Wake: The Big Picture
The best thing about Wake is the motivation and drive everyone around me has. It pushes me to do my best and get involved around campus as well. I would change the grade deflation at Wake because it is discouraging to work really hard for mediocre grades. When I tell people I go to Wake, people usually either don't know where it is, or if they do know where it is, they react very positively. Wake is the perfect size. It is big enough that you don't know everyone and small enough to see many familiar faces and have small classroom settings. I usually spend most of my time on campus in Benson because you can socialize and have a space to work at the same time. I think Winston-Salem, though spread out, is a great college town because of its great bars and good, but affordable resturants. The juicy campus website has been a recent controversy because it contains offensive material for some on campus. I think there is a lot of school pride. As much as we hate the work, I feel like we are all proud and happy to be here. I will always remember toilet papering the quad after the Orange Bowl. The most frequent student complaints are about the lack of parking and grade deflation.
Wake Academic Life
In most classes my professors know my name. My favorite class is my modern art class, my least favorite is my math class. Students study varying amounts, but most study a good deal in order to keep up. Yes in most classes, people participate. Wake students do have intelligent conversations outside of class, especially about current events and politics. Yes students are very competitive, it is the reason why we are all here. My most unique class was my social dance class. My major department has great faculty and a great arts building. No I don't really spend time with my professors outside of class unless I have a question or concern. Wake has too many divisional requirements. I think it is a good mix depending on your department between learning for learning sake and getting a job.
Wake's Student Body
I do not participate in those groups. I don't think anyone would feel out of place at Wake, we are very welcoming. It varies a lot what students wear to class, some wear sweatpants and some wear dresses and heels. Many different types of students interact a lot on campus. Wake students come from all over, but a good deal come from the South. The financial backgrounds also vary but most are middle to upper middle class. Students are politically active and becoming more liberal even though we are known for being more conservative. Some students, especially in the business school talk about money, but most are just concerned with finding a job that suits them.
Wake Student Activities + Social Life
The most popular groups on campus is definitely greek life. I am in a sorority. Ya, people are not afraid to leave their doors unlocked, no one steals here. Athletic events are pretty popular, especially football for the tailgating. I met my closest friends in my freshman year dorm and through my sorority. If I am awake on Tuesday at 2 am I am either at a party or studying. A tradition that happens is toilet papering the quad after games. People party probably about 3 times a week. Greek life is important to a lot of people. Last weekend I went out and did homework. I do the Big Brothers Big Sisters program off campus.
