2025-26 Lake Forest College In The Loop Application

2025-26 Lake Forest College In The Loop Application

This application is for students to apply to the Lake Forest College In the Loop program and to obtain approvals from their Academic Advisor(s), the Dean of Students, Student Affairs offices, Career Advancement Center, and the Center for Chicago Programs.

Questions regarding the In The Loop program and In The Loop application may be directed to Director of the Center for Chicago Programs Jennie Larsen (larsen@lakeforest.edu).

APPLICATION DUE DATE: Monday, March 3, 2025

Applications will continue to be accepted after this date on a space-available basis or for Wait List status.

Before You Complete Your Application:

Please read all questions carefully and answer according to any/all direction provided.

The application (Smartsheet) used to create the In The Loop application requires you complete it during one continuous period of time (i.e. you may not complete a portion of the application, set it aside, and return to it at a later day/time). We recommend students read through the entirety of the application first to familiarize yourself with its requirements before allocating approximately 30 minutes to complete it.

Important Note Regarding Website Links: Any/all links included as part of this application will open in the same page. Therefore, please make sure to right-click any/all links and open them in a separate tab or window (or Smartsheet may erase any/all prior information entered).

Before completing this application, we encourage you to familiarize yourself with the College's policies on off-campus programs, which you may access by clicking here.

We encourage you to visit the Lake Forest College In The Loop webpage for more information regarding eligibility, housing, financial aid, etc.

Participating in the In The Loop program satisfies the College's Experiential Learning Requirement.

Program Eligibility:

A priority minimum GPA of 2.5. Students with less than a 2.5 GPA are encouraged to apply; however, an overall improvement in academic performance must be reflected on your transcript.
Completed at least two semesters of study and hold junior status or above at Lake Forest College by participation.
Students who will hold 2nd Semester Sophomore status at time of participation may apply; however, an appeal is required in addition to your application. Once you submit your application, Director of the Center for Chicago Programs Jennie Larsen will be in touch concerning the appeals process.
Transfer students must have completed at least one semester on campus and hold junior status or above by participation.

Application Timeline:

October 1, 2024 - March 3, 2025: Applications Open

March 5 - 6, 17 - 21, 24 - 28, 31, April 1 - 3: Application Interviews

Early April 2025: Notification of Acceptance into Program*

*We have 20 spaces available for the fall and spring semesters. Occasionally, we receive more applications than we have space, in which case students may be placed on a waitlist. Typically, the Program has been able to accommodate a majority of the students on its waitlist and students will be notified if/when a space should become available.

LFC ID*

Student Last Name*

Student First Name*

Preferred Name*

Preferred Pronouns

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Pronouns (other)

Date of Birth*

Please list month/date/year (i.e. 03/11/2001)

Cell Phone Number*

Please use hyphens (Example: 000-000-0000)

Lake Forest College Email Address*

Current Class Year*

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Are you applying to participate in the In The Loop program during the 2nd semester of your Sophomore year?*

Students who will hold 2nd Semester Sophomore status at time of participation may apply; however, an appeal is required in addition to your application. Once you submit your application, Director of the Center for Chicago Programs Jennie Larsen will be in touch concerning the appeals process.

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Graduation Date*

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What semester did you start at Lake Forest College?*

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Country of Citizenship*

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Are you an F-1 international student?*

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Are you applying to the Fall 2025 and/or Spring 2026 In The Loop program?*

You may spend up to two semesters participating in the In The Loop program (consecutively or one semester both Junior & Senior year). You may also participate in the In The Loop program during the last semester of your Senior year without appeal.

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Are you pursuing a semester abroad in addition to your semester in Chicago?*

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ACADEMIC INFORMATION

As part of the In The Loop program, your academic schedule will be comprised of an Academic Internship as well as academic courses. Students must be enrolled in a minimum of three academic credits (internship + courses) during their semester of participation to maintain full-time student status and, therefore, remain eligible for off campus study.

Students may complete between a 1-2-credit Academic Internship:

2 credits (300 hours)
1.75 credits (262.5 hours)
1.5 credits (225 hours)
1.25 credits (187.5 hours)
1 credit (150 hours)

In addition to your internship, you may complete 1-3 academic courses.*

Students may reverse commute back to the Lake Forest campus for courses,
pursue remote tutorial Lake Forest College-taught courses, and/or
enroll in LOOP202: Professional Development in the 21st Century (taught at The Flats).

*Students on the Dean’s List may complete a fifth academic course credit provided it is a Lake Forest College-taught course. Students may not complete more than a two-credit internship during their semester of participation. Partner Institution courses (Columbia College Chicago, School of the Art Institute, and Roosevelt University) are available to those students who require courses not offered as part of the Lake Forest College curriculum (i.e. Self-Designed Students, etc.). Students may also appeal to take Partner Institution courses; however, appeals are not guaranteed to be approved.

More details regarding the course registration process as part of the In The Loop program will be shared during your In The Loop interview. In the meantime, please contact Director of the Center for Chicago Programs Jennie Larsen (larsen@lakeforest.edu) with specific questions concerning your course schedule as part of the In The Loop program.

Major 1*

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Major 2

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Minor 1

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Minor 2

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Primary Advisor*

You are required to discuss your plans to participate in the In The Loop program with your Academic Advisor(s).

Upon receiving your application, the Center for Chicago Programs will reach out to your Academic Advisor(s) to confirm you have discussed your interest in the In The Loop program with them and whether they support your participation in the program.

In your meeting with your Academic Advisor(s), please make sure to discuss whether there are any requirements for your major(s) and/or minor(s) and/or specific courses that you must complete while participating in the In The Loop program.

If you have not yet met with your Academic Advisor(s), you may still submit your In The Loop application. We will process your application once you meet with them and approval is received.

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Secondary Advisor (if applicable)

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Cumulative GPA*

If you are a first-semester student, please write 0.0. If you have transferred courses, please only include your Lake Forest GPA at this point.

Future Plans

If you have not yet declared a major/minor, or if you intend to complete a self-designed major, please share with us any ideas for potential areas of study.

OVERVIEW OF CAREER INTERESTS

An Academic Internship is a requirement of the In The Loop program.

Lake Forest College In The Loop is not an internship placement program. Upon acceptance, you will be assigned a Career Advancement Center (CAC) Internship Specialist. Your CAC Internship Specialist will assist you with your resume, cover letter, and with interview preparation, as well as answer any/all questions you may have about the internship search process.

It is the student's responsibility to search for and secure an internship during the term(s) prior to participation. Your CAC Internship Specialist will be available to you during this time to assist with this process, but they will not secure your internship for you. Therefore, it is essential you commit yourself to the time necessary to help ensure you secure an internship before the Add/Drop deadline associated with the semester of participation.

The following questions will help guide your and your CAC Internship Specialist's conversations concerning your internship search.

Select the Career Pathway that is the best match for your internship interests.*

If you are uncertain which Pathway you fall under, please refer to the Career Advancement Center's webpage.

U.S. Citizens:

Your Academic Internship must be completed in your major or minor field of study. Most students complete an Academic Internship related to one or both of their major(s).

International Students:

Your Academic Internship must be registered for credit in your major field of study in order to participate in Curricular Practical Training (CPT). International Students may not complete an internship for credit in their minor field of study.

Career Pathway:

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(Optional) Select another Career Pathway that matches your internship interests.

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Internship Experience*

Students may pursue the following internship opportunities as part of the In The Loop program:

In Person Internship: 100% on site work
Hybrid Internship: Approx. 50% on site and 50% remote (exact percentages vary)
Remote Internship: 100% remote work

In Person internships will continue to be prioritized as part of the In The Loop program whenever possible. That said, we recognize that certain internships may only be available in hybrid and/or remote format (certain academic disciplines, for example, are more prone to remote work). We also recognize that certain students may benefit from hybrid and/or remote opportunities.

Please answer honestly. Your answer will have no bearing on your application; however, knowing your interests in advance of participation will help ensure In The Loop staff is best positioned to assist you in the internship search process.

As a participant in the In The Loop program, which opportunities are you willing to pursue and complete?

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Have you previously pursued an internship for academic credit?*

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The internship search is a semester long, collaborative process with your Career Advancement Center Internship Specialist. Are you able to devote the time and effort required for such a search?*

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If you answered 'yes' to the previous question, please explain why.*

If you answered 'no' to the previous question, please explain why.*

If you are not sure you will be able to devote the time and effort required, what questions or concerns do you have about the internship search?*

How will you ensure you have the necessary time in your schedule, and should any issues arise during your search, how will you overcome such challenges to stay on track and hold yourself accountable?*

An essential component of this program is completion of the Career Advancement Center's academic internship course alongside the internship. How will you ensure you have the necessary time in your schedule to complete required academic internship course assignments along with your other commitments during the semester?*

What challenges do you foresee when it comes to securing an internship (i.e. you have never completed an internship before, you feel as if you do not present well in interviews, you have yet to master your time management skills, etc.)?*

Please Note: A majority of students experience one or several uncertainties while pursuing an internship. The In The Loop Program Committee does not equate challenges as weaknesses. By knowing this information in advance, we are better positioned to provide you with the advice and guidance necessary to ensure a successful semester in the Loop.

Are there any existing commitments that may impair your ability to succeed in the In The Loop program (part-time job, athletic and/or campus club commitment, etc.)?*

We ask that students give thoughtful consideration to their semester off campus in Chicago. The In The Loop program requires students to live independently, to take classes either in the city or on campus, and to participate in an academic internship. This will likely result in a busier than usual semester and it is important that you consider other commitments that may impede your success before the start of your semester off campus. If you have any on- or off-campus commitments that you must maintain while in the Loop, please explain how you plan to balance those responsibilities and manage your time wisely.

What excites you about living and working in the City of Chicago?*

PARENT/GUARDIAN INFORMATION

Parent/Guardian Name(s)*

Please include first and last name(s).

Parent/Guardian Email Address(es)*

Parent/Guardian Phone Number(s)*

Include country code if applicable.

Parent/Guardian Cell Phone*

Is the above parent/guardian phone number a cell phone?

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Parental/Guardian Release*

The Center for Chicago Programs, Global Engagement Office, and Career Advancement Center only use your parent/guardian contact information in case of emergency. However, we understand that many students plan their program participation with their parent(s)/guardian(s). Due to FERPA regulations, we are not able to discuss your program participation with your parent(s)/guardian(s) without your permission.

Should your parent/guardian call or email the Center for Chicago Programs, Global Engagement Office, or Career Advancement Office, do you allow our staff to discuss with your parent(s)/guardian(s) the program costs, health and safety, and other program-specific information? We will NOT discuss your application itself, your grades, your conduct history, or anything resembling a regular check-up and progress report while you are off campus.

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FINANCIAL INFORMATION

The cost for the Lake Forest College In The Loop program includes the following:

Tuition
A Program Fee
A Non-Refundable $500 Deposit (due two weeks from Program Acceptance, may be applied to Student Account)

The Program Fee for the In The Loop program includes housing, a U-Pass for unlimited CTA travel (bus and el), and a meal stipend.

Keep in mind that you may spend more or less in certain areas like personal expenses, travel, meals, or airfare, depending on exchange rates and your own spending habits. Classroom or lab fees are not included in this estimate. Some courses at Lake Forest College and Loop Partner Institutions carry additional fees. Students are responsible for covering these fees.

Loop students must live at the College's residential building in Chicago, and the program cannot accommodate commuter students. Therefore, while the program costs are structured to be comparable to those for on-campus students, students who commute to campus will pay additional costs for Loop room and board. Do check your student account on my.lakeforest for your aid awards, as most of this will go with you. Students may consult with the Financial Aid Office to discuss payment plans, loans, or alternate sources of aid.

By checking this box, you state that you understand the cost of the program.*

MISCELLANEOUS

This information is meant to help the College understand trends and/or gaps in students who are studying off campus, and how we can address them.

Obstacles

Do you anticipate any obstacles to participating in the Lake Forest College In The Loop program? Some students cite concerns about finances, finding accommodations for a disability, balancing your program with on-campus obligations such as athletics or clubs, etc. This information is voluntary, and has no bearing on admission to any program. It will only help us to advise you and provide you resources for your off-campus experience.

Sport

If you play a sport on campus, please list the sport(s) and season(s) below.

Race/Ethnicity

How do you identify your race/ethnicity? This question is completely voluntary and will have no bearing on your application.

Gender

How do you identify your gender? This question is completely voluntary and will have no bearing on your application.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Upload Required Materials*

You are required to submit two items as part of your Lake Forest College In The Loop application:

PDF Copy of Resume
PDF Copy of your Unofficial Transcript, as downloaded from my.lakeforest (https://my.lakeforest.edu/ICS/Students/My_Grades.jnz)

Please Note: Students' acceptance into the In The Loop program is not dependent on their providing a fully developed resume. By providing a current resume, the In The Loop Program Committee is better positioned to advise you concerning appropriate next steps in the resume building process to ensure a successful internship search as part of the In The Loop program.

Drag and drop files here or

Scheduled Interview*

As part of the 2025-26 Lake Forest College In The Loop Application, students are required to interview with Director of the Center for Chicago Programs Jennie Larsen. While applications are due Monday, March 3, interviews will take place during the month of March and first week of April to accommodate the 2025-26 course registration advising period.

Please know that this interview is viewed more as a conversation and is an opportunity for students to discuss the program in more detail, including, but not limited to, expectations, the internship search process, course schedule, etc.

To schedule your interview, please copy and paste the following URL into a new browser window and select "2025-26 In The Loop Application Meeting": https://calendly.com/jenniferlarsen

Interviews will take place between Wednesday, March 5 - Thursday, April 3. Students are responsible for selecting a meeting time slot that does not conflict with existing obligations/commitments. Note that the In The Loop Program Committee will review your application and determine program status only after you have completed your interview.

Please contact Director of the Center for Chicago Programs, Jennie Larsen (larsen@lakeforest.edu), with any questions and/or concerns regarding scheduling your interview.

I have scheduled my interview via the link provided. My interview date is:

Non-Discrimination Policy Statement

Lake Forest College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, parental status, marital status, age, disability, citizenship status, veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by law in matters of admissions, employment, housing, or services or in the educational programs or activities it operates.

Lake Forest College complies with federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination based on the protected categories listed above, including Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which prohibits discrimination based on sex (including sexual misconduct) in the College’s educational programs and activities.

Lake Forest College provides reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants, students, and employees with disabilities and to individuals who are pregnant.

Any inquires or concerns with respect to sex discrimination, sexual misconduct, or Title IX may be directed to Erin Agidius, Interim Title IX Coordinator; 555 North Sheridan Road, Lake Forest, IL 60045; 847-735-6009; TitleIX@lakeforest.edu.

A person may also file a complaint with the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights regarding an alleged violation of Title IX by visiting www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/complaintintro.html or calling 800-421-3481.

The campus coordinator for Section 504 of the Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (prohibiting discrimination based on disability) is Lauren Slipkowsky, Associate Vice President of Human Resources; 555 North Sheridan Road; Lake Forest, IL 60045; 847-735-5036; lslipkwosky@lakeforest.edu. Inquires or concerns with respect to any other type of discrimination may also be directed to Lauren Slipkowsky.

Required Waiver

By submitting this application, I understand it is College policy that all students planning to participate in an off-campus program must be in good academic and disciplinary standing AND be expected to be good representatives for Lake Forest College while on their program.

I authorize the Dean of Students, the Office of Student Affairs, and my academic advisor(s) to release confidential information and provide an evaluation about any and all information from my education records at Lake Forest College. I authorize this information to be sent to the appropriate campus personnel and/or the program sponsor in order to evaluate my ability to complete an off-campus program for credit during the requested term. I waive my right to view this information, but I do have the right to discuss my application with the Dean or my advisor(s).

If I am currently registered with Accessibility Services, I authorize Accessibility Services to communicate my accommodation needs as they pertain to my success in off campus programs.

I understand that I must remain in good conduct standing and that permission to participate in my off-campus program may not be granted if I am found responsible for a conduct violation or placed on academic or disciplinary probation at any time prior to my off-campus program. I understand that even if I am deemed eligible at the time of submitting this application, any subsequent disciplinary or academic issues may mean that the eligibility is revoked, with no refund due to me.

By submitting this application to participate in an off-campus program, I agree that I understand the above policies as well as those stated on in the Global Engagement Office and Lake Forest College In The Loop websites, and allow the Center for Chicago Programs to obtain this information from other campus offices and departments.

I understand that there will be additional requirements for me to participate in advance of and during the In The Loop program, including pre-departure requirements, course approvals, and waivers. I also understand that it will be my responsibility to search for and secure an Academic Internship with the assistance of my Career Advancement Center (CAC) Internship Specialist, and that I will be required to meet and communicate with my CAC Internship Specialist throughout the term(s) prior to as well as during my semester off campus to help ensure I secure and receive credit for an Academic Internship.

By submitting this application to participate in the In The Loop program, I agree that I understand the above policies as well as those stated on the Global Engagement Office and Lake Forest College In The Loop webpages, and allow the Center for Chicago Programs to obtain this information from relevant campus offices and departments.

I understand and acknowledge the above information*

Send me a copy of my responses

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