If you’re reading this, you’re likely wondering if your kid has a shot at getting into Wake Forest University. Never fear: we at Ivy Coach are here to help you answer that question from every possible angle. But first let’s learn what makes Wake Forest unique. 

About Wake Forest University 

Wake Forest University is the best of both worlds: a research university and a liberal arts college. Though WFU boasts an impressive research output, there are only roughly 5,000 undergraduates, which gives it a more intimate feel than peer institutions. Located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Wake Forest is a beautiful campus of sprawling greens and stately brick buildings with stone walkways lined by magnolia trees. 

Wake Forest University also boasts an undergraduate business school, which gives many WFU grads an edge as they seek high-paying employment after graduation. And pre-med students benefit from close connections to the Wake Forest University School of Medicine.  

The acceptance rate to Wake Forest University is 22%. That makes it what we at Ivy Coach consider a competitive institution. Let’s learn more about how WFU admissions officers separate the wheat from the chaff. 

Wake Forest University Admissions Requirements

Obviously, GPA, standardized testing scores, and extracurricular achievements are the key components of a successful application to UMass Amherst and to any school. That being said, what do these components actually look like for Wake Forest admits? Without further ado, let’s dive in!

What Kind of GPA Is Necessary To Get Into Wake Forest?

While Wake Forest does not report the high school GPA of its enrolled students, it does report the high school class rank of its incoming first-years. At Ivy Coach, we’re not fans of class rank. It pits students against one another, and doesn’t actually give an accurate picture of a student’s academic performance and potential. A student who ranks number five out of 300 at a non-competitive high school is not necessarily stronger than the student who ranks number 30 out of 300 at a rigorous school with competitive students. As you can see, that doesn’t actually mean number five is any more prepared for higher education than number 30. It’s all about the context. But we’ll play ball for a second: class ranking, when available, does still matter to admissions officers.

Last year, for the Wake Forest University Class of 2029, 64.2% of enrolled first-year students were in the top tenth of their high school graduating class. And 91% were in the top quarter of their high school graduating class. The year before, for the Wake Forest Class of 2028, 67% were in the top tenth and 91% were in the top quarter. And, if we look three years back, at the WFU Class of 2027, we’ll see that 71% of students coming onto campus were in the top tenth of their graduating class and 93% of the students were in the top quarter. While this doesn’t necessarily tell us about GPA (it’s possible to be in the top quarter of your class with a 3.6 at a noncompetitive high school), it does tell us that students at Wake Forest perform strongly within their schools.

What Kind of SAT or ACT Scores Are Needed To Get Into Wake Forest?

The average SAT score for the Wake Forest Class of 2029 was 1450, and the average ACT score was 33. Though Wake Forest is test-optional, 46% of applicants to the Class of 2029 submitted test scores. Though Wake Forest does not release the percentage of admitted applicants who submitted test scores, we’d wager that it was higher than 46% since not submitting test scores can only ever hurt an applicant’s chances.

What Classes Do Students Need to Take to Get Into Wake Forest University?  

Wake Forest does not explicitly state any minimum high school course preparation for applicants. However, we at Ivy Coach know that colleges want to see students excelling in each core subject (English, history, math, science, and foreign language) all four years of high school. Additionally, they expect students to take advantage of any AP or other advanced courses on offer to them. 

What Kinds of Extracurriculars Does Wake Forest Like To See?

Depth over breadth! Wake Forest University would much rather see a student specialize in one area and become really excellent at it than be well-rounded. Why? Because they want students who are going to step onto campus and know exactly what resources they’re going to take advantage of, not students who are going to dabble a little bit over here and a little bit over there. The students who come onto campus with a definitive purpose are the ones who go on to be successful alumni who can tout the Wake Forest name in their biographies. 

Wake Forest University Application Requirements

Wake Forest accepts The Common Application or The Coalition Application. They do not require a letter of recommendation. They ask one supplemental question: 

• Why have you decided to apply to Wake Forest? Share with us anything that has made you interested in our institution. (150 words)

Does Wake Forest University Require An Interview? 

Wake Forest University does not require an interview, but they do offer one. Our expert advice: take them up on this offer. 

What Are Wake Forest’s Application Deadlines? 

Early Decision I and Early Action applications to WFU are due November 15th. Early Decision II and Regular Decision applications are due January 1st. 

How Ivy Coach Helps Students Get Into Wake Forest University 

If you’re interested in discerning if your child has a shot of getting into Wake Forest University, we recommend setting up Ivy Coach’s Strategy Session. Not only will you find out if your child has a chance of getting into Wake Forest University, but you’ll receive a game plan of how your child can optimize their admission to the best school possible.