About Wake Forest University

Founded in 1834, Wake Forest University. is a Private college. Located in North Carolina, which is a city setting in North Carolina, the campus itself is Urban. The campus is home to 4,955 full time undergraduate students, and 3,013 full time graduate students.

The Wake Forest University Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 10:1. There are 581 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at Wake Forest University include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.

Quick Facts

Acceptance Rate30%
Application Deadline1-Jan
Application Fee65
SAT Range
ACT Range

Admissions at WFU are considered More Selective, with ,47% of all applicants being admitted.

In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 9 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.

99% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 94% were in the top quarter, and 79% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.

STUDENT LIFE

We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at Wake Forest University.

5%
“We”re apathetic”
39%
“We know about current events and vote”
50%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
5%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
6%
“We save it for the classroom”
30%
“Sometimes, but not often”
45%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
19%
“All the time, including weekends”
2%
“I”m always terrified”
5%
“I only go out in groups”
43%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
50%
“I feel extremely safe”
4%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
51%
“We bought the gear”
45%
“We live for the big game”
8%
“It”s not really our thing”
40%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
41%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
11%
“We”re a very artistic group”
2%
“Haven”t met them”
5%
“Available in class”
37%
“They keep regular office hours”
55%
“They”re always available”
1%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
3%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
50%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
46%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
1%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
5%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
38%
“We only party on weekends”
56%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
11%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
58%
“There might be people who do”
32%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
0%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
5%
“We”re apathetic”
39%
“We know about current events and vote”
50%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
5%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
6%
“We save it for the classroom”
30%
“Sometimes, but not often”
45%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
19%
“All the time, including weekends”
2%
“I”m always terrified”
5%
“I only go out in groups”
43%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
50%
“I feel extremely safe”
4%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
51%
“We bought the gear”
45%
“We live for the big game”
8%
“It”s not really our thing”
40%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
41%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
11%
“We”re a very artistic group”
2%
“Haven”t met them”
5%
“Available in class”
37%
“They keep regular office hours”
55%
“They”re always available”
1%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
3%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
50%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
46%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
1%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
5%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
38%
“We only party on weekends”
56%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
11%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
58%
“There might be people who do”
32%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
0%
“There”s a huge drug scene”

Wake Forest University REVIEWS

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  • How would you rate on-campus housing?

    91 Students rated on-campus housing 3.8 stars. 21 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate off-campus housing?

    47 Students rated off-campus housing 4.1 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus food?

    93 Students rated campus food 3.5 stars. 22 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus facilities?

    94 Students rated campus facilities 4.3 stars. 45 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate class size?

    94 Students rated class size 4.6 stars. 69 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate school activities?

    93 Students rated school activities 4.3 stars. 51 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate local services?

    93 Students rated local services 4 stars. 35 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate academics?

    93 Students rated academics 4.2 stars. 49 % gave the school a 5.0.

What's your overall opinion of Wake Forest University?

38 Students rated Wake Forest University

Kito - 04/05/2023

Wake Forest is a top university that provides its students with an unparalleled education and a well rounded life experience. It has both a small and large campus feel rolled into one. The student faculty ratio is small, allowing students to work closely with their caring and involved professors, Wake is a nationally top ranked university for most major sports and the students carry huge school spirit . Wake students care about their education, handling a rigorous, diverse and enriching curriculum. Wake students are well rounded with 80{6f65e1278338a62264eed73e2adc5af8e2841420db12ceb4f80b8db22f3260ec} of Wake students participating in its highly regarded Study Abroad program (that is a top 5 participation rate for Study Abroad programs for all colleges). Although Wake students prioritize academics, there is a strong social scene with heavy attendance at games and an active Greek life. Wake Forest's campus has the aesthetics and feel of resort, and has been ranked as one of the most beautiful by Architectural Digest, There is modern student housing and facilities. Downtown Winston Salem has great cafes and restaurants, with a vibrant arts scene. It is only a 10 minute drive from campus. There is a strong national alum network and a Wake diploma is very respected across the country. Although ranked in the top 30 by U.S. News and World Report, Wake Forest is vastly underrated.

Emma - 10/12/2020

Wake Forest University is an amazing school with outstanding academics and plenty of opportunities to be involved. It also offers plenty of opportunities for career preparation both inside and outside of the classroom. However, there is too heavy of a focus on Greek life at times, and the school seriously lacks in diversity. This school could improve by increasing racial, ethnic, religious, and socioeconomic diversity on campus.

Brittany

Excellent academics, amazing campus resources. Winston is a great place for all kinds of activities, with good mountain trails, a lake, and good shopping and food nearby. Class sizes are great, although the campus is growing and therefor class sizes are also increasing.

N

Beautiful campus and the students seemed happy

Wake Forest University FAQS

  1. What is the Acceptance Rate at Wake Forest University?

    The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Wake Forest University is 30%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020 , _____ students were offered admission. The number of males who applied was _____ vs the number of females which was _____.

  2. Describe the students at your school.

    Although predominantly wealthy, white, and Type A, Wake Forest students are a hardened group that can be a Weekend Warrior one day, and a Zen Master of Academic Focus the next. Achieving high standards of "play", my peers have achieved a higher sense of academic and career-driven accomplishment that accompanies a liberal arts education of such high caliber.

    Read all  105 answers
  3. What are the academics like at your school?

    Professors generally know your name unless they're super old and have a hard time remembering. My favorite class this semester is Shakespeare; my professor is a BOSS. My least favorite class was Calculus. I failed. Students study a lot; we have to. We're constantly updating facebook and twitter accounts about retarded things that happen to us in the library. Class participation is a must. Students aren't intellectual outside of class- we have a crap ton of work all the time, that's why we rage so much. Students can be competitive depending on the major. The most unique class I've taken was the World of Opera; it was my freshman year seminar, and I absolutely loved it...even if I had to listen to Don Giovanni at 8am. I'm double majoring in English and French. The English department is awesome, intelligent, and biased. The French department is miniscule; I want to get my PhD in History so I can teach French history here. I go to lunch and get coffee with professors on the reg. Academic requirements are tough, but this is a great academic university. Deal with the hardships. You'll live. Our Career Services Dept is awesome at helping students find jobs after graduation. I would know, I'm on their student committee.

    Read all  100 answers
  4. What is your overall opinion of this school?

    The best thing about Wake Forest: BEAUTIFUL CAMPUS What I, personally, would change: The elitist and ridiculous process of being admitted into the social stratosphere known as GREEK LIFE School size: If you're trying to avoid someone, you can't. You'll probably see them at least 3 times per week Reactions: When I tell people I go to Wake Forest, generally they know it's a Top 25-ranked university Time well-spent: THE ZSR aka the LIBRARY. We have had an open relationship since my freshman year here. College town: Fallacious Administration: Natty O. is our president. Sometimes I see him, most of the time I get his emails which he may or may not actually write himself. Controversy on campus; In order of most controversial, 1) Greek life, 2) Politics, 3) What party to go to on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, and 4) On which floor of the library should I study today? School pride: Black and Gold. Mainly at basketball games. Football games are apparently for Lilly Pulitzer dresses and Vineyard Vine button-downs Unusual things: the high number of girls with eating disorders and the dearth of boyfriend-girlfriend relationships. Hook-ups are prominent Experience I'll remember: Creating a team for Hit-the-Bricks to raise money for cancer research Student complaints- THE PIT (cafeteria) gets old real fast, not enough seats available in the library, TOO MUCH WORK, not enough alcohol

    Read all  98 answers
  5. What is the stereotype of students at your school?

    preppy, rich, "Work Forest," skinny blond girls, mostly white students

    Read all  97 answers
  6. Is the stereotype of students at your school accurate?

    Is the stereotype of students at Wake accurate? OBVIOUSLY. This school is chalk full of rich snobs who think they're entitled. It's hilarious, but true. Besides, only some of us belong at this Top-25-ranked university; there are some unintelligent humans here; I'm pretty sure their parents may have bribed the admissions office...

    Read all  96 answers
  7. What are the most popular student activities/groups?

    Most popular student group of all time: Greek life sororities and fraternities. Second most popular- Student Union. I'm involved with the Learning Assistance Center tutoring program. I tutor French because I love it, and most of my "tutees" need help because their professors are grammar nazis. Students leave doors open- there's a fifty-fifty chance that your stuff will be fine or will be stolen. Athletic events are popular in different ways- football games: primarily for tailgates, and basketball games; primarily for cheering on the Deacs. Guest speakers are the shit; Joe Biden talked at the 2008 class graduation. Emily Giffen, one of my favorite authors, spoke here. Too bad I was studying abroad in Paris at the time. Dating scene: almost non-existent unless one has a significant other they've been dating since high school. Most people jut hook up. My closest friends I met randomly. One was a friend of a friend, and one I met at the gym. If Im awake at 2am on a Tuesday, I'm doing homework or studying. What a shocker. Traditions and events: Shag on the Mag- it's a dance, not sex. Homecoming- people get dressed up and dressed down after they get schwasted. Lighting of the Quad- Christmas tree gets lit up. Delicious cider is served. Big deal. People party a lot because we're so stressed out and drinking helps us de-stress and forget about out 25page papers for a while. Frats/Sororities: be in one or be ostracized. Last weekend, I hosted a Christmas party and I made Peppermint Schnapps hot chocolate. It was delectable. On a Saturday night, if you prefer not to drink, DON'T GO OUT SOBER. Go to the movies or do some more homework. Off campus, I go thrift-store shopping, go on booze runs, or go on the occasional date if I'm lucky.

    Read all  85 answers
  8. What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

    It goes without saying that the first year of college will always be one of the most emotional and impactful moments of your life. You learn, live, play, sleep, eat, and discover, all while enjoying an independent lifestyle. With these new experiences comes the inevitable ups and downs that you must face during that first year of college. It is because these are such life-changing events that you must choose an institution that bests suits you in all manners of being: academics, career-placement, extracurricular, and personal choices. Most importantly, you, as a student, must be able to completely visualize yourself at the place of learning. You must be able to see yourself in the classroom, walking the campus grounds, engaging in the occasional debauchery, and eating the terrible food. Most importantly, however, you must be able to be yourself. After all, this is what truly constitutes as a college experience. Now the parents may not want to see their chickadee(s) leave the nest, but this is an important step, so be supportive(!) and keep your wallets and your hearts open. Students, be: grateful for everything your parents have done (and will do), curious, bold, and laugh heartily.

    Read all  83 answers
  9. Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!

    It was small in size and academically prestigious but also had many features of a large state school, such as dynamic Division I athletics and research facitlites.

    Read all  32 answers
  10. What is the stereotype of students at your school? Is this stereotype accurate?

    There is a stereotype that many students who attend Wake Forest are rich, pretentious jerks who have graduated from some iconic private school somewhere. I'd be lying if I said this stereotype was entirely untrue, as the university's prestige and somewhat expensive tuition tends to draw those with this kind of personality and background. However, both the multicultural program and student organizations have blossomed in recent years, allowing for a more diverse student body as a whole. Whatever interests you identify with will surely be accommodated here.

    Read all  19 answers
  11. What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?

    The significance of sororities and fraternities. As a northerner, sororities and fraternities are not exactly prevalent in the universities surrounding my home. It worked out, but I would have liked to have had more of a warning prior to my first semester.

    Read all  18 answers
  12. What kind of person should not attend this school?

    The type of person that should not bother applying is someone who is lazy and wants an easy-A. The majority of students were in the top ten-percentile in high school and as I quickly learned, it is not easy to achieve the same academic standing here. The education is incredible, but if you do not want to put in many hours at the library and are not interested in working hard, do not attend Wake Forest!

    Read all  17 answers
  13. What's unique about your campus?

    Wake Forest gives students a wonderful opportunity to explore many fields of study before making a choice for a major. The professor - student ratio is smaller in the upper level classes, making education a joy. The smaller campus allows students to be involved in a community atmosphere without being a "number" as in a larger university.

    Read all  16 answers
  14. What's the most frustrating thing about your school?

    Beyond a doubt the most frustrating thing at Wake Forest is Parking Management. While it is nice that any student, regardless of year in attendance, can bring a car to school with them, convenient parking on campus is scarce, WFU Parking is quick with their tickets and strict on their policies, and the parking passes are purchased at astronomical prices. My current parking pass cost me $500 for the semester. As a freshman it cost me $200, and I had to park off campus, a good 15-20 minute walk from my dorm.

    Read all  15 answers
  15. Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.

    A good school, but tough.

    Read all  15 answers
  16. What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?

    Homogeneous

    Read all  13 answers
  17. Describe your favorite campus traditions.

    Wake is known not only for top academics, but our athletics has flourished in the past few years as well.

    Read all  12 answers
  18. Why did you decide to go to this school?

    The main reason I decided on Wake was that it was obvious that they were moving up in the top-ranked schools. Another aspect that drew me here was their admissions process. Each application is viewed holistically, they're a test optional university, and there is a large importance put on the interview. I believe that this is why I was admitted and I appreciate that Wake can view that being "smart" does not necessarily mean a perfect GPA.

    Read all  10 answers
  19. What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?

    I love my school. It is perfect for me in size, athletics, academics, and friends.

    Read all  9 answers
  20. What are your classes like?

    As a general rule, I really like my classes...I mean I ought to, they're classes for my majors, English and French. But as to what my classes are "like"? They are generally around 18-25 students per class, class participation is generally mandatory, but that's okay because you get to show off your smarts with witty comments. Classes are either 50 minutes long/ 3x a week, OR 1hr15min classes/twice a week. I prefer 50 minutes classes...mainly because I swear I'm slightly ADD and I can't keep focus for that long.

    Read all  8 answers
  21. What kind of person should attend this school?

    A person who is willing to work hard to get the grades he is used to, wants a smaller school, is not fazed by preppiness, doesn't need a huge amount of diversity in the student population

    Read all  7 answers

Student Body

Students

53%

female

47%

male

4,955

Total Undergrad Enrollment

3,013

Total Grad Students

69%

Out-Of-State

20%

In-State

11%

International

Organizations

176

Student Organizations

14

Fraternities

10

Sororities

Housing

Yes

On-Campus Housing

46%

of students living on campus

Student Diversity

% American Indian/Alaskan Native
N/A
% Asian/Pacific Islander
4%
% Black or African-American
7%
% Hispanic/Latino
7%
% White or Caucasian
71%

TUITION & AID

All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA. Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.

47% of students attending Wake Forest University receive some sort of financial aid. 10% were awarded federal grants. While 24% received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.

Cost Out of State

$49,308

Tuition and fees(Out of state)

$1,400

Books and Supplies

$13,404

Room and Board

64,112

Total On Campus

Actual Cost By Income Level(W/Financial Aid)

Family Income
Cost
$0 - $30K
$10,818
$30 - $48K
$8,392
$48 - $75K
$13,521
$75 - $110K
$25,697
$110K & UP
$44,330

We use student reviews and the most current publicly available data on our school pages. As such, we don't typically remove or edit college information. Sources for school statistics and data include the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. Portions of college data include copyrighted material, which is reproduced on this website by permission of Wintergreen Orchard House, a division of Carnegie Communications. © 2009-2016 by Wintergreen Orchard House. All rights reserved.

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