Lake Forest College

Date: Aug 24 2004
Major: Business - Management and Administration (This Major's Salary over time)
I decided to go to Lake Forest College because I percieved it to be a very "east-coast" type school, full of blue blooded students. Partially growing up on the north shore, I almost half expected that to be the case. It was quite the opposite, however. When I arrived on campus, I was amazed at how diverse the campus was. My sentiments during the first two semesters at Lake Forest were quite the same as everyone elses. I wanted to get out of the place as soon as I could, and I pondered about the possibilities of transfering to another school quite alot.

However, the school grew on me after the first year. I am quite different compared to most of the other children on campus. I am quite reserved, very conservative (preppy) in my dress style, and I think some people think I look more like a towny than an actual college student (Lake Forest townies are quite, well, some wear navy blazers, khakis, ascots… you get the idea) so I think that scared some people off. Im quite unique, and even though there is quite a bit of diversity, with your ethnics, your hippies, your athletes, and other such cliques (kind of like high school, which I did not go to since I was privately tutored) I dont think I very much fit in on campus. Either way, the college grew on me, and I've made a few friends.

If you're looking for the east coast experience, don't go here. OF course, you have your random east coast preppy, but they are quite snotty still, and I wasnt even accepted into their group because I'm from Michigan and California, NOT Connecticut or upstate New York. You have to fit in by either being a big party person, or blue blooded, Range Rover driving from Westport, Darien, or Beverly Farms.

Otherwise, it's a very good school. Academics are great, and the connections I presume are super. The professors here are quite accomodating, and have many connections throughout the Chicago area and elsewhere in the world. Also, LAke Forest College is very well recieved throughout the Chicago area (if the person is fortunate enough to know of the college… many people have neither heard of the college nor the town… quite unfortunate indeed)

Again, I think it is a great school, but if you veer off from the norms and standards set by your fellow students (ie, if you're really preppy and NOT from the east coast, gay, not a big partier, not an athlete, or otherwise quite quiet or reserved) you will probably not fit in, and life here will more than likely be miserable.

More positively, Lake Forest College has a magnificent campus. I only wish that the campus would have kept its old ivy like it had in the earlier parts of the century. I cannot fathom why they cut all of the ivy down. Beautiful old buildings and a tremendous setting in one of the most beautiful towns in the country.

Also, its a small school, which is nice. YOu need a car (most kids have them) and I suggest Audi, Volvo, Saab, Range Rover, BMW, Mercedes, etc to fit into certain groups. ITs very privately set, far from the city of Chicago (a one hour train ride) yet, it is close enough to the city of LAke Forest, however, there really isnt anything to do there. A couple of restaurants (mostly the kind you would wear your navy blazer to) and a few good banks (for the trust funded set) and a couple of grocery stores. One gourmet and a Jewel (both have stellar wine collections) There are also a couple of fashion shops downtown for the chic, trust funded girl, and both a Walgreens and a CVS for normal shopping.

All in all, Lake Forest College grows on you. IT has on me, and I am going to stay for the remaining part of my college career, despite the seemingly negative nature of my review.