Lake Forest College Articulation Agreement
Beginning with the class matriculating in Fall 2026, the Midwestern University (MWU) College of Health Sciences-Downers Grove Speech-Language Pathology program agrees to guarantee interviews for qualified Lake Forest College (LFC) applicants per admission year.
Beginning with the class matriculating in Fall Quarter 2023, the MWU College of Health Sciences-Downers Grove Occupational Therapy program agrees to guarantee interviews for qualified LFC applicants per admission year.
In addition, qualified LFC students may receive guaranteed interviews for MWU Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine and College of Dental Medicine-Illinois.
Participating Colleges/Programs
- College of Dental Medicine
- College of Health Sciences:
- College of Osteopathic Medicine
Program Specific Requirements for Qualified Lake Forest College Students
Review specific requirements for your program of interest.
Dental Medicine Requirements for LFC Students
This Letter of Agreement ("Agreement") is between Midwestern University, on behalf of its College of Dental Medicine-Illinois ("CDMI"), and Lake Forest College. This Agreement constitutes an expression of the parties desire to cooperate for purposes of offering guaranteed interviews as described below.
- Guaranteed Interviews and Basic Eligibility: CDMI will guarantee that up to ten (10) Lake Forest College students ("Student(s)") will receive an interview in each interview year cycle. Eligible Students must apply as traditional applicants to CDMI's Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) program. The Student must be completing a program at, or have graduated from, Lake Forest College.
- Mandatory Qualifications for Interview: To qualify for the interview, a Student must:
- Meet all admission requirements of the CDMI program.
- Apply for admission to Midwestern University via the American Dental Education Association, Associated American Dental Schools Application Service (ADEA AADSAS) by the summer before their last academic year of the bachelor's degree at Lake Forest College, or up to one year after graduating from Lake Forest College.
- Have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.2 or higher.
- Have no final course grade less than a "C" in the Student's respective bachelor's degree program.
- Have completed at least three upper division (>300-level) courses in the science curriculum at Lake Forest College.
- Have completed the Dental Admission Test (DAT) within the last twelve (12) months prior to application.
- Exhibit qualities of character embraced by the dental profession.
- Submit, or have submitted, a recommendation from the Lake Forest College's Pre-Health Advising Committee to the Dean of CDMI.
- Attest to have the ability to meet CDMI's technical requirements of the D.M.D. program necessary for matriculation into, continuation in, and graduation from the D.M.D. program.
- Successfully completed Lake Forest College's Health Professions Program prior to matriculation at Midwestern University's CDMI.
- Meet all other enrollment requirements if accepted, including but not limited to, medical, criminal background, and substance abuse clearance.
- Recommended Patient Contact Experience: While not required, a Student should complete direct patient contact and/or shadowing experience that demonstrate desire to enter the dental profession and familiarity with the dental office environment, dental documentation, and the role of a dentist .
- Recruiting: Lake Forest College will provide a Midwestern University recruiter with the opportunity to meet with undergraduate and graduate students. Midwestern University may offer Students an opportunity to visit its campus.
- Marketing: CDMI will work with Lake Forest College's Office of Communications and Marketing, the Dean of Faculty office, and the Chair of Pre-Professional Advising to create marketing literature supporting the collaboration discussed in this Agreement. Lake Forest College will obtain written authorization from Midwestern University prior to using the Midwestern University name for any purpose. Lake Forest College will provide drafts of all promotional materials to Midwestern University for review and approval prior to use or publication.
- Term: This Agreement shall have an initial term of five (5) years and may be extended by mutual written agreement by the parties. Either party may terminate this Agreement at any time, for convenience, by provided written notice at least ninety (90) days in advance.
- Non-Binding: This Agreement shall not be considered as a commitment by Lake Forest College to make available any Students for an interview with CDMI or for CDMI to interview a total of ten (10) Students. CDMI may interview less than ten (10) Students. This Agreement does not guarantee or promise any Student acceptance or admission to any program at Midwestern University , including but not limited to, CDMI.
- No-Third Party Beneficiary: This Agreement is intended for the benefit of Midwestern University and Lake Forest College only and is not for the benefit of, nor may any provision be enforced by, any other person, including any student or Student.
Occupational Therapy Requirements for LFC Students
This serves to record the understanding between Lake Forest College (LFC) and the Midwestern University College of Health Sciences Occupational Therapy Program Downers Grove campus.
Beginning with the class matriculating in Fall quarter 2023, the Occupational Therapy Program (OT Program) agrees to guarantee interviews and reserve three (3) acceptances, in total, for qualified LFC applicants per admission year. Applicants must apply through the Occupational Therapy Centralized Application Service (“OTCAS”), meet all the requirements set forth below, as well as excel in their interview with MWU’s Admission Committee, for reserved seating consideration. If by February 1st of the annual admissions cycle, MWU has not accepted at least three (3) applicants from LFC, then MWU may, in its sole discretion, offer the remaining seats for that cycle to other applicants. The reserved seats for LFC students will be reviewed annually with a potential adjustment to the number of seats depending on the total applicant pool from LFC and the educational progress of students admitted under this articulation agreement.
Requirements
LFC students applying for admission to the OT Program must satisfy the following minimum requirements before the academic year commences for the incoming class:
- Achieve a minimum of a 3.0 cumulative grade point average in their undergraduate coursework;
- Have received (or be on track to complete and provide proof of completion by [first day of first quarter] of the calendar year when matriculation would occur if accepted) a baccalaureate degree from LFC;
- Have completed the minimum number of prerequisite courses (as stated in the Midwestern University Catalog) in the prescribed subject areas at a regionally accredited college or university with a grade of C or better before the program begins;
- Be recommended by a letter to the Dean of the College of Health Professions from Lake Forest College’s Pre-Health Advising Committee
- All applicants must have completed Lake Forest College’s Health Professions Program prior to matriculation at Midwestern University
- Oral and written communication skills necessary to interact with patients and colleagues;
- Completion of a first aid course within three years prior to enrollment;
- Motivation for and commitment to healthcare as demonstrated by previous work, volunteer work, or other life experiences;
- Reflect a people/service orientation through community service or extracurricular activities;
- Completion of the OT Program’s interview process;
- Abide by the Midwestern University Drug-Free Workplace and Substance Abuse Policy;
- Pass a criminal background check; and
- Meet all other admissions requirements set forth by MWU including:
- Must complete an online application to OTCAS by September 1st. The applicant should refer to the OTCAS application instructions for specific details about completing the application, required documents, and processing time.
- Must submit a minimum of two letters of recommendation directly to OTCAS. The Office of Admissions will only accept letters of recommendation received directly from OTCAS. It is preferred that one of the submitted letters is written by an occupational therapist who has supervised or mentored the applicant or is a professional who can speak to the applicant’s motivation, experiences in occupational therapy or readiness for entering the Occupational Therapy Program. The second letter can be written by either a college professor who taught the application or a prehealth advisor who knows the applicant well. The applicant should refer to OTCAS application instructions for specific guidelines and requirements for submitting letters of recommendation.
International Applicants
Must complete a minimum of thirty (30) semester hours of coursework from a regionally accredited college or university in the United States, or from a recognized post-secondary Canadian institution that uses English as its primary language of instruction. Of the thirty (30) semester hours, fifteen (15) hours must be in the sciences, six (6) hours must be in non-remedial English composition, and three (3) hours in speech/public speaking. Additional requirements for international students that have been accepted into the CP Program are included in the matriculation agreement.
Final Decision
The final decision on acceptance for applicants shall be up to the discretion of the OT Program Admissions Committee, subject to approval by both the Program Director and the Dean.
Although we anticipate a long and mutually satisfying relationship between our two educational institutions, this agreement may be discontinued for any reason providing that written notice is given twelve (12) months prior to such discontinuation and that those students who have been accepted under this agreement be permitted to complete their course of study.
Speech-Language Pathology Requirements for LFC Students
This Admissions and Articulation Agreement serves to record the understanding between Lake Forest College (LFC) and Midwestern University (MWU) on behalf of its College of Health Sciences Speech-Language Pathology Program Downers Grove.
Requirements
Beginning with the class matriculating in Fall 2026, the MWU Speech-Language Pathology Program in Downers Grove, IL agrees to guarantee interviews for qualified LFC applicants (Applicant(s)).
As a condition precedent to receiving an interview for MWU Programs, Applicants must meet all the requirements set forth below before the academic year commences for the incoming class:
- Have received, or be on track to complete and provide proof of completion by matriculation at MWU, a baccalaureate degree from LFC; and,
- Have completed the minimum number of the prerequisite courses (as stated in the MWU Catalog) in the prescribed subject areas at a regionally accredited college or university with a grade of “C” (or its equivalent) or better before the program begins; and,
- Have the ability to successfully fulfill all technical standards for the desired program; and,
- Demonstrate a good understanding of the desired profession and a sincere interest in a career in the field, including shadowing at least one (1) health care professional prior to admission; and,
- Medically-related experiences that indicate sufficient exposure for candidates to make informed decisions about medical careers; and,
- Personal integrity and sound moral character; and,
- Reflect a people/service orientation through community service or extracurricular activities; and,
- Abide by the MWU Drug-Free Workplace and Substance Abuse Policy; and,
- Pass a criminal background check; and,
- Meet all other requirements set forth by MWU, including requirements documented in the catalog, student handbook, and this Agreement.
- In addition to the requirements set forth in section “Requirements For All MWU Programs” above, Applicants must also meet the following requirements to receive an interview with CHS-Downers Grove:
- Achieve a minimum of a 3.45 cumulative grade point average (on a 4.00 = A scale) in the respective Applicant’s undergraduate coursework; and,
- Complete a Centralized Application Service for Communication Science & Disorders Programs (CSDCAS) application by March 1st the year prior to matriculation; and,
- Provide two (2) letters of recommendation from individuals who can comment on the academic, clinical, and professional experiences of the Applicant; and,
- Completion of necessary prerequisite coursework or enrollment in free summer leveling courses provided at MWU the summer prior to enrollment.
International Students
Must complete a minimum of thirty (30) semester hours of coursework in the United States. Of the thirty (30) semester hours, fifteen (15) hours must be in the sciences, six (6) hours must be in non-remedial English composition, and three (3) hours in Speech/Communication. Additional requirements for international students that have been accepted into Midwestern University Programs are included in the matriculation agreement. These requirements are in addition to any specific MWU Program requirement.
Final Decisions
The final decision on acceptance for Applicants shall be up to the sole discretion of the Program Admissions Committee, subject to approval by the Dean and/or Program Director.
Limitations
- No Guarantee: This Admissions and Articulation Agreement does not guarantee admission to Applicants and does not imply that Applicants will receive favorable treatment from the MWU Programs. MWU reserves the right to deny Applicants admission.
- Non-Exclusive: The arrangements contained in this Admissions and Articulation Agreement are non-exclusive. MWU and LFC may enter into similar agreements with other entities.
- Other Colleges/Programs: This Admissions and Articulation Agreement does not apply to MWU colleges and programs not expressly identified herein.
- Use of Intellectual Property: LFC and its affiliates will obtain written approval and authorization from the MWU Office of University Relations prior to using the MWU’s name, marks, copyrights, or any other intellectual property, for any purpose. LFC shall provide drafts of all promotional materials to MWU for review and approval prior to use.
- No Third-Party Beneficiary: This Agreement is intended for the benefit of LFC and MWU only, and is not for the benefit of, nor may any provision hereof be enforced by, any other person or entity, including the Applicant.
Although we anticipate a long and mutually satisfying relationship between our two educational institutions, this agreement may be discontinued for any reason providing that written notice is given twelve (12) months prior to such discontinuation and that those students who have been accepted under this agreement be permitted to complete their course of study.
Osteopathic Medicine Requirements for LFC Students
This Agreement for Interviews (“Agreement”) is between Lake Forest College (“LFC”) and Midwestern University on behalf of its Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine (“CCOM Program”). This Agreement constitutes an expression of the parties’ mutual desire to cooperate for purposes of offering guaranteed interviews to certain LFC students (“Student(s)”) as defined, and described, below.
- Guaranteed Interviews and Basic Eligibility: The CCOM Program guarantees that up to ten (10) Students will receive an interview annually during the general and normal interview/admission cycle for the CCOM Program. Eligible Students must apply as traditional applicants to the CCOM’s Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) program. In addition to the mandatory minimum qualifications listed below, Students must be completing a program at, or have graduated from, LFC.
- Mandatory Minimum Qualifications for Interview: To qualify for the interview, a Student must at a minimum satisfy all the requirements below:
- Meet all admission requirements set by the CCOM Program.
- Apply for admission to the CCOM Program via the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service (“AACOMAS”) by the summer before the Student’s last academic year of the baccalaureate degree program at LFC, or not later than one year after the Student’s graduation from LFC.
- Have a science GPA of 3.4 or higher at the time of application.
- Have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.2 or higher at the time of application.
- Have no failed courses reflected on the Student’s collective undergraduate transcript(s).
- Have no final course grade less than a “C” (or a “C” equivalent) in the Student’s respective baccalaureate degree program.
- Have completed the Medical College Admission Test (“MCAT”) within the last 24 months prior to application, with an MCAT score of at least 500.
- Exhibit qualities of character embraced by, and not otherwise contrary to, the profession of osteopathic medicine.
- Meet the minimum course requirements in science and English Composition.
- Submit a recommendation from the LFC’s Pre-Health Advisory Committee (or its equivalent) to the Dean of the CCOM Program.
- Attest to have the ability to meet the CCOM Program’s technical requirements.
- Have successfully completed the LFC’s Health Professions Program prior to matriculation with the CCOM Program.
- Demonstrate familiarity with the philosophy and practice of osteopathic medicine.
- Meet all other enrollment requirements if accepted to the CCOM Program as may be required by the CCOM Program, including but not limited to successfully completing a criminal background check with fingerprinting, satisfying clearance for substance abuse; and resolving any issues that preclude satisfaction of the CCOM Program’s technical standards.
- Patient Contact Experience: The CCOM Program highly recommends that a Student have experience in direct patient care by and through “shadowing” an osteopathic physician.
- Recruiting: LFC will provide a Midwestern University recruiter with the opportunity to meet with Students. Midwestern University may offer Students an opportunity to visit its campus.
- Marketing: The CCOM Program will work with LFC’s Office of Communications and Marketing (or its equivalent), the Dean of Faculty office, and the Chair of Pre-Professional Advising to create marketing literature supporting the collaboration discussed in this Agreement. LFC will obtain written authorization from Midwestern University prior to Midwestern University’s or any of its affiliate’s name for any purpose. LFC will provide drafts of all promotional materials to the CCOM Program for review and approval prior to use or publication.
- Term: This agreement shall have an initial term of five (5) years and may be extended by mutual written agreement by the parties. Either party may terminate this Agreement at any time, for convenience, by providing written notice at least ninety (90) days in advance.
- Non-Binding: This Agreement shall not be considered as a commitment by LFC to make available any Students for an interview with the CCOM Program or for the CCOM Program to interview a total of ten (10) Students. CCOM may interview less than ten (10) Students. This Agreement does not guarantee or promise any Student acceptance or admission to any program at Midwestern University, including but not limited to, the CCOM Program.
- No Third-Party Beneficiary: This Agreement is intended for the benefits of Midwestern University and LFC only and is not for the benefit of, nor may any provision be enforced by, any other person, including any student or Student.
Learn More About MWU
Midwestern University is your gateway to a comprehensive healthcare education, supported by dedicated faculty mentors, cutting-edge facilities, immersive clinical opportunities, and a specialized focus on One Health.