News and Events

Richter Scholar Program puts students on path to success

professor and students in lab
June 14, 2024
Linda Blaser

The Lake Forest College students who are invited to participate in the Richter Scholar Program conduct independent research with faculty members the summer after their first year on campus.

The goal of the program is to enhance students’ intellectual lives at an exceptionally early point in their college studies so that they are more likely to consider careers in research and teaching. 

Annually, 30 to 50 students first-year Foresters are selected to participate in the College’s signature program, conducting research in disciplines across the College’s academic offerings.

This early research experience sets Richter Scholars on an upward trajectory that leads to academic honors and graduate school completion at much higher rates.

Academic honors

Lake Forest College Richter Scholars are:

3.5 times more likely
to be inducted into
Phi Beta Kappa
3 times more likely
to earn a coveted
Senior Award

Graduate school enrollment

Gorter Family Career Advancement Center data shows:

Overall, 18 percent
of Lake Forest students go on to grad school.
By comparison,
66 percent
of Richter Scholars go on to grad school.
Just under 50 percent 
of Richter grad school
attendees
complete
doctoral-level degrees.