How to Apply to the Lake Forest MBA Program
Application Instructions, Check List, & Forms
At Lake Forest, the coursework is challenging, but the experience of working with us isn't. Our admissions process is streamlined and highly personalized, and our admissions counselors are available to assist you every step of the way.
We recommend that applicants start their admissions process at least one month prior to the application deadline. Applications that are received after the application deadline will be considered on a space-available basis.
For key dates and application deadlines, go here.
To review our academic calendar, go here.
To contact an Admissions counselor, go here.
Please read on for information regarding the Lake Forest MBA program application requirements and instructions for applying. You may apply for admission online. If you would prefer to apply offline, go here to request our Lake Forest MBA Info Pak, which includes all application materials.
Admissions Requirements & Check List
To complete your application file, we will need from you all of the following:
Admissions Interview
The admissions interview is the first step in the admissions process. All MBA candidates are required to interview with an admissions counselor. We take this opportunity to learn more about your reasons for pursuing an MBA and to assess your professional work experience as it relates to our program. The interview is an opportunity for you to learn more about how our program can fit your needs, discuss application requirements, and ask any other questions you may have.
The admissions interview typically lasts 50-55 minutes. You can interview at the Lake Forest MBA campus location that is most convenient to you. Special arrangements can be made to interview at an alternate location, if needed. After the interview, the admissions counselor will help you continue the application process.
The only admissions requirement you must have prepared for your admissions interview is a current version of your résumé.
Go here to contact an admissions counselor to schedule an admissions interview at the campus of your choice.
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Your Current Résumé
All MBA candidates must submit a current résumé. Your résumé should include educational background and professional work experience showing your achievements and career progression. Bring your current résumé to your admissions interview. Your admissions counselor will assess your years of professional work experience and assist you with the admissions process.
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Official Academic Transcripts
The Lake Forest MBA program requires official academic transcripts from each educational institution you have attended. As a convenience to all of our candidates, our admissions office arranges for direct receipt of official transcripts from U.S. educational institutions and pays any associated fees.
At your admissions interview, you will sign transcript request forms that will allow us to order the transcripts on your behalf. You may also download transcript request forms in advance and either bring your signed forms to your interview or fax the signed forms to the campus where you are interviewing.
To download a transcript request form, go here.
Note: For non-U.S. degree holders, go here to read more about third party transcript evaluations for degrees earned from institutions outside the United States.
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Two Letters of Recommendation
All candidates must submit two Letters of Recommendation. One must come from your direct supervisor; the other must come from a business associate (e.g. your supervisor’s manager, a previous supervisor, or a co-worker). Letters should be requested from individuals who are able to give specific information about your professional capabilities and accomplishments.
Letter of Recommendation forms (complete and with signature) may be either mailed or faxed to the admissions office of the campus you wish to attend. Please note: e-mailed letters of recommendation are not accepted.
To download letter of recommendation forms, go here.
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Application with Personal Statement
Each candidate must submit a completed admissions application, including a personal statement. Personal statement directions and guidelines are included on the application. All candidates must demonstrate proficiency in written communication suitable for performing graduate level work. Written submissions must be free of fundamental errors in format, spelling, punctuation, and grammar.
You may apply for admission online or you may fax or mail your application to the campus you wish to attend.
To apply online, go here.
If you would prefer to apply offline, go here to request our Information Pak by mail. It includes all the application materials you will need.
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Official GMAT Scores, if Applicable
The Lake Forest MBA program uses a graduated system that considers professional work experience and academic background to determine whether or not an MBA candidate is required to submit official Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) scores. We believe that your professional work experience is a strong predictor of your success in our program. Your professional work experience will be assessed at your admissions interview.
A candidate may be required to submit official GMAT scores depending upon his/her years of professional work experience and undergraduate cumulative grade point average. You automatically qualify for a GMAT waiver if you have already earned a graduate degree. Your admissions counselor can also help you determine whether or not you are required to take the GMAT, and can also guide you to GMAT resources. For GMAT information, including test centers and dates, go to www.mba.com. Lake Forest Graduate School of Management’s school code is 2N6-LM-01.
GMAT Test Requirements
- For candidates who have already earned a graduate degree, the GMAT requirement is waived.
- For candidates whose professional work experience has been assessed at 4 to 8 years, official GMAT test scores are required.
- For candidates whose professional work experience has been assessed at 9 to 14 years and have an undergraduate degree cumulative grade point average of 2.70/4.00 or higher, the GMAT requirement is waived.
- For candidates whose professional work experience has been assessed at 15 or more years, the GMAT requirement is waived.
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Third Party Transcript Evaluations for Degrees Earned from Institutions Outside the United States
For MBA candidates who have earned a degree(s) from an institution(s) outside of the United States, you must submit official third-party transcript evaluations from a firm that is affiliated with one of the following organizations:
- American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, International Education Services (AACRAO – IES), www.aacrao.org
- Members of the Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. (AICE). A current membership listing can be found at www.aice-eval.org
- Members of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). A a current membership listing can be found at www.naces.org
For MBA candidates who already have a third party transcript evaluation completed, we will review these instances on a case-by-case basis and determine if the transcript evaluator has credentials similar to the organizations listed above. If so, the evaluation would be considered credible and we will accept it. If not, the MBA candidate will be required to have an additional evaluation completed by one of the organizations listed above.
For more information on third party transcript evaluations for degrees earned from institutions outside the United States, go here.
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