Lake Forest Goes SAT-Optional

Lake Forest College, a well-regarded liberal arts college located in the Chicago suburbs, has announced its switch to a SAT- and ACT-optional admissions policy.

Starting immediately, applicants can choose whether or not to provide SAT Reasoning Test or ACT scores with their applications.

Lake Forest will, however, continue to require a SAT or ACT score from applicants who want to be considered for a Presidential, Prarie State, or Trustee's scholarship.

Like other schools that have made standardized test scores an optional part of the application package, Lake Forest says its experience has shown that academic records and community involvement have proven a better predictor of college success than ACT or SAT scores are.

Lake Forest received almost 2,200 applications for seats in its Class of 2010. The 385 students who enrolled this fall represent the second-largest freshman class in the College's history. The application deadline for fall 2007 admissions to Lake Forest is February 15, 2006.

Source: "Quick Takes," Inside Higher Education, December 5, 2006