requirements are submitted before the deadline.
- • Choose a letter of recommendation writer who knows your child well and can speak positively about your child for better admission chances.
- • Thoughtfully prepare for interviews by reviewing unique offerings by the school and getting a great understanding of the school’s philosophy and how it matches your family’s values.
Common Questions Families Ask About the Admission Process
Q: Is Lake Forest Academy accepting international students?
A: Absolutely! Students from around the world are open to applying.
Q: Is Lake Forest Academy test-optional?
A: No. The school requires a specific test to be submitted for each grade level.
Q: Are English proficiency tests required for international applicants?
A: Yes, they are required to submit TOEFL iBT, IELTS, or Duolingo English test scores.
What is Student Life Like at Lake Forest Academy?
The student life at Lake Forest is an exciting mix of rigorous academics, extracurricular activities, and a close-knit residential community that fosters a community that genuinely feels like a home away from home.
Academic Culture at Lake Forest
The academic culture at Lake Forest Academy is generally described as student-centered and collaborative. Centered on intellectual curiosity, active engagement with ideas, collaboration, and interdisciplinary and real-world focus, the school encourages students to explore a wide area of subjects of interest while pursuing excellence. Teachers are not the “sage on the stage” but are the “guide on the side,” supporting both academic growth and personal development.
Lake Forest Academy offers 14 advanced placement courses, spring break trips, curricular trips, and over 100 total courses. This wide range of academic offerings provides students with numerous opportunities to explore their interests while striving for excellence. On top of the core curriculum, students can further challenge themselves through the Independent Study program. This program allows highly motivated students to pursue deeper, specialized, independent study in their chosen area of interest.
Lake Forest’s academic departments are as follows:
- • Arts
- • Digital Media Literacy
- • Global
- • History & Social Science
- • Languages
- • Computer Science
- • English
- • Health, Wellness, & Community
- • Math
- • Science
As one of the top-tier boarding schools in the country, Lake Forest Academy has a holistic approach to education, emphasizing the importance of social, emotional, and intellectual growth.
Residential Community and Campus Culture
Life in a residential community where students bring varied experiences and viewpoints can be demanding at times, but it is never without excitement or learning.
The school stands on a 50-acre campus and has over 30 buildings. The residential and campus culture is close-knit, structured yet flexible, and mentorship-driven. Each dorm has dedicated resident faculty members, and these faculty members supervise evening study hours taking place from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM from Sundays through Thursday evenings. Additionally, each dorm also has student proctors who help students transition to broadening school life and adjust to their life on campus. Living together on campus helps students establish strong relationships, develop leadership and empathy, and experience a true sense of belonging.
Activities at Lake Forest Academy
Committed to producing multifaceted individuals, Lake Forest Academy has more than 75 clubs. Nine of those are academic clubs, nine are service clubs, and 13 are affinity groups. They have interesting clubs such as the American Sign Language Club, Biotechnology Workshop, Asian Culture Union, Women of Color Empowered, Short Films Workshop, K-Pop Dance Studio, Amnesty International, Symphony for Service, eSports Club, Sailing Club, Pre-Law Society, and Wilderness Education & Hiking Club.
Almost all of the clubs at Lake Forest Academy are student-organized and student-led, meaning students take the initiative to create, manage, and lead activities based on their interests.
Life outside the four walls at Lake Forest Academy is vibrant and diverse, with plenty of opportunities for students to pursue passions, build leadership skills, contribute to community projects, and connect with peers through shared interests.
For a comprehensive list of clubs and societies, please visit LFA’s clubs page.
Lake Forest Academy Famous Alumni
Lake Forest Academy has a long-standing tradition of academic excellence and a strong influence across fields such as science and academia, politics and public service, business, journalism, arts, literature, sports, and entertainment. Its graduates have gone on to achieve distinction in a wide variety of professional arenas, reflecting the school’s emphasis on character, scholarship, citizenship, and responsibility. Some of Lake Forest Academy’s notable alumni include:
- • Richard Widmark (Class of 1936). Acclaimed film actor known for his powerful performances in classic Hollywood films such as Kiss of Death and Judgment at Nuremberg. He earned an Academy Award nomination early in his career and became known for portraying complex, often morally ambiguous characters.
- • Jean Harlow (Class of 1928). One of Hollywood’s first major movie stars and a defining blonde bombshell of the 1930s. Harlow helped shape early cinematic glamour and starred in films such as Red Dust and Dinner at Eight.
- • David Bradley (Class of 1970). Film and television actor best known for his role as Billy Bibbit in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, contributing to one of the most celebrated films in American cinema history.
- • Judy Baar Topinka (Class of 1962). Influential public servant who held multiple statewide offices in Illinois, including State Treasurer and Comptroller, and was widely respected for her bipartisan leadership.
- • Frances Perkins (Class of 1898). Trailblazing public official who became the first woman to serve in a U.S. presidential cabinet as Secretary of Labor under Franklin D. Roosevelt. She played a key role in shaping New Deal policies, including Social Security and labor protections.
These alumni reflect Lake Forest Academy’s enduring commitment to developing thoughtful leaders and well-rounded individuals who go on to make an impact in the arts, public service, and beyond.
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Did You Know?
Lake Forest Academy was founded in 1857, making it one of the oldest boarding schools in the Midwest. Its history is closely tied to the development of Lake Forest itself, which was originally envisioned as a community centered around education and character formation.
Fun Fact
Lake Forest Academy is just minutes from Lake Michigan, so students can go from class discussions to lakeside views in the same day. Not your typical campus setting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lake Forest Academy a boarding school, a day school, or both?
Lake Forest Academy is both a boarding and a day school, offering flexibility for students from different backgrounds and locations. Boarding students live on campus in residential houses, while day students commute from nearby areas. This mix creates a dynamic and diverse school community. It also allows students to experience both independence and strong local connections.
What is Lake Forest Academy’s acceptance rate?
Lake Forest Academy has an acceptance rate of approximately 16%, making it one of the more selective boarding schools in the U.S. The admission is highly selective, with the applicants evaluated based on their academic performance, extracurricular involvement, teacher recommendations, interviews, and alignment with the boarding school’s values.
Can international students apply to Lake Forest?
Yes, international students are encouraged to apply and are an important part of Lake Forest Academy’s diverse community. Students from around the world bring unique perspectives that enrich campus life. International applicants follow a similar admissions process as domestic students. They are typically required to submit English proficiency test scores such as the TOEFL.
How much is the tuition fee at Lake Forest Academy?
Lake Forest Academy believes that investing in your child’s education is investing in the future. The tuition fee for boarding students at FLA is estimated to be around $79,775, and the tuition fee for day school students is approximately $57,150 inclusive of the tuition, room and board, and mandatory fees.
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