This is always a funny question to answer. From where I am from, most people don't really know Wake Forest other than it's academic reputation. I would have to say that the stereotype for WFU is that attending students are wealthy, smart, and close-minded. It's difficult to fully agree with this statement. As a rather intelligent student with a 3.3 in the Neuroscience Program, I feel that there are very smart people at this school; however, I feel as if there are some students that do not possess such caliber of a "typical" Wake Forest student. It is true that most students here are very aware of their grades while cognizant of their position in the social spotlight. In terms of academia, the study body is often very focused on grades. As for the social aspect, it is true that that the student body is heavily involved with Greek Life. As a non-Greek member of the Wake Forest community, I can honestly say that being non-Greek has had no effect on my ability to form new friendships. As for others, it seems that Greek is the way to go; but being non-Greek is fine as well. I want to stress that not all students at Wake Forest fall under the same category. Much like other schools, there are different groups and interests. Although Wake Forest is definitely a smaller school, there are still plenty of opportunities for incoming students to get involved.

The typical stereotype of a Wake Forest student is a rich, white fraternity-affiliated student. While there are a number of students who fit this description on campus, there are many students that do not. Students come from all over the country to come to Wake Forest and thus represent various backgrounds. Socioeconomic status, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and political attitudes vary among the students. There is always a bit of truth in every stereotype, but that does not mean that Wake Forest has one-specific type of student. It would not be regarded as a prestigious institution if it did.

Everywhere. Stifling. Preppy. Wealthy. Some are sorostitutes, some aren't. I suppose it'd be bad to mention specifics here lol. Some think they're frat starts, only some ARE frat stars. You may have some very nice girls, but they might be underrated and considered jokes. You may have some seemingly nice girls, but they'll bitch behind your back and back stab you in a heartbeat. You may have some very nice frat boys...generally this is fallacious information lol, but I've come across a few exceptions. You may have some seemingly nice frat boys, but really they're probably (for the purposes of this post we'll use a safe word) jerks. But maybe the readers of this post and I have contrasting viewpoints concerning the definitions of 'nice' but who knows.

When you step off campus you see what I like to call a nice country-city! It's spacious and beautiful like a country town with a lot of land and good weather, yet plenty of businesses and things to do like in a big city. Around campus is a lot of shopping, restaurants, and apartment complexes full of college students.

There's a large association with greek life, though this doesn't reach the level of rambunctiousness typified in movies and television. The statistic is that almost half of students belong to some greek association, hence many social events revolve around them which is maybe why there's such a large percentage. Another stereotype is that many of the kids here come from wealthy, old money families and are pretentious. While this is mostly true, the pretentiousness is only true on the rarest of occasions.

As an English major, my classes are small (10-20 students) and largely discussion-based. Any intro classes that I've taken (100 level) have been larger (20-30 students)--science and math intro classes being much larger in size and lecture-based (around 30-80 students). Overall, my upper-level classes (300 level) are challenging but no class has ever been unmanageable without help from my professors. Course load is everything. My discernment of the number combination of classes that I want to take in a semester has been crucial to how stressful and enjoyable the classes have been--and to my success in those classes.

My classes at Wake vary from department to department, but each one has been challenging in its own way. Whether it through learning a new perspective or learning a new language, each class has required me to put effort into it. If the student has any concerns or questions, all they need to do is ask their professor. Professors are willing to meet with students and usually have office hours. Some of my classes have completely changed the way that I view the world. The most poignant one so far in my college education was about Contemporary India. This class enabled me to learn about a country that is far more diverse than I could originally fathom. One of my English professors introduced literature to me in a way that will make me never read a book the same way, but with far more depth and insight. Ultimately, classes at Wake depend on each professor, but students have to earn their grades. The standard of education is higher, but it is one that I thrive on as a student that takes my grades seriously. After all, it is the more demanding classes that a student takes the most away from. Each student can choose how much their load will be depending on their major, as some majors are more demanding than others. Overall, professors take their classes seriously and expect their students to do so, but it is always fun to learn from passionate professors!

It's true that Greek life is a major part of the social scene at Wake. Since it is so prominent, there is also a pretty obvious divide between Greeks and non-Greeks. Individual chapters, however, are a lot smaller than at bigger state schools, so it is much more common that people have friends outside of their Greek organization. Wake students in general are involved in a multitude of activities around campus and in the Winston-Salem community, so even those that decide not to join Greek life can find their niche.

The most prevalent stereotype on the Wake Forest campus is "the frat star". This is due to the university's large Greek Life population. Nearly 45% of students participate in a Greek organization. This means there are a lot of kids on campus wearing frat attire: Polos, Sperrys, Vineyard Vines, Lilly Pulitzer, Frey boots, etc. They also have big parties off campus that are attended by many students both Greek and non-Greek. Some parents and prospective students may view this as a negative. They may think that Fraternities and Sororities are a distraction and believe they will inhibit a student’s academic achievements. This may be true at other universities but it does not hold true at Wake Forest. As a senior at Wake Forest University and a member of Greek Life, I can tell you that the Greek Students at WFU are also some the most involved and influential people on campus. Their organization might be important to them but it does not define them. Sorority women are involved in club sports as well as varsity soccer, field hockey, and cheer teams. They participate in Wake Radio, Wake TV, and student Government. They are also in many theater and dance performances. The All-Sorority GPA average (3.2) is typically higher than the All-Women GPA average on campus. This is due to the strong support system that sororities create for their members. Sororities also emphasize the importance of academic excellence and often reward their members for their achievements. Fraternity men are just as active. Many are student trustees or student advisers. Some are in student government, others play club soccer, lacrosse, and rugby. They are also involved with habitat for humanity and the rape prevention group called Prepare. The Universities biggest philanthropy fundraisers are: Hit the Bricks, Wake n' Shake, and Rush for the Cure. This year all three had were chaired by members of a Greek organization. All Greek organizations require their members to be involved in at least one of activity outside of Greek life. They also require members to maintain an acceptable grade point average. If a students GPA drops too low they will be released from the organization. It is obvious that Greek students make up a large part of the student body. However there is also a diverse group of students who remain independent. These students are all unique individuals and are just as influential on campus. They run clubs and other organizations just like members in the Greek Community. Actually, most the time Greeks and Non-Greeks are working side by side to put together big campus events. The fact that a student is not involved in Greek Life will not lessen their experience at WFU. They will form just as many lasting friendships. They will also have equal opportunities in all extracurricular events. Wake Forest is much more than colorful polos and Sperrys. Whether you are Greek or not, there is a place for you on Wake’s campus. The small size brings people together and allows students to get involved with a variety of activities. Yes there are stereotypes but they do not truly represent the diverse spirit of Wake Forest.

Wake Forest has a large Greek population, with about 50% of students in fraternities and sororities. Each fraternity and Sorority has its own stereotype, which becomes apparent after one spends time on campus. However, there are plenty of unaffiliated students, and a large amount of clubs and activities that each attract their own "type". As a school with Division 1 athletics, there'd is a "clique" of athletes, and we have theme housing which allows for a variety of groups to form.

see "stereotypes" section...students are primarily white, straight, conservative, southern, affluent, and attractive. there is a thriving LGBT community at Wake, and pockets of liberals to be found if you're looking for them.

There are people of all ethnicities and races at Wake- obviously white is the majority, but other groups do exist. Students do interact. I know while Wake expands to its 4800 student body, that more students will be accepted from ethnic backgrounds. Wake wants to enlarge its ethnic student body because diversity is important to the university. I believe in diversity too since the world is becoming so much more global; however the best should be accepted to Wake, ethnicity should not make a difference- the most qualified should be accepted. I believe in diversity, but who can bring the most to Wake should be accepted- though diversity does play a part of this.

Wake could be more diverse but is getting there. Though racially it may not be as diverse, politically and religiously it is making an effort.

Our school is the perfect size. The kids are smart and motivated. I always get positive reactions when I tell people I am a Wake student. Winston-Salem isn't a particularly amazing city, but going downtown on the weekends can be fun, especially if you are 21 and can go to bars. Wake has tons of school pride. The only things that can be said negatively are that the gym is too small and there isn't always enough parking.

Greek life, especially sororities, are a very large part of social life on campus. Also religious groups can be a big part of social groups. Most freshmen join Screamin' Demons, a group that supports Wake sports. Lots of people go to football games and basketball games and it's a great way to get involved and feel the Wake spirit. There is a major lack of a dating scene, although I don't know if its worse than most college campuses. There's definitely more a hookup culture, and then when people start dating it get really serious really quickly. If you're a partier, you can definitely party at least 4 nights a week. Wednesday is the big non-weekend night to go out but people also drink on Thursday nights a lot.

Some do and some don't. Students study a lot, they don't call is Work Forest for nothing. Class participation is very common. Students are competitive with themselves not each other. The education at Wake is geared towards learning for its own sake.

Most of my professors know my name, the class sizes are small enough for them to get involved with their students. It is not an easy school, the library is usually pretty crowded and I know I at least was used to a much lighter course load coming into school. Education is both aimed at learning for the sake of acquiring knowledge and making connections to find a job out of college.

best thing: education and the people; I would change the dining, we need more than just the pit and benson; our school is just the right size; people react by saying they don't know Wake but it sounds great; most of time on campus spent in class, library, or pit; "what college town"; wake admin is good but they messed up the faculty housing a lot; recent controversy is the faculty housing poorly done by the admin; lots of school pride but also think that wake kicks your butt academically; nothing unusual comes to mind; I'll always remember by freshman RA and fraternity beach weekends and seeing my first confederate flag; most common student complaints are that it's too hard and that they take your money from you but I think that it's good Wake is hard and it has to be expensive to be good

Beautiful environment, great people. Would like the administration to be more student-oriented. Love the size of the school, but many people in CA have never heard of it, or if they have its only because of the sports. Spend a lot of time in Benson when I'm not in class. Winston isn't much of a college town, but there is a lot of stuff to do around town. The administration isn't centered enough on making life easier for the students, seems like they are often trying to protect themselves against liability or trying to make the trustees happy. Biggest recent controversy was the Riley Skinner pics. Yes, lots of school pride, rolling the quad, etc. Frequent complaints about the food.

small student body size; expanding the new classes; just right; impressed, generally; benson; in between college town and no college town; controversy in terms of the future plan to enlarge the school, and making other changes; lots of school pride; strong division I sports; rolling quad; pit food is less than good