Fall Dates and Deadlines

Congratulations! Welcome to the Forester Family. Now that it’s official, here are main items and their deadlines. Completing these tasks on time will help make your transition to the College this fall easy.

Ready to join the Forester Family? Submit your $200 non-refundable desposit today! 

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Specific deadlines will be updated on this page as they become available and emails will be sent with instructions and reminders. 

The timeline listed below will give you an idea of what to expect prior to your arrival in Fall 2024. 

What to expect

Receive your Computing Instructions

Students use their credentials in various ways including their Lake Forest email address; on Moodle, the course management system; and on my.lakeforest, our Intranet portal for registering and managing your account. It’s important that you do not change any passwords for these accounts until you arrive on campus in August. You will receive your credentials in early May.

Final Transcript and Good Academic Standing

Keep up the good work and finish strong! Lake Forest College admission offers are always contingent upon receiving final transcript(s) showing acceptable academic performance and no disciplinary issues. We do reserve the right to rescind the offer of admission if academic or disciplinary concerns are presented at any time during the admission and enrollment process.

I-20 Process Document Submission

Last Date to submit documents for I-20 process: June 1, 2024

Last Date to submit documents for I-20 process for SEVIS Transfer student: July 1, 2024

What to complete by May 15
First-Year Studies Course Selection

All First-Year students take a First-Year Studies course as one of their four courses in their first semester. The professor for this course is also your academic advisor and will help you select your other fall courses. Choose six courses that appeal to you, and tell us more about yourself. The answers you provide helps our team build an academic program that will suit your goals and preparation. Read more about the First-Year Studies program and a list of available courses here.

In early June, you will find out via an email from your professor into which course you have been placed. The letter will also include next steps for choosing your fall classes. More information can be found in your enrolling student portal.

Quantitative Readiness Assessment (QRA)

The Quantitative Readiness Assessment (QRA) is required for all entering first-year students. It will help you and your advisor choose appropriate quantitative classes for the fall semester. You must complete the assessment before you chat with your advisor. (If you’re a transfer student, talk to your advisor before you take the test - depending on your background, you may not need to take it.). The QRA can be completed in Moodle, the College’s course management software.

Science Placement Assessment (SPA)

Students interested in pursuing majors in pre-health, biology, chemistry, environmental studies, neuroscience must take the Science Placement Assessment (SPA). This includes pre-health, biology, chemistry, and neuroscience intended majors. The College uses these results and other factors to help properly advise you into the science courses for which you will be most successful. The SPA can also be completed in Moodle, the College’s course management software.

Other May to-dos
Student Information Form

As you prepare to join the campus community, it is imperative that we have accurate contact and personal information from each new student.

The form requests contact information for you and a parent/guardian in the event of an emergency, and also equips the College with your privacy preferences regarding your student record via the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). 

You need to login to my.lakeforest.edu to find the form on the left-hand side of the home screen. A link to this form will be emailed to you in early May.

Transfer Advising Survey

New transfer students will receive a survey regarding your academic interests. This will help your advisor get to know your interests and assist in building your academic program. You must complete it before meeting with your advisor during one of our required Transfer Registration and Advising Programs, and your Lake Forest ID number will be emailed to you to complete the survey.

Transfer Registration and Advising Program

Register for one of our required Registration and Advising programs  (offered on June 16 and July 24) for transfer students. Information on the program and how to register will be sent to you via the enrolling student portal. You will meet with a faculty advisor during this time. These programs will prepare you to successfully complete your online registration.

What to complete by June 15
Housing Application
We’re excited to help you take the next steps to make Lake Forest College your home away from home. After May 15, 2024 you will be granted access to the housing contract one business day after the New Student Information Form is submitted. You can access the contract by clicking the “my.housing” link on the my.lakeforest home screen once you've logged in.

Transfer students please note that should you enroll after the priority deadline, the Office Residence Life will ensure housing remains available.

Other important dates:


May 15: Housing applications become available in my.lakeforest

June 15: Priority housing contract deadline

July 15
: First-Year and Transfer Room Assignments Communicated

August 17: Move-In for New Students begins at 9:00 a.m. Please proceed directly to your assigned residence hall when you arrive on campus. Volunteers will greet you and direct you where to park, help you unload and move your belongings, and show you to your new room!


Click here to learn more about residence life at Lake Forest.

All questions and concerns can be directed to the Office of Residence Life at reslife@lakeforest.edu.

Accessibility Services

Deadline for consideration for housing accessibility requests for the 2024-2025 academic year. Complete the Verification for Need for Accessibility Services Form which requires detailed information from you and your treating clinician or educational professional.

Click here to learn more.

First Connection Orientation Program

This is an excellent opportunity to get an early start to your life at Lake Forest College by getting connected with students, professors, and on-campus resources. At its heart, the program aims to enhance cultural awareness and understanding among its participants by providing meaningful intercultural exchanges. Thus, students traditionally underrepresented and/or underserved in American higher education, including, but not limited to U.S. students of color, students who identify as members of the LGBTQ+ community, and first-generation college students are especially urged to apply. This program is free of charge. All activities and meals are provided for participants by the College.

Students participating in the program can plan to arrive to campus  Monday, August 12. Note that all international students are required to attend.

You can contact firstconnection@lakeforest.edu with any questions.

Other June to-dos
First-Year Studies Welcome Letter

Information will be emailed to you from your First-Year Studies professor regarding your course placement and contact information for connecting with your advisor. (Your First-Year Studies professor will serve as your academic advisor.) You will also receive a list of fall courses available to incoming students to review prior to connecting with your advisor. 

First-Year Studies Summer Assignment and Advising Period

You will receive a second letter from your advisor in mid-June with information about a summer assignment for all first-year students to complete.

This is when you will be in contact with your advisor. Be prepared with a selection of courses (sent to you with First-Year Studies Welcome Letter) that interest you and any questions you may have. Your advisor will help you decide which courses to take in the fall. He or she will discuss with you your interests, abilities, and desired majors, as well as answer questions you have about prerequisites, courses, any AP or IB credits you may have. First-year students, be sure you have taken the QRA and the SPA before you contact your advisor.

Transfer Registration and Advising Program

Register for one of our required Registration and Advising programs for transfer students. Information on the program and how to register will be sent to you via email. You will meet with a faculty advisor during this time. These programs will prepare you to successfully complete your online registration.

Tuition Statement, Health Insurance Waiver, Forester Payment Plan, and Federal Student Loans

In early June the Office of Financial Aid will send information on how to apply for the Federal Stafford loans. Parents will also receive information on how to apply for the Federal Parent PLUS Loan, if they are interested in doing so. We encourage you to wait until you receive this information to apply for these loans. You will have until August 15 to complete the Stafford loan process, and to apply for the PLUS loan.

You will also be sent a notice in mid-June when tuition bills are available online and information about health insurance waivers. The Forester Payment Plan is a handy tool for spreading your tuition bill over the year. You will be sent information and can sign up anytime after you get your bill.

What to complete by July 15 deadline
Health History Form

The Health & Wellness Center provides a range of health and wellness services to all Lake Forest College students with the aim of supporting students in achieving academic and personal excellence. Prior to your enrollment we need information about your health status and signed documentation of your immunization history. It is important that you complete the Medical History Form with immunizations located in the Lake Forest Student Health Portal. 

Click here to learn more.

Accessibility Services

Deadline for consideration for all other accessibility requests, including academic. Requests received after the priority deadline will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. Complete the Verification for Need for Accessibility Services Form which requires detailed information from you and your treating clinician or educational professional.

Other July to-dos
First-Year Course Registration

In consultation with you and your advisor, the Summer Transition Advising and Registration Team (START) will build a schedule for you and complete the registration for the courses. Your schedule will be shared with you in August and you will be able to make any changes to your schedule during Orientation.

Transfer Registration and Advising Program

Register for one of our required Registration and Advising programs for transfer students. Information on the program and how to register will be sent to you via email. You will meet with a faculty advisor during this time. These programs will prepare you to successfully complete your online registration.

Work Study

In mid-June, students whose financial aid award includes “Federal Work Study” or “Lake Forest Work Study” will receive a link for an online work application. The Business Office does its best to place every work study student but placement in an on-campus job is not guaranteed.

Students who were not awarded work study may pursue student employment for skilled positions that are funded through College departmental budgets which are available on a limited basis and posted on Handshake www.lakeforest.edu/careers/handshake. In addition to working for the College departments, students may seek non-College employment at Parkhurst, the College’s dining service on campus www.smile.jobs, or local businesses www.quadjobs.com.

What to complete by August 15 deadline
AlcoholEdu & Sexual Assault Prevention Part I

All students are required to take the online courses with EverFi, whose mission is to help students address critical life skills such as alcohol abuse and sexual assault prevention. As part of our comprehensive program, Lake Forest College will expect each member of the incoming class to complete Part 1 of the alcohol abuse and sexual assault prevention courses online.

Tuition Payment and Health Insurance Waivers

Tuition, room and board and other student account charges are due each semester, for all students including those who have received permission to return late. Billing statements can be found via the my.lakeforest.edu portal. All students must submit payment by August 15, 2024.

Log in here to explore your options and get started TODAY! 

Payment Plans

  • Full Pay: Fall semester bills are due August 15. The deadline to register for a 5-month fall semester payment plan is August1st. Spring semester bills are due January 15. The deadline to register for a 5-month spring semester payment plan is December 31.
  • Monthly Payment Plans: There is a $60/per semester sign-up fee to begin a payment plan. Payment plans are available in 5-month, 4-month, or 3-month options. Sign up for a payment plan beginning June 30 through the My.Lakeforest.edu portal.

Review the Student Accounts Website for relevant information. Be sure to check your Lake Forest College email account for updated information. This is our official method of communication.

All full-time undergraduate students are automatically enrolled in and billed for the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP). If you are insured by a plan that provides comparable coverage, you can request to waive the 2024-2025 Student Health Insurance Plan.

All full-time undergraduate students are automatically enrolled in and billed for the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP). If you are insured by a plan that provides comparable coverage, you can request to waive the 2024-2025 Student Health Insurance Plan. 

You will be automatically enrolled in the SHIP if a waiver form is not submitted by the deadline of August 15.

Click here to learn more

Loan Application Process

Specific details will be provided to eligible students in early summer.

Federal Stafford Loan:   https://www.lakeforest.edu/stafford

Federal PLUS Loan:  https://www.lakeforest.edu/PLUS

Non-federal private loans:  https://www.lakeforest.edu/privateloan

Other August to-dos
First-Year class schedules available online

Students may access their class schedules on my.lakeforest. An email will be sent to your Lake Forest email address.

Attend First Connection Pre-Orientation

First Connection pre-orientation helps international students and those who are traditionally underrepresented in higher education make a successful transition to life at Lake Forest. It is optional for domestic students and required for international students. If you go to First Connection you will also attend New Student Orientation.

Make plans to attend New Student Orientation

The first step of your Lake Forest College journey is attending New Student Orientation, the College’s orientation for all new first year and transfer students. New Student Orientation at Lake Forest College is unlike anything that you have experienced! We have prepared a program filled with interactive sessions and energetic activities designed to help you meet other students, discover campus resources, and give you just the right amount of information to help you navigate your transition into Lake Forest College with confidence.

Check back frequently for updates throughout the summer. For now, know that New Student Orientation begins on August 17, 2024.

Move-in Day

Fellow Foresters will be on hand to help you move into your new home. We will share with you a list of what to bring (and what not to bring).