Insights from students, parents, and alumni reveal that the admissions process at Lakefield College School is designed to be supportive and personalized, making prospective families feel comfortable and well-informed at every stage.
The admissions process was easy and didn’t feel stressful at all. I would suggest doing during the school’s registration time. We did it afterwards and it was more rushed. They do interviews over Skype or other apps to help students from a distance apply more easily. We were lead through the process so we didn’t have to figure out what exactly was called for next. If I recall correctly when we did a tour our son also wrote an entrance test of some sort. We then filled out a bunch of paperwork. Once both of these were processed my son did a Skype interview with the head of school so that he didn’t have to drive back up to the school. We were then sent a letter of acceptance and admission. On one of the trips to the school we had visited the guidance office and picked courses so that had already been processed. I know ours was not exactly typical as we started the process in late May.
The vibe of the admissions team is relaxing, honest, and informative. Both in person and virtual communication felt friendly and inviting. Having an interest in being involved and trying new things is appreciated by the team of recruiters. While other classmates from my son’s grade 8 school were studying on cue cards for an entrance exam at other Independent schools, Lakefield’s process relies more on qualities that make a well rounded candidate. Through the admissions process you can expect a personal intake interview which feels like a casual conversation. Additionally, there is an English language test and opportunities for references from community members and previous teachers. This selection process allows for the continuity of a vibrant school life on campus with a center of community, outdoors everyday and academic excellence, all in balance.
—Paula Mbonda, parent (beginning 2019) (see
full review)
The school’s online admission process is very easy to use. You will be assigned an admissions officer once an initial application is submitted. We have regular email exchanges with the admission officer, and responses are quick. Our son’s application started in early June. We found an early start is really helpful and made us have enough time to prepare the information requested, and made the whole process is not so stressful. We decided to conduct a campus tour with our son on that Oct. The school hosted our visit and meanwhile took the opportunity to conduct onsite interviews. To do a campus tour is a very right decision and we highly recommended it for international boarding student families. Our experience of the overall admission process is great.
LCS is quick to assign an admissions officer once your initial application has been submitted. The application process is smooth and straightforward. The interview process is excellent and a great experience for those applying. It is a process though and it takes time on both sides, does not happen overnight. There is a lot of thought that goes into reviewing the applications. Our second son has just completed the LCS application process and I can say that both experiences were great and different from each other. I do not think either of our sons found it stressful as LCS staff was quick to ease their nerves and made the interview process more of a discussion than a formal interview. Both of our sons enjoyed the process.
—Suzanne Scarrow, parent (beginning 2019) (see
full review)
My biggest piece of advice for incoming students going through the application process is to just be yourself. You will have the greatest success through that process as well as being a student at Lakefield if you remain true to who you are. Regardless of the school you are applying for, it is important not to cater based on what you think the admissions teams want to hear, but who you truly are. As you go on a tour of the school try and picture yourself being there. Are the boarding houses somewhere you could see yourself living? Do the classroom settings cater to your individual needs? Are the library space and independent rooms somewhere you could focus on your studies? These are important questions that have to be asked when going through the application process to ensure the school you choose is the right fit, and the admissions team is there to guide you through that decision-making process.
Our experience with the admissions process has been extremely easy and smooth despite the distance. We had the opportunity to meet before COVID and the school accommodated the interview on a date when we happened to be in the area. Communication was always on time and with enough lead time to get student permits arranged (which has been also a challenge in the last years). LCS did make an effort to get to understand our kids and their preferences, and both have been extremely happy with their assigned house. We did follow the advice of signing them up for the "transition" course and that helped a lot getting them settled. In a way, the Admissions experience is a great preview of the overall LCS experience: open, two-way and pleasant to deal with.
—Elena Millon, parent (beginning 2020) (see
full review)
We are still impressed with the application process and interview with my daughter 3 years ago. It's a very wonderful experience for the process, the response from the admissions officer is very quick, just 1-2 days after the receipt of complete applicant documents the officer contacts us to appoint the interview schedule. I remember that the interview is around 1 hour and my daughter is talking with the officer very well, she was guided to talk a lot about herself and express her confidence and potential skill, throughout the interview we all feel we are fit for each other. Actually, some Chinese students visit the campus onsite and communicate with the officer, it would help them to recognize each other and is also highly recommended to the potential family of LCS.
From a student's perspective, no admissions process is exciting or enjoyable and tends to be stressful. However, the LCS admissions team really made this process less stressful. For me, I was sweating with nerves at the beginning of my interview, but the admissions staff made me feel so much more comfortable. It felt more like a conversation than being drilled with questions, which made it so much more natural and less intimidating than I thought it would be. And they took the time to also ask and learn things outside of me as a learner, but also who I am as a person. I would definitely encourage anyone applying to make a list of questions you may have. They will definitely be happy to answer anything, and you will leave feeling like you have a better understanding of the school and if it is a fit for you. Once you are accepted, you will fill out a form for dorm living preferences, and then submit a short, informal video that will help them pair you up with a roommate. I was SO nervous about this, but I ended up being roomies with a girl who is so, so different from me, and yet a perfect fit! Through her, I have found a best friend for life. And we are going to be rooming together again this upcoming year. We just finished face-timing actually to decide what bedding we're getting since we want to coordinate our colors this year and have the most epic room ever!
—stella mcaloon, student (beginning 2021) (see
full review)
The application process is intensive but very well organized. The school helps you through it and is very flexible, understanding the time zone's difficulties. The “values” of the school are sent to the prospective student, so he can prepare for the interview. You need to gather some documents and report cards, but it is still manageable and definitely good training for university application. The admission officer responsible for us was from the beginning very open and honest with us. She also asked why we choose LCS and wanted to be sure that we knew and understood the value and spirit of the school we were trying to send our son into. Once you are accepted, the school continues to help you with visa (it even propose you the service of a layer who does everything for you), health care and traveling logistics. Without any doubt, it is a very intensive time. But I think that the biggest stress is to realize that your child is actually maybe leaving home.
—Catherine Gell, parent (beginning 2019) (see
full review)
After investigating private boarding schools worldwide, LCS was our first choice, and the school did not disappoint. Our daughter started at the school in grade 10 after seven years of homeschooling, and the entire process was very supportive. I had been concerned that coming from a home school environment in Singapore would be a hindrance. Still, all of the staff in admissions and guidance worked hard to educate us on what was required on our part and to assist my daughter in completing the admissions process. I must also impress that I was at the school investigating for several years before we decided to apply officially. During that time, patient support, friendly information sharing and tours were key factors in eventually helping us make the right choice and having our daughter apply to LCS.
—Randall Fitton, parent (beginning 2019) (see
full review)
My goodness, apply early! There is a big demand for this incredible school! We applied for our daughter in September and I believe she was admitted before Christmas. We thoroughly enjoyed the admissions process. Our admissions officer was so supportive and personable. He took great care to ask very in-depth questions in her interview and made her feel so comfortable. She said it was fun! When we received her acceptance, it made us cry because it was so clear to us that all of the people involved in her admissions process really look at each student carefully and with open hearts. They truly want to make sure that child belongs at LCS and will thrive there. It is a school that offers so many outdoor adventures and challenges and truly wants to offer each child a balanced and well-rounded education. Not all private schools offer a well-rounded education. I feel Lakefield is true to its core. There is nothing they say that they do not mean. They are all about offering an authentic, high-quality experience from start to finish so it all starts with the admissions and they truly demonstrate this! I would change nothing!
—Stacey Ambler, parent (beginning 1992) (see
full review)
