The transformational student experience (TSE) at Lake Forest College is the hallmark of the Lake Forest education. This integrative, student-centered approach focuses on intentionality, personal attention, and community engagement to leverage critical components of the College that maximize student learning, intellectual development, and graduate outcomes. Through a curriculum grounded in the Liberal Arts and experiential learning, distinctive academic programs, and partnerships that support student careers and outcomes, the College concentrates its focus on our most important resource—our students—to ensure they graduate with the skills and traits necessary to thrive in a 21st century, global society. To best serve our students, our departments work in an integrated fashion with students at the center of our model. Students begin engaging with the TSE when they explore the College. Through admissions programming informed by and authentic to the TSE, prospective students are exposed to the educational opportunities and philosophy of the institution, which is reinforced through the initial academic advising experience, student orientation, and first-year studies. As students progress through their education, they continue to develop critical attributes—intellectual curiosity, self-awareness, emotional intelligence, perseverance, resourcefulness, practical application, and communicative ability—that are interconnected in the student experience. Components of the College—academic advising, support services, co-curricular opportunities, career advising, experiential learning, and community engagement—are built into each year of the student experience to allow for learning and development in a scaffolded way, allowing our students to build upon their knowledge and experience through guided exploration and continued development of skills that allow them to flourish in a diversity of settings. Our students explore their passions and leverage our academic resources, internships, and signature programs to identify and engage in fulfilling careers and contribute to the greater society. And upon graduating Lake Forest College, our students are bonded by the common thread of the TSE which has prepared them for their life beyond the College.
Lake Forest College offers an unparalleled educational experience through its individualized, nurturing, and tight-knit community. This unique environment fosters the growth and thriving of students, empowering them to make substantial contributions to both local and global communities as resilient, engaged, and impactful individuals. Positioned on a picturesque suburban campus, just a short walk from the shores of Lake Michigan and the Metra train station to Chicago, Lake Forest College seamlessly blends the best aspects of a traditional residential liberal arts college with a practical, critically focused, skills-based education. Our college prides itself on augmenting academic excellence with a robust and enjoyable student-centered community life. Collaborations with partners throughout the greater Chicagoland area enhance the overall experience, providing students with diverse opportunities for enrichment and growth. The motto, "Forester Forever," and the distinctive bookmark logo featuring three acorns, symbolizes that Lake Forest College is not only a place of learning but also a symbolic home committed to maximizing the potential of each student. Similar to the way acorns, with time, care, and the right conditions, grow into flourishing oak trees, Lake Forest College aims to nurture students into well-rounded individuals prepared to lead and contribute. When students choose Lake Forest College, they plant their metaphorical acorn in a rich soil that supports germination, rooting, and the flourishing of their academic and personal development. Beyond academic growth, Lake Forest College encourages students to deepen their roots through self-exploration, reflection, and engagement with diverse perspectives, fostering holistic development. The supportive environment acts as a protective canopy, guiding students through challenges and promoting resilience. Over their four years, students forge close connections with faculty, staff, fellow students, and alumni who become integral parts of their personal network. As their metaphorical sapling matures into a tree that produces new acorns, each student cultivates knowledge, experiences, and skills, building a strong foundation. This foundation empowers them to branch out with confidence, achieving their goals, and positively contributing to their ever-evolving communities. Lake Forest College aspires to be more than an institution of higher learning; it aims to be a transformative force shaping confident, capable, and curious individuals, ensuring its students thrive as resilient and agile contributors on both local and global scales.
Our Vision: Lake Forest College seeks out individuals who thrive in intimate academic settings, possessing an innate curiosity about the world around them and a genuine desire to forge meaningful connections with others. As they embark on their academic, professional, and personal journeys, our students bring with them a spirit of openness and a hunger for discovery. Guided by these principles, Foresters embody qualities of self-awareness, resilience, adaptability, entrepreneurship, versatility, and resourcefulness. Our Approach: Through carefully curated academic and co-curricular initiatives, we provide students with the tools to explore their academic interests while gaining practical, real-world experience. From tailored first-year programs to ongoing mentorship and comprehensive career guidance, we ensure that every aspect of their journey is enriched. Our diverse array of clubs and organizations fosters the development of professional skills in a supportive environment. Students benefit from a quintessential college experience on a contained, beautiful campus, with direct access to the city of Chicago. Students engage “in the Forest” and “in the Loop”. On and around campus, dreams take shape, with the community serving as collaborators in bringing them to fruition. The Outcomes: Foresters emerge as lifelong learners, equipped with the agility needed to thrive in an ever-evolving landscape. They are not merely prepared for their post-graduation careers; they are prepared for life itself. The breadth of knowledge and experience acquired on our campus cultivates individuals who excel as critical thinkers, articulate communicators, globally engaged citizens adept at navigating diverse environments, and compassionate, culturally attuned community members.
