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 representatives are available to assist you every step of the way.
The Admissions Committee evaluates MBA candidates on the potential they demonstrate to contribute to the MBA program, as well as the MBA program’s alignment with the candidate’s aspirations. Along with individual achievements and experiences, we focus on the cumulative impact of your accomplishments and business experience, as well as your ability to communicate effectively and contribute to classroom discussions on contemporary business challenges. The factors we use to determine acceptance to the MBA program include professional work experience, an admissions interview, current achievements, letters of recommendation, application with personal statement, and previous academic history.
Candidate Eligibility
To be eligible to apply to the Lake Forest MBA program, you must meet the following qualifications:
- Four or more years of professional work experience
- A United States bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution or the international equivalent
- Currently employed full-time.*
* Candidates who are currently unemployed as a resultof the economy are also considered. This requirement does not apply to Daytime MBA applicants who are career re-launchers.
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 representative, 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 representative. 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 representative 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 representative 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.
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Official Academic Transcripts
LFGSM requires official academic transcripts from each educational institution you have attended. Transcripts should be sent from your institution to the Admissions Office at the campus you wish to attend.
Note: For candidates with 3-year international degrees, please 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
Each candidate must submit two completed Letter of Recommendation forms. The standardized Letter of Recommendation form is a two-page form that should be filled out personally by your recommenders. One form must be completed by your direct supervisor*, and the second by a business associate (e.g., your supervisor’s manager, a previous supervisor, or a co-worker). Your recommenders should be individuals who are able to give specific information about your professional capabilities and accomplishments.
Download letter of recommendation forms.
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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.
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Additional Qualifications Based on Years of Work Experience
If You Have 4 to 8 Years of Professional Work Experience you must complete ONE of the following additional requirements:
- Previous graduate degree
- Cumulative undergraduate GPA ≥ 3.0
- GMAT score ≥ 500
- Exceptional work experience that distinguishes your candidacy
- Second-level admissions evaluation interview
If You Have 9 or More Years of Professional Work Experience you must complete ONE of the following additional requirements:
- Previous graduate degree
- Cumulative undergraduate GPA ≥ 2.7
- GMAT score ≥ 500
- Considerable management or supervisory experience
- Second-level admissions evaluation interview
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Candidates with 3-year International Degrees
A United States bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution or the international equivalent is an eligibility requirement. Candidates with a three-year international degree from an accredited institution will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Candidates with a three-year international degree must submit an official course-by-course third-party transcript evaluation 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
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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 accepted by LFGSM.If not, the MBA candidate must have an additional evaluation completed by a firm that is affiliated with one of the organizations listed above.
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