Lake Forest College Welcomes Historic Incoming Class

By Jillian Beaster Lake Forest College (LFC) has often been referred to as a “best-kept secret,” but based on its recent growth, the secret seems to be out. In August, LFC welcomed 539 students to campus, the largest incoming class in its 169-year history. With 423 first-year students and 116 transfer students, the administration attributed the growth to various factors. 

Members of the largest incoming class in Lake Forest College history gather on the basketball court.

“We’ve been working on our brand…particularly in areas [like] international students as well as students in this area,” said Chris Ellertson, Francis B. Gummere Vice President for Enrollment. “With donor support, we can meet demonstrated financial need for students in the area…so we have really created access.”

In addition to increasing regional representatives, meeting financial aid, and welcoming international students, LFC has expanded its Division III athletic program with the addition of men’s volleyball, dance, and cheer teams.

Ellertson also attributed success to programs like the invite-only Foresters Scholars Weekend, where high-achieving prospective students compete for a full-tuition scholarship through their participation in a mock course instructed by LFC faculty. Over the Scholars Weekend, students can stay overnight with upperclassmen and immerse themselves in LFC campus culture.

Ellertson mentioned that, among accepted students, 14 percent enroll, as students typically receive and accept offers from other schools. Forester Scholars Weekend contributed a much higher percentage. “The fact that [Scholars Weekend] brings in the very top band academically and had a 52 percent yield of 240 people is amazing,” he said.

While LFC is enjoying enrollment growth and an expansion of programs, many higher education institutions are experiencing the opposite. According to Douglas Belkin and Josh Ulick of The Wall Street Journal, birth rates are declining while tuition and competition are increasing, resulting in decreased enrollment nationally. Amidst the smaller pool of applicants, Belkin and Ulick observe “a flight-to-quality,” where well-known, prestigious schools are drawing a record number of applicants while enrollment at smaller schools dwindles. Yet amidst the growing national skepticism of higher education, LFC has not only welcomed its largest class of first-year students, but an increase in students transferring into the community. 

“The [transfer] students that I have spoken with are noting specifically what we offer as a small, liberal arts school,” said Interim Vice President and Dean of Students Tony Tyler. “Individualized attention in a small, safe, good community where they know that they will be able to get an education that informs all aspects of their life.”

Even before arriving on campus, Bhoomi Achotani, a first-year international student, felt she could thrive at LFC through the variety of extracurricular activities.  

“Some of my friends already went to Lake Forest, and when I’d video call and see life here, I could imagine myself being here,” Achotani said. “I remember how my friend was involved in everything, and it got me excited about all of the opportunities here.”

Tyler has observed similar experiences to Achotani’s, with continued participation and interest in programs, even in the summer. 

“[This class] is socially vibrant, I see them engaging with each other in really fun ways…we even started noticing it [over the summer], that they're willing and eager to jump in,” Tyler said. “They want to be involved with campus organizations as well as the city of Lake Forest.” 

Both Ellerston and Tyler believe Lake Forest College is a truly special place, as its smaller size allows for development both personally and professionally. 

“We know our students by name,” Tyler said. “As a staff member in campus life, we talk a lot about what does it mean to know someone by their name? And yes, you know their literal name but also you know who they are. You know what motivates them. You know what their goals are and you know what their challenges are but also what's going really well in their life too.”

“That's part of the entire experience here, right? Again, that's not something you get in a lot of other places