Mailing Address: 1834 Wake Forest Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27106
Rank on 2008 List: 12
Rank on 2006 List: 22
Average GPA: Don’t calculate
Matriculation Rate of African Americans: 94%
Total Enrollment: 4,236
African American Enrollment: 267
Acceptance Rate: 42%
*Average SAT Scores: Reading: 610-700; Math: 630-710; Writing: N/A
Name of Black Student Group: Black Student Alliance
Summer Programs: None
Application Deadline(s): Regular Admission: Jan. 15; Early Admission: Nov. 15
Start Sending Acceptance Letters: Early admission: Dec. 15
Financial Aid Deadline: Mar. 1
Costs: Tuition: $36,975; Housing: $9,945; Books: $850
Greek Organizations: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Delta Sigma Theta, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc.
*25th Percentile-75th Percentile
ADMISSIONS Q&A
What are you looking for in a student?
In general we are looking for well-rounded students with great intellectual curiosity. Wake Forest University’s goal is to admit well-qualified students. High school curriculum and classroom performance combined with the student’s writing ability, extracurricular activities and evidence of character and talent will remain the most important criteria for admission. Wake Forest University has a very holistic review process. Typically, enrolled students fall in the top 10% of their high school senior class.
Essays are very important and applicants should use this as an opportunity to set themselves apart from others who may apply. We offer a long essay and several brief response questions.
We will look at an applicant’s recommendations. Wake Forest University requires two — one from a teacher and one from a high school guidance counselor. We prefer that the teacher recommendation comes from a teacher who has taught the applicant in either the junior or senior year of high school in a core academic class.
We will also review an applicant’s co-curricular activities. We like to see students who demonstrate commitment and passion for areas of interest outside of the classroom. Leadership in these endeavors is a plus!
Lastly, Wake Forest University is now test-optional. With the new policy, students who do not wish to have test scores evaluated as a part of the application process may choose not to do so. Students who still wish test scores to be considered still have this as an option.
What advice do you have for students who might fall short of minimum requirements, but still want to attend?
Students who might fall short of Wake Forest University’s admissions requirements are encouraged to apply as transfer students. We welcome applications from transfer students each semester. Students may seek enrollment to Wake Forest University as early as the spring semester of their freshmen year. Typically, transfer applicants have pursued a curriculum or course load similar to their peers at Wake Forest. For additional information regarding our transfer process, interested applicants may visit our Website at : http://www.wfu.edu/; click on Admissions and Aid, then click on transfer students.
What advice do you have for applicants?
Take the challenge – Push yourself in the classroom.
Colleges do look at your grades, but they also pay attention to how difficult your courses are. They want to see that you’ve challenged yourself and performed well in your chosen curriculum. If advanced courses are offered, take the challenge. Some colleges even offer college credit if you pursue advanced courses in high school.Develop and enhance your writing style – Many college applications have required essays. Essays are a way to set yourself apart from others and give college admissions officers a picture of who you are. They help to give personality to the application. Begin to develop “your voice†now and continue to work with teachers to refine your writing style.
Build recommendations — Get to know your recommenders. Teachers want to get to know you–that’s a good part of why they became teachers. Getting to know them will enrich many parts of your school experience, such as: opening up opportunities for special research or projects, or being nominated for special awards or leadership opportunities. Get to know your teachers and counselors. Let them know your interests. This will work to your advantage both in the classroom and outside, particularly when it comes to signing up for classes each year.
Get involved – Find something you really like doing, then dive into it, no matter what it is. You’ll develop skills and show colleges your ability to make a commitment and stick with it.
Do the college homework – Just as colleges are reviewing your
application, you should be just as critical when selecting your ideal college. You have to find a college that’s right for you. Campus visits are very important in getting a good feel for a college. It allows you to “picture yourself thereâ€.What kind of opportunities do you have for non-traditional — transfer, international students?
Transfer Students — We welcome transfer applications each semester — the number admitted varies from semester to semester depending on current enrollment. Transfer students may be eligible for available on-campus housing or may otherwise be accepted as a day student. Transfer students are eligible for need-based financial aid.
International Students — We value diversity and commit to enrolling students from around the world. The Wake Forest University Center for International Studies serves the needs of admitted international students. International students are not eligible need-based financial aid. However, international students may be considered for merit-based scholarships.
International Transfer Students — May also apply to Wake Forest University. However, neither financial aid or scholarships are available to International Transfer Students.
Additional information regarding the transfer and international application process is available on the Wake Forest University Admissions website. www.wfu.edu/admissions
How does the university weigh GPA, SAT scores, extracurricular activities and college essay and recommendations during the application process?
class=”MsoNormal”>We take a very holistic review in evaluating applicants. High school curriculum, classroom performance, ranking, and essay writing are most important.
1.Wake Forest University doesn’t have an average gpa for admitted students. We do not compare prospective students academically to one another because high schools vary so much.
Instead, we are interested in how an applicant ranks academically compared to his or her peers. Typically, enrolled students fall within the top 10% of his or her high school senior class.Wake Forest University is test optional. Our average is between 1280-1400 on the math and verbal components of the SAT and between a 28-32 on the ACT. If applicants feel that their test scores are an accurate representation of their abilities, they are encouraged to submit their test scores. If they feel that the test scores do not accurately reflect them, they may choose not to submit their scores without penalty.
What is the student-teacher ratio? 10:1
What is the university’s housing situation like? Is it difficult for freshman/sophomores to get housing?
All freshmen and sophomores are required to live on campus. Housing, however, is guaranteed all four years. Only 20% of Wake Forest University students choose to live off-campus. We offer several living options for on-campus housing — hall-style, suite-style, studios, apartments, theme housing, & townhouses. Residence halls are coeducational by floor. All rooms are equipped with beds, closets, desks, cable television connection, phone connections, computer outlets, and a microfridge. In addition, each room has access controlled heating and air. All residence halls have a laundry facility, and laundry is free. Freshmen are allowed to bring a car.