Wake Forest University is known for its highly selective admissions process, with an acceptance rate of just 21%. Students hoping to attend Wake Forest must submit their applications by the regular deadline of January 1, or they can opt for early action or early decision with deadlines of November 15. With no official GPA requirement, prospective students should aim for a GPA above 3.9 and consider taking challenging courses such as AP or IB classes.
In addition to a strong GPA, Wake Forest University looks for applicants with a minimum SAT score of 1400 to be considered. While there is no absolute SAT requirement, having a score in this range will significantly increase your chances of being admitted. Students should also focus on showcasing their academic strengths by choosing courses that align with their interests and abilities.
The admission process at Wake Forest involves submitting an application by one of the stated deadlines and providing all required documentation, including transcripts, test scores, and letters of recommendation. Prospective students should also consider participating in an interview and highlighting any extracurricular activities or achievements that demonstrate their commitment to academics and personal growth. Overall, meeting the GPA and SAT score recommendations, along with showcasing a well-rounded application, will greatly enhance your chances of gaining admission to Wake Forest University.
| Selected Text: | Wake Forest Admission Rate |
|---|---|
| Details: | Wake Forest admissions is very selective with an acceptance rate of 21%. The regular admissions application deadline for Wake Forest is January 1. Interested students can apply for early action and early decision. The early action deadline is November 15, and the early decision deadline is November 15. The GPA needed to get into Wake Forest University is above 3.9, and a minimum SAT score of 1400 is recommended. |
| Related to Quality of Education: | The high acceptance standards at Wake Forest University indicate a commitment to ensuring a high quality of education for their students. By setting high GPA and SAT score requirements, the university aims to attract academically strong and dedicated students who will contribute to a rigorous academic environment. |
Wake Forest Requirements for Admission
What are Wake Forest’s admission requirements? While there are a lot of pieces that go into a college application, you should focus on only a few critical things:
- GPA requirements
- Testing requirements, including SAT and ACT requirements
- Application requirements
In this guide we’ll cover what you need to get into Wake Forest and build a strong application.
School location: Winston-Salem, NC
This school is also known as: Wake Forest University, WFU
Admissions Rate: 29.4%
If you want to get in, the first thing to look at is the acceptance rate. This tells you how competitive the school is and how serious their requirements are.
The acceptance rate at Wake Forest is 29.4%. For every 100 applicants, 29 are admitted.
This means the school is very selective. If you meet Wake Forest’s requirements for GPA, SAT/ACT scores, and other components of the application, you have a great shot at getting in. But if you fall short on GPA or your SAT/ACT scores, you’ll have a very low chance of being admitted, even if you meet the other admissions requirements.
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Wake Forest GPA Requirements
Many schools specify a minimum GPA requirement, but this is often just the bare minimum to submit an application without immediately getting rejected.
The GPA requirement that really matters is the GPA you need for a real chance of getting in. For this, we look at the school’s average GPA for its current students.
Average GPA: 3.9
The average GPA at Wake Forest is 3.9.
(Most schools use a weighted GPA out of 4.0, though some report an unweighted GPA. This school did not officially report its average GPA, but we’ve estimated it here using data from over 1,000 schools.)
With a GPA of 3.9, Wake Forest requires you to be at the top of your class. You’ll need nearly straight A’s in all your classes to compete with other applicants. Furthermore, you should be taking hard classes – AP or IB courses – to show that college-level academics is a breeze.
If you’re currently a junior or senior, your GPA is hard to change in time for college applications. If your GPA is at or below the school average of 3.9, you’ll need a higher SAT or ACT score to compensate. This will help you compete effectively against other applicants who have higher GPAs than you.
SAT and ACT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for standardized testing. Most schools require the SAT or ACT, and many also require SAT subject tests.
Wake Forest hasn’t explicitly named a policy on SAT/ACT requirements, but because it’s published average SAT or ACT scores (we’ll cover this next), it’s likely test flexible. Typically, these schools say, “if you feel your SAT or ACT score represents you well as a student, submit them. Otherwise, don’t.”
Despite this policy, the truth is that most students still take the SAT or ACT, and most applicants to Wake Forest will submit their scores. If you don’t submit scores, you’ll have one fewer dimension to show that you’re worthy of being admitted, compared to other students. We therefore recommend that you consider taking the SAT or ACT, and doing well.
Wake Forest SAT Requirements
Many schools say they have no SAT score cutoff, but the truth is that there is a hidden SAT requirement. This is based on the school’s average score.
Average SAT: 1390
The average SAT score composite at Wake Forest is a 1390 on the 1600 SAT scale.
This score makes Wake Forest Moderately Competitive for SAT test scores.
Wake Forest SAT Score Analysis (New 1600 SAT)
The 25th percentile New SAT score is 1310, and the 75th percentile New SAT score is 1470. In other words, a 1310 on the New SAT places you below average, while a 1470 will move you up to above average.
Here’s the breakdown of new SAT scores by section:
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
| Math | 710 | 660 | 760 |
| Reading + Writing | 680 | 650 | 710 |
| Composite | 1390 | 1310 | 1470 |
SAT Score Choice Policy
The Score Choice policy at your school is an important part of your testing strategy.
Wake Forest has the Score Choice policy of “Contact School.”
This means that the school wants you to contact them to learn more about their Score Choice policies. Keep reading – we may have extra notes about this from our own expert research.
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Wake Forest ACT Requirements
Just like for the SAT, Wake Forest likely doesn’t have a hard ACT cutoff, but if you score too low, your application will get tossed in the trash.
Average ACT: 31
The average ACT score at Wake Forest is 31. This score makes Wake Forest Strongly Competitive for ACT scores.
The 25th percentile ACT score is 29, and the 75th percentile ACT score is 33.
Even though Wake Forest likely says they have no minimum ACT requirement, if you apply with a 29 or below, you’ll have a very hard time getting in, unless you have something else very impressive in your application. There are so many applicants scoring 31 and above that a 29 will look academically weak.
ACT Score Sending Policy
If you’re taking the ACT as opposed to the SAT, you have a huge advantage in how you send scores, and this dramatically affects your testing strategy.
Here it is: when you send ACT scores to colleges, you have absolute control over which tests you send. You could take 10 tests, and only send your highest one. This is unlike the SAT, where many schools require you to send all your tests ever taken.
This means that you have more chances than you think to improve your ACT score. To try to aim for the school’s ACT requirement of 33 and above, you should try to take the ACT as many times as you can. When you have the final score that you’re happy with, you can then send only that score to all your schools.
ACT Superscore Policy
By and large, most colleges do not superscore the ACT. (Superscore means that the school takes your best section scores from all the test dates you submit, and then combines them into the best possible composite score). Thus, most schools will just take your highest ACT score from a single sitting.
However, in our research, we found that Wake Forest does in fact offer an ACT superscore policy. To quote their Admissions Office:
Test Optional. Contact school for information.
Superscoring is powerful to your testing strategy, and you need to make sure you plan your testing accordingly. Of all the scores that Wake Forest receives, your application readers will consider your highest section scores across all ACT test dates you submit.
Click below to learn more about how superscoring critically affects your test strategy.How does superscoring change your test strategy?(Click to Learn)
For example, say you submit the following 4 test scores:
| English | Math | Reading | Science | Composite | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test 1 | 32 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 20 |
| Test 2 | 16 | 32 | 16 | 16 | 20 |
| Test 3 | 16 | 16 | 32 | 16 | 20 |
| Test 4 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 32 | 20 |
| Superscore | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 |
Even though the highest ACT composite you scored on any one test date was 20, Wake Forest will take your highest section score from all your test dates, then combine them to form your Superscore. You can raise your composite score from 20 to 32 in this example.
This is important for your testing strategy. Because you can choose which tests to send in, and Wake Forest forms your Superscore, you can take the ACT as many times as you want, then submit only the tests that give you the highest Superscore. Your application readers will only see that one score.
Therefore, if your ACT score is currently below a 33, we strongly recommend that you consider prepping for the ACT and retaking it. You have a very good chance of raising your score, which will significantly boost your chances of getting in.
Even better, because of the Superscore, you can focus all your energy on a single section at a time. If your Reading score is lower than your other sections, prep only for the Reading section, then take the ACT. Then focus on Math for the next test, and so on. This will give you the highest Superscore possible.
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SAT/ACT Writing Section Requirements
Both the SAT and ACT have an optional essay section.
Wake Forest requires you to take the SAT Essay/ACT Writing section. They’ll use this as another factor in their admissions consideration.
SAT Subject Test Requirements
Schools vary in their SAT subject test requirements. Typically, selective schools tend to require them, while most schools in the country do not.
We did not find information that Wake Forest requires SAT subject tests, and so most likely it does not. At least 6 months before applying, you should still doublecheck just to make sure, so you have enough time to take the test.
Final Admissions Verdict
Because this school is very selective, strong academic scores are critical to improving your chances of admission. If you’re able to score a 1470 SAT or a 33 ACT or above, you’ll have a very strong chance at getting in.
For a school as selective as Wake Forest, rounding out the rest of your application will also help. We’ll cover those details next.
But if you apply with a score below a 1470 SAT or a 33 ACT, you unfortunately have a low chance of getting in. There are just too many other applicants with high SAT/ACT scores and strong applications, and you need to compete against them.
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Admissions Calculator
What are your chances of admission at Wake Forest University?Chances of admission with these scores:29.4%
Here’s our custom admissions calculator. Plug in your numbers to see what your chances of getting in are.
Pick your test: New SAT ACTSAT ScoreYour GPA
Note: Your admission decision relies not only on your GPA and SAT/ACT scores, but also on your coursework difficulty, extracurriculars, letters of recommendation, and personal statements. This tool provides only a simplistic estimate of your chances of admission. Instead of treating this tool as a crystal ball, we recommend you consider the big picture of what your chance means:
- 80-100%: Safety school: Strong chance of getting in
- 50-80%: More likely than not getting in
- 20-50%: Lower but still good chance of getting in
- 5-20%: Reach school: Unlikely to get in, but still have a shot
- 0-5%: Hard reach school: Very difficult to get in
We recommend you apply to schools across a range of chances. Applying to some safety schools will guarantee you have a college to go to, while applying to some reach schools will give you a shot at getting into the school at the top of your range.
How would your chances improve with a better score?
Take your current SAT score and add 160 points (or take your ACT score and add 4 points) to the calculator above. See how much your chances improve?
At PrepScholar, we’ve created the leading online SAT/ACT prep program. We guarantee an improvement of 160 SAT points or 4 ACT points on your score, or your money back.
Here’s a summary of why we’re so much more effective than other prep programs:
- PrepScholar customizes your prep to your strengths and weaknesses. You don’t waste time working on areas you already know, so you get more results in less time.
- We guide you through your program step-by-step so that you’re never confused about what you should be studying. Focus all your time learning, not worrying about what to learn.
- Our team is made of national SAT/ACT experts. PrepScholar’s founders are Harvard graduates and SAT perfect scorers. You’ll be studying using the strategies that actually worked for them.
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Application Requirements
Every school requires an application with the bare essentials – high school transcript and GPA, application form, and other core information. Many schools, as explained above, also require SAT and ACT scores, as well as letters of recommendation, application essays, and interviews. We’ll cover the exact requirements of Wake Forest here.
Application Requirements Overview
- Common ApplicationAccepted, supplemental forms required
- Universal ApplicationNot accepted
- Electronic ApplicationAvailable
- Essay or Personal StatementRequired for all freshmen
- Letters of Recommendation1
- InterviewNot required
- Application Fee$65
- Fee Waiver Available?Available
- Other Notes
Testing Requirements
- SAT or ACTConsidered if submitted
- SAT Essay or ACT WritingRequired
- SAT Subject Tests
- Scores Due in OfficeNone
Coursework Requirements
- SubjectRequired Years
- English4
- Math3
- Science1
- Foreign Language2
- Social Studies2
- History
- Electives
Deadlines and Early Admissions
-
- Offered?DeadlineNotification
- Regular Admission
- YesJanuary 1Rolling
- Early Action
- No
- Early Decision
- YesNovember 15, January 1None
Admissions Office Information
- Address:PO Box 7373 Reynolda Station
Winston-Salem, NC 27109 - Phone:(336) 758-5201
- Fax:(336) 758-6074
- Email:admissions@wfu.edu
Other Schools For You
If you’re interested in Wake Forest, you’ll probably be interested in these schools as well. We’ve divided them into 3 categories depending on how hard they are to get into, relative to Wake Forest.
Reach Schools: Harder to Get Into
These schools are have higher average SAT scores than Wake Forest. If you improve your SAT score, you’ll be competitive for these schools.
| School Name | Location | SAT Avg | ACT Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tufts University | Medford, MA | 1465 | 33 |
| Northeastern University | Boston, MA | 1465 | 34 |
| Georgetown University | Washington, DC | 1450 | 33 |
| New York University | New York, NY | 1440 | 32 |
| University of Southern California | Los Angeles, CA | 1440 | 32 |
| University of Michigan | Ann Arbor, MI | 1435 | 33 |
| Emory University | Atlanta, GA | 1435 | 33 |
Same Level: Equally Hard to Get Into
If you’re competitive for Wake Forest, these schools will offer you a similar chance of admission.
| School Name | Location | SAT Avg | ACT Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute | Troy, NY | 1409 | 31 |
| University of California, Los Angeles | Los Angeles, CA | 1405 | 31 |
| Villanova University | Villanova, PA | 1395 | 33 |
| Southern Methodist University | Dallas, TX | 1390 | 31 |
| University of Maryland | College Park, MD | 1380 | 31 |
| Binghamton University | Vestal, NY | 1375 | 30 |
| George Washington University | Washington, DC | 1370 | 31 |
Safety Schools: Easier to Get Into
If you’re currently competitive for Wake Forest, you should have no problem getting into these schools. If Wake Forest is currently out of your reach, you might already be competitive for these schools.
| School Name | Location | SAT Avg | ACT Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Texas at Dallas | Richardson, TX | 1350 | 30 |
| Stony Brook University | Stony Brook, NY | 1335 | 29 |
| Rochester Institute of Technology | Rochester, NY | 1300 | 30 |
| University of Massachusetts Amherst | Amherst, MA | 1290 | 29 |
| Syracuse University | Syracuse, NY | 1275 | 28 |
| Penn State University Park | University Park, PA | 1265 | 28 |
| University of Cincinnati | Cincinnati, OH | 1265 | 27 |
Want to build the best possible college application?
We can help. PrepScholar Admissions is the world’s best admissions consulting service. We combine world-class admissions counselors with our data-driven, proprietary admissions strategies. We’ve overseen thousands of students get into their top choice schools, from state colleges to the Ivy League.
We know what kinds of students colleges want to admit. We want to get you admitted to your dream schools.
Learn more about PrepScholar Admissions to maximize your chance of getting in.
Wake Forest UniversityWebsiteDirectionsSavePrivate university in Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Description
Wake Forest University is a private research university in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Founded in 1834, the university received its name from its original location in Wake Forest, north of Raleigh, North Carolina. WikipediaAvg cost after aid$33KGraduation rate88%Acceptance rate28%Graduation rate is for first-time, full-time undergraduate students who graduated within 6 years. They were the largest group of students (95%) according to the 2017–18 College Scorecard data ·more Source: US Dept of Education · Learn moreAddress: 1834 Wake Forest Rd, Winston-Salem, NC 27109, United StatesPhone: +1 336-758-5000Undergraduate enrollment: 5,101 (2017–18)Average annual costBefore aid$71,638After aid$33,382Aid includes grants and scholarships from the institution, state and federal governmentSource: US Dept of Education (IPEDS) · Find out moreCost by household income
| Household income | Average cost after aid |
|---|---|
| Less than $30,000 | $9,979 |
| $30,001–48,000 | $7,595 |
| $48,001–75,000 | $19,466 |
| $75,001–110,000 | $24,816 |
| More than $110,001 | $48,756 |
Source: US Dept of Education (IPEDS) · Find out moreGraduation rate
| Completed within6 years | Completed within8 years | |
|---|---|---|
| First-time full-time | 88% | 88% |
| Other full-time | 91% | 91% |
Source: US Dept of Education (College Scorecard) · Find out more
Wake Forest University: Acceptance Rate and Admissions Statistics
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VIEW MORE By Allen GroveUpdated April 10, 2020
Wake Forest University is a private research university with an acceptance rate of 30%. Located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Wake Forest University is one of the more selective test-optional colleges in the country. Nearly all successful applicants have grades that are well above average, and although students are not required to submit SAT or ACT scores, the scores of those who do submit tend to be above average. The university is a member of Phi Beta Kappa for its strengths in the liberal arts and sciences, and Wake Forest boasts of its small classes and impressive 11-to-1 student to faculty ratio. Overall, the university provides an unusual balance of a small college academic atmosphere and a large university sports scene.
Considering applying to Wake Forest University? Here are the admissions statistics you should know, including the average SAT/ACT scores of admitted students.
Acceptance Rate
During the 2018-19 admissions cycle, Wake Forest University had an acceptance rate of 30%. This means that for every 100 students who applied, 30 students were admitted, making Wake Forest’s admissions process competitive.
| Admissions Statistics (2018-19) | |
|---|---|
| Number of Applicants | 12,558 |
| Percent Admitted | 30% |
| Percent Admitted Who Enrolled (Yield) | 37% |
SAT Scores and Requirements
Wake Forest has a test-optional standardized testing policy. Applicants to Wake Forest may submit SAT or ACT scores to the school, but they are not required. During the 2017-18 admissions cycle, 41% of admitted students submitted SAT scores.
| SAT Range (Admitted Students) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Section | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
| ERW | 650 | 710 |
| Math | 660 | 760 |
ERW=Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
This admissions data tells us that of those students who submitted SAT scores to Wake Forest, most fall within the top 20% nationally on the SAT. For the evidence-based reading and writing section, 50% of students admitted to Wake Forest scored between 650 and 710, while 25% scored below 650 and 25% scored above 710. On the math section, 50% of admitted students scored between 660 and 760, while 25% scored below 660 and 25% scored above 760. While the SAT is not required, this data tells us that a composite SAT score of 1470 or higher is a competitive score for Wake Forest.
Requirements
Wake Forest does not require SAT scores for admission.
ACT Scores and Requirements
Wake Forest has a test-optional standardized testing policy. Applicants to Wake Forest may submit SAT or ACT scores to the school, but they are not required. During the 2017-18 admissions cycle, 45% of admitted students submitted ACT scores.
| ACT Range (Admitted Students) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Section | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
| Composite | 29 | 33 |
This admissions data tells us that of those students who submitted ACT scores to Wake Forest, most fall within the top 9% nationally on the ACT. The middle 50% of students admitted to Wake Forest received a composite ACT score between 29 and 33, while 25% scored above 33 and 25% scored below 29.
Requirements
Wake Forest does not require ACT scores for admission.
GPA
Wake Forest does not provide data about admitted students’ high school GPAs. In 2018, 74% of Wake Forest’s incoming freshman class ranked in the top 10% of their high school class.
Self-Reported GPA/SAT/ACT Graph
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The admissions data in the graph is self-reported by applicants to Wake Forest University. GPAs are unweighted. Find out how you compare to accepted students, see the real-time graph, and calculate your chances of getting in with a free Cappex account.
Admissions Chances
Wake Forest University, which accepts fewer than one-third of applicants, is selective. However, Wake Forest has a holistic admissions process and is test-optional, and admissions decisions are based on much more than numbers. A strong application essay and glowing letters of recommendation can strengthen your application, as can participation in meaningful extracurricular activities and a rigorous course schedule. Wake Forest also places emphasis on the interview, which is optional but strongly recommended.
To apply, students can use the Common Application, Coalition Application, Wake Forest Application, or College Foundation of North Carolina Application. Wake Forest has an Early Decision program that can improve admission chances for students who are sure the university is their top choice school.
In the graph above, the blue and green dots represent accepted students. As you can see, most accepted students had averages in the “A” range and an SAT score (ERW+M) of 1200 or higher and an ACT score of 26 or higher.Bear in mind that Wake Forest is test-optional, so students with scores outside of the reported range need not submit their scores to Wake Forest.
All admissions data has been sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics and Wake Forest University Undergraduate Admissions Office.
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