McHenry County College

Every semester, McHenry County College students make it to Lake Forest College and succeed in our transfer-inclusive community.

We are committed to making your transition to Lake Forest College as seamless as possible. MCC students in all academic areas have a smooth path to their bachelor's degree at Lake Forest, thanks to a special partnership between the two institutions. This partnership includes special agreements including the MCC Pathway Scholars Program, Guaranteed Admission, and generous scholarships and financial aid opportunities for all students.

Guaranteed Admission Program

The Guaranteed Admission Program provides MCC students seamless transfer to earn their bachelor’s degree at Lake Forest College. MCC students will benefit from personalized academic planning from both institutions early in their college career. 

Students must complete a minimum of 30 transferrable credit hours of coursework at MCC with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. AP and IB scores may be applied to the 30 hours in accordance with the Lake Forest College AP/IB tables.

Interested students should complete the Guaranteed Admission Participation Form at least one year in advance of your first semester at Lake Forest College.  You must also complete the Lake Forest College transfer admission application and submit all supporting materials.

Contact Melissa Naughton, Director of Transfer Admissions at Lake Forest College, with questions about the program requirements.

Pathway Scholar Programs at Lake Forest College

Our Pathway Scholar Programs offer a seamless transition to Lake Forest College for MCC students who are looking to major in a variety of areas and have completed their associate of arts degree, associate of science degree, or 60 transferrable semester hours of credit.

Pathway Business, Economics, Finance Scholars

MCC students who seek to major in business, economics, or finance and have completed their associate of arts degree, associate of science degree, or 60 transferable semester hours are eligible for the Pathway Business/Economics/Finance Scholars program.  Students will be evaluated at the end of every academic year at the College. Pathway Scholars are required to maintain a 2.0 GPA.

This program is a 2+2 transfer program with guaranteed admission for qualified students. No additional application is required. Students must meet a prescribed curriculum ( please see transfer guide) and have a minimum 3.25 GPA for consideration.

Benefits

  • Admitted students will receive up to a $34,000 Presidential scholarship
  • OR a guaranteed $30,000 Phi Theta Kappa scholarship ($34,000 with GPA of 3.75+) if they are PTK members.
  • Pre-advising during your time at MCC by Lake Forest College faculty on course selection.
  • Advising from our Career Advancement Center staff on internships, and career opportunities.
  • Students earning a 3.6 GPA or higher in their first semester will have the option of selecting a fifth course for free in the second semester.
  • Pathway Scholar recognition on their Lake Forest College transcript.
Pathway Humanities Scholars

Lake Forest College will support up to 15 Pathways Humanities Scholars who are interested majoring in the humanities and have completed their associate of arts degree, associate of science degree, or 60 transferable semester hours at MCC. Students will be evaluated at the end of every academic year at the College. Pathway Scholars are required to maintain a 2.0 GPA.

Students must have a minimum 3.25 GPA for consideration. Academic areas of focus will include American studies, studio art, art history, Asian studies, communication, English, French, Spanish, history, music, philosophy, religion, theater, and Latin American and Latinx studies.

Benefits

  • Admitted students will receive up to a $34,000 Presidential scholarship
  • OR a guaranteed $30,000 Phi Theta Kappa scholarship ($34,000 with GPA of 3.75+) if they are PTK members.
  • Pre-advising during your time at MCC by Lake Forest College faculty on course selection.
  • Advising from our Career Advancement Center staff on internships, and career opportunities.
  • Students earning a 3.6 GPA or higher in their first semester will have the option of selecting a fifth course for free in the second semester.
  • Pathway Scholar recognition on their Lake Forest College transcript.

MCC Transfer Brochure


Download PDF

Transfer Application and Enrollment Deadlines

Spring 2025 and Fall 2025 applications are open! Apply today!

Spring Deadline for transfer students on an F-1 visa: November 22

Spring Deadline: January 1

Transfer Credit Guides

See how your credits will transfer from MCC to Lake Forest College.

AP Credits for MCC Students

Students who have successfully completed Advanced Placement courses and the appropriate examinations provided by the College Entrance Examination Board may apply for college credit for this work.

As part of recognizing the Associate of Arts (AA) and Associate of Science (AS) degree credential, we will accept scores of “3” on Advanced Placement (AP) exams from students whose community colleges have applied such credit towards the hours needed for their AA.

Scores of 3, 4, or 5 on the examinations, may entitle students to at least one course credit. Scores of 1 or 2  are not granted credit. A score of 4 or better on both the microeconomics and macroeconomics exams is required for one course credit in economics.

Each department determines the specific amount of credit to be awarded. Credit will not be granted for both Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate program examinations in the same department.