Wake Forest University consistently ranks as one of the best universities in the nation. Read on to learn more about this esteemed school.
Built in 1834, Wake Forest University is one of the oldest higher education institutions in North Carolina! With the motto Pro Humanitate, which translates to “For Humanity,” Wake Forest University is dedicated to using its students' and faculty’s knowledge, talents, and compassion to better the lives of others.
If this human-centered mission aligns with your own values, this guide will go into further detail about how to maximize your chances of acceptance!
Wake Forest’s acceptance rate sits at around 20.6%, making it a selective university. Out of 17,496 applicants, only 3,601 were offered admission.
Here’s a closer look at this school’s acceptance rate over the last few years:
Eager students may consider applying for Early Decision to increase their chances of getting into Wake Forest. In the most recently reported data, the early decision acceptance rate was 34.5%.
While Wake Forest no longer releases data on their Early Decision admission info, from the data we do have, it seems to stay around 30–40%:
Getting into Wake Forest University is challenging. With an acceptance rate of only 20.6%, only 2 out of every 10 applicants are offered admission to this school. To maximize your chances of acceptance, prioritize showcasing your academic rigor.
To position yourself as an attractive applicant, keep these stats in mind:
According to recent class data, the average GPA of admitted Wake Forest students was 3.91. Aim for a GPA as close to 4.0 as possible to be considered competitive!
While Wake Forest University allows for a test-optional admissions process, applicants who do submit test scores often showcase high performance. The average SAT score for the incoming class of 2023 was 1445, reflecting a range from 1380 to 1510.
To optimize their chances of acceptance, students who choose to submit ACT scores should target a score of 32 or above. This aligns with the average ACT score of admitted applicants for 2023, with a range spanning from 31 to 34.
Admissions officers at Wake Forest University place a high emphasis on students’ academic profiles. The rigor of your courses, your GPA, and your class rank are considered very important in the admissions process. Aside from academics, your essay and personal qualities are also considered very important.
Here’s a closer look at how Wake Forest University evaluates applications:
To increase your chances of getting into Wake Forest, aim for a 4.0 GPA and SAT/ACT scores in the 75th percentile. This would be around a 1510 on the SAT and a 34 on the ACT. You can also make your application stand out by taking high-level AP or IB courses to demonstrate academic excellence!
Yet, it's important to recognize that your scores and grades represent only a fraction of your application. Below is a comprehensive list detailing all the materials you need to submit to apply to Wake Forest:
Students can apply by the Wake Forest application deadline through the Common Application, Wake Forest’s online portal, or through Coalition. Regardless of the portal you use, here are some important dates to keep in mind:
The regular decision deadline to apply to Wake Forest is January 1, 2024. However, considering this school enrolls students on a rolling basis, it’s best to apply as early as possible.
Wake Forest offers two Early Decision applications: the Early Decision I deadline is November 15, 2023, and the Early Decision II deadline is January 1, 2024. Wake Forest also offers an early action application to first-generation college students that’s due November 15, 2023.
Here are some ways to ensure your application stands out:
According to Wakeforest, the best applications “reflect thoughtfulness and thoroughness.” It's crucial to convey that your application was meticulously crafted with time and care, paying attention to details such as grammar and punctuation. However, it's equally important to avoid procrastination.
Adhere to a realistic timeline that allows for ample effort while ensuring timely submission.
Above all else, your essay should be authentic and portray your unique self. While Wake Forest expects your essay to be at least two paragraphs long and have proper grammar, they aren’t searching for a specific response. There is no “right” answer so focus on sharing what’s most meaningful to you.
One way to prove your alignment with Wake Forest’s motto and commitment to service is to gain significant volunteer experience throughout high school. You don’t have to participate in a new activity each year, but you should dedicate your time to at least one volunteer organization for a few months or years.
Choose an organization you feel passionate about and share more about it during your interview. Show your enthusiasm for service and talk about the major contributions you have made to the organization. Mention how you plan on continuing your service work at Wake Forest as well!
As stated, Wake Forest has several essay prompts prospective students can respond to on their application:
Prospective students are also given the option to complete a virtual interview with the admissions committee or submit a video interview. The virtual interview will take 25 minutes to complete and will be used to assess your academics and intellectual curiosity.
To prepare for the interview, the committee suggests you brainstorm aspects of your life you want them to know about. Think about what you’re most proud of, what interests you the most, and what you’re looking forward to in the future.
Alternatively, students may submit video interviews answering one of the following prompts:
Your response should be around two to three minutes long and must be sent within five days of your application submission. The committee urges you not to memorize your answer to your chosen prompt but to instead pretend you’re sharing ideas with your class. Your answer should come naturally and should not sound like a speech.
You can also apply for Wake Forest merit scholarships, university scholarships, and even some outside scholarships.
“Dear old Wake Forest, Thine is a noble name; Thine is a glorious fame, Constant and true.” So begins this university's 1892 Alma Mater, which proves its long history of nobility, success, and integrity that has only grown over time!
Now that you’ve learned how to get into Wake Forest, you can get started on your application! To be part of this esteemed university’s promising future, ensure you submit a stellar application following the tips shared in this guide!
