Wake Forest University
NC, USA

Reviews

Wake Forest University

Landon from Sanford, NC

a current student here
35 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Wake is not only a tough school to get into; it is also tough once you get there. Students jokingly call it Work Forest for a reason. Do not be deterred by warnings of tough classes, a degree from Wake means something, and ultimately Wake alumni find that the tough curriculum prepares them for the real world after Wake Forest.
Bang for the buck
While expensive, a Wake Forest education will ultimately pay dividends immediately after graduation. Wake also offers very generous financial aid packages to those who qualify. Getting in is the tough part, Wake will help you find the money to pay for it.
Tips for prospective students
Find scholarships, find them and get them. Wake is expensive, no doubt about that, but it is an amazing place to be socially, academically, and athletically. Wake Forest is not for everyone though, the classes are small and intimate, also teaching assistants are nonexistent so professors teach every class. If you are looking for huge classes where you can skirt by on marginal attendance, Wake is not the school for you. If you are considering this school I highly encourage you to visit campus and experience what it is like first hand to be a Deacon.
Great for these types of students
Diligent, Hard Working, Motivated, Passionate

Melanie from Chester, VA

a current student here
24 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Wake Forest classes are difficult, but the professors are great about helping students understand their material so long as those students appear to be completing their assignments to the best of their ability. The pressure to succeed is relatively high, but this results in well-educated, driven students.
Am enjoying being here
This sounds corny, but Wake Forest really offers all the benefits of a large research institution in a smaller, liberal arts setting. The professors notice if you aren't in class, and they care about the reason for your absence. The athletics are fantastic; the ACC is a strong conference, and Wake Forest competes successfully despite its small size. Also, students work hard, but they are laid back and know how to have a good time.
Bang for the buck
Wake Forest is generous with their scholarships. They have many merit-based scholarships that they offer in addition to purely need-based financial aid, making scholarship money that much more obtainable.
Tips for prospective students
Show up to every class, no matter how unimportant you imagine it will be. Attend your professors' office hours, and do all of your work on time. As long as you never fall behind in class, you will do well.
Great for these types of students
Wake is great for students with a superior work ethic and a competitive spirit.

Carrie from Connellys Springs, NC

a current student here
12 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Wake definitely challenges students to explore outside of the classroom, and good grades don't come easily. The hard work pays off though, as you develop a better sense of responsibility and diligence.
Am enjoying being here
I love the atmosphere of the campus, and classes are great. However, the Greek scene dominates social life on campus. Weekend events mostly include fraternity parties, so if Greek life isn't your thing, I wouldn't recommend Wake for its social life. Academically though, Wake is wonderful, as classes are small and you build great relationships with your professors.
Bang for the buck
Wake is definitely a place to get a hands on education where your professors know your name. However, the cost is just outrageous. Financial aid is very helpful though and more than likely will meet the monetary needs of the student when concerning tuition prices.
Tips for prospective students
Work hard! Don't expect college to be an easy ride, because it definitely isn't. Don't skip classes, and make use of a professor's office hours. They are very willing to help students. Most importantly, enjoy yourself! College is the time to try new things and discover your identity, so make the best of it.
Great for these types of students
Hard workers who have a good head on their shoulders and know what goals they are working towards.

Elliot from Williamsburg, VA

a current student here
10 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I have learned not only about certain subjects in school, but also about me as a person. Wake Forest provides such a nurturing environment that allows their students to grow to their fullest potential. Upon entering my first class, I was scared like many of my other freshmen counterparts. But I soon realized that the professors at Wake genuinely care about the well-being of their students, and they won't assign work just to keep their students busy. All of the work that has been assigned to me has proven beneficial and has made me become more interested in subjects I never imagined liking. Wake also provides loads of opportunities to expand your education outside of Winston-Salem through study abroad programs and programs within the community that engage your mind and help you formulate your career path.
Am enjoying being here
I love my life on Wake Forest. When I took my visit to campus in the April before I graduated high school, I immediately felt at home. I remember sitting in Wait Chapel listening to the provost speak about what current students said about their school, and she was absolutely right. Wake isn't just a university to its students, it's their home. I've made some of the greatest friends in the world at school, and I've yet to meet someone who is not satisfied with their experience at Wake. I also enjoy the fact that Wake is both a small school but participates at the highest level in athletics. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine being able to see ACC basketball on a consistent basis, but Wake has given me the opportunity to sit front row and watch some of the greatest teams in the country play. Wake also has many amazing traditions that occur on campus that really bring out the true heart and soul of its students.
Bang for the buck
Wake is, without a doubt, very expensive to attend. However, I think every penny is worth it for the experience you get while at Wake. Most of Wake's students receive scholarships and are on student loans that will take years to pay off, but in my opinion each loan taken out is worth it. I couldn't see myself attending any other university after spending just one day on campus. I feel right at home in Winston-Salem.
Tips for prospective students
I highly recommend searching very hard for scholarships and grants. The alumni base at Wake Forest is fantastic, and they are more than willing to assist you in your collegiate endeavors. I received a scholarship worth almost three quarters of the amount it costs to attend Wake Forest from one family who loves Wake Forest and wants to see people attend this great university. Scholarship money is out there and people want to give you money for school, but you have to put in the effort in order to receive the money. I also highly recommend spending a day at Wake Forest on a tour, but I cannot stress enough how much of a better feel you will get for the university if you visit while students are there. I remember on my visit I met so many amazing people that I still communicate with today. They truly gave me a sense of what life at Wake Forest was like and what to expect while you are there. They also showed me that Wake is like one big family, and people will go out of their way to help you if you ask.
Great for these types of students
Wake is great for students who want to challenge themselves as students, and to grow as individuals. You will learn what it takes to be successful both inside of the classroom and out. There is a decent amount of work that is required by your professors, but if you manage your time correctly, you will have more than enough opportunities to socialize and have fun while at college.

Andie from Charlotte, NC

a current student here
6 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
A great university with qualified, engaged faculty, an active student body, and an atmosphere competitive enough so that students challenge one another but collaborative enough so that students are willing to help one another and engage in activities in which they can work together rather than compete. Unlike at larger universities, where, for example, the only members of the cross country club are those who have been running since middle school, Wake Forest fosters an environment where anybody can try anything. The Work Forest reputation is very real, but most students on campus have been prepared by pushing themselves in high school, otherwise the campus has great tutoring resources.
Tips for prospective students
Don't be scared away by the Work Forest reputation or the reputation that Greek life dominates all. It is a top 30 university, so if you don't want to work hard, Wake is definitely the wrong place, but the work is not so much that you will never see the outside of the library walls or never have time to make friends. Greek life is prominent, but not so much that you will feel left out of anything if you don't participate.
Academic Rigor
The reputation of Work Forest is well earned. Professors take very seriously the mentality that one hour of class is equivalent to 2-3 hours of preparation, so you spend a lot of time studying, but so does everyone else, so it's not like you're studying while other people are watching tv or playing video games. Everyone here works really hard, and obviously worked really hard in high school to get here, so the level of expectation and level of work is high. However, students are very supportive of one another and professors low-key beg you to come to their office hours if you are struggling with even the smallest thing.
Dorm Life
South is the nicest, newest freshman dorm on campus, but every other dorm has its own character and charm about it. Students develop fast friendships within their halls and with roommates, despite Wake's policy of 100% random freshman roommate pairings. Restrooms are cleaned regularly and RAs are usually pretty chill.
Food and Dining
The dining hall staff at the main cafeteria, otherwise known as the Pit, are extremely friendly and the food is pretty good as far as cafeteria food goes. Outside of the main Pit, there is a nicer, upgraded New Pit nearer to the upperclassmen dorms. The Magnolia Room offers really delicious meals for lunch, that's the best food on campus. There are two coffee shops, a Starbucks in the library and an independent one called Campus Grounds. One can use Old Gold Swipes at the campus restaurant Shorty's, Zicks (pizza place), a Subway, Moes, Chick Fil A, Boars Head (hamburgers and sandwiches), a really great salad place, Einsteins Bagels, and a fancy bistro place.
What to do for fun
Outdoor basketball courts and volleyball courts, competitive intramural sports, going to Winston-Salem for artsy cute places to eat, mainly just joining student organizations. Great campus traditions like Hit the Bricks and rolling the quad.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
We roll the trees on the upper quad with toilet paper, rolling the quad, whenever we win a big game or beat a rival. Hit the Bricks is a cancer fundraising event where student groups try to run circles around the quad with a backpack full of bricks nonstop the entire day. Lovefeast is a Moravian Christian tradition where students eat bread and coffee and sing Christmas songs at the end of second semester. Library has humans versus zombies competitions sometimes.
Great for these types of students
Hardworkers, self motivated, were probably extremely active in high school in sports, clubs, all and any extracurriculars.
Clubs and Activities
Wide range of student groups and organizations. One might think we have not that many groups due to smaller nature of the student body, but every student I know is in at least 3 clubs, so the student body is active enough to support a large variety of clubs. Most people love what they do and wouldn't choose to drop any of their activities for more free time. Student body is composed of a lot of busy bodies, and I mean that in the best way possible.
Greek Life
While Greek Life is a large part of campus, students do not stereotype a student they meet based on Greek affiliation, as we all recognize that something so trivial as sorority or fraternity membership does not define a person in any way, so that whether or not you join Greek life, you are a valued and included student on campus as long as you get involved in other things.
Campus Safety
Never heard of anyone getting hurt ever. Campus EMTs are on duty on weekend nights and take care of students who've had too much to drink. Medical immunity is a thing if you gotta take care of your buddy but don't wanna get in trouble.

Tee from Charlotte, NC

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
This school is one of the greatest choices I have made in my life. It favors the relationships among students, faculty, administration, and parents so is ideal for the student looking for a real experience. Wake is really the right step for preparation in the competitive work force.
Tips for prospective students
I suggest you meet with everyone you possibly can and find ways to be remembered. Make sure that all paperwork is submitted on-time if not early because having a smooth smailing experience is a lot less stressful than one with a lot of extra worrying. Finally, during finals week, get to the library for the free food at midnight because it really does help you stay focused longer.
Academic Rigor
This school is one of the most prestigious schools in the nation and it is challenging academically but it is instrumental in developing skills for the future.
Dorm Life
Dorm Life gets 4 stars because the process for applying for dorms in the future is too scary. They allow the upperclassmen to get housing first but it leaves the underclassmen stuck with little or no opportunity to get what they want. However, the system is set up so you can pull in your friends. You may end up with a location farther away from class or the cafeteria but at least you will be amongst people you know. Additionally, Wake has fabulous tasks for resident advisers to make dorm life fun. The equipment for you just keeps you entertained doing anything.
Food and Dining
The cafeteria is called the Pit and the food is great but it gets really repetitive. The only thing I suggest is using Food Dollars wisely because they go surprisingly fast. Share your swipes if you have extra. It really just helps out your friends a lot, especially if they are trying to save money for other things. The fast food places are good but make sure you order healthily. It is VERY easy to gain a few while on campus.
What to do for fun
There is always something to do on campus. Wake pays for live entertainment quite often. There are always parties on campus and if you need to get away, Wake has a pretty good parking situation so it is easy to find fun if necessary. There are many places to meet up with friends so take advantage of those opportunities. Wake has also found ways to make volunteering so simple that it is a fun task. Sometimes gather as a group of friends to support a cause and you will be amazed at how much you laugh.
Bang for the buck
Wake is expensive but they give you so much. The only thing that is distasteful is personal purchase of books. The entertainment, size of dorms, range of food availability, small class size, and beauty of the campus are definitely worth it.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
My favorite traditions are Project Pumpkin, the largest volunteer opportunity of the school, and rolling the Quad. After winning a big home game, it is a tradition that the students throw toilet paper on the trees all over the Quad. Do NOT use dorm toilet tissue for the festivity. Wake provides it.
Great for these types of students
This campus is great for students who do not wish to merely be a number and want the liberal arts experience. There are a wide range of possibilities available. If there are any students who like to travel, Wake's study abroad has outstanding ratings for the amount of kids that are able to travel to the country of their choice and partake in the program of choice. They make an opportunity for anyone who wishes to go. I am going to London for my upcoming fall semester!
Clubs and Activities
Wake has a club and activity for any activity that you could possibly be of interest. Even if Wake does not have the particular group, they make it easy and there is an office specifically designed for helping an individual the club of choice. Ideas for new activities are also highly appreciated.
Greek Life
Greek Life is prevalent on campus but about half of the students while the other half do not. It does not matter whether you pledge or not but it is an experience of a lifetime. There are networking opportunities available to you that could make the difference in the future. Greek Life does come with a few perks such as the ability to pick housing before everyone else and a team to experience Beach Weekend. If you want to know more about that, you will have to come to Wake.
Campus Safety
The officers on campus are always around. The amount of orientations that you will endure during the first days on campus will having you running off emergency numbers like jingles. There are also lights that can be switched if a student is in danger. There is help at all hours for each and every situation. Wake also offers self defense classes for students who want a little extra help.

Jennifer from Lake Bluff, IL

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The professors challenge students because they know only the brightest get accepted. In each of the classes I have taken, I have learned a lot that is applicable in real life, as opposed to high school classes, where it seemed like we learned facts just to say we did. There is a large work load, but if you manage your time, you can be successful.
Am enjoying being here
I LOVE Wake and everything it has to offer. There are so many groups you can get actively involved in. There are opportunities to be a leader on campus as early as sophomore year because of the intimate nature of the campus. The Student Union and Student Government work to create a very full social calender, doing everything from bringing big artists like Lupe Fiasco, and having weekend pre-release movie showings in the University Center. There is always something to do.
Bang for the buck
Wake is very expensive but if you apply for aid, its not too bad. The residence halls are nice, especially the new freshman dorm that was just built. It is more like a hotel than a dorm. The food is always good quality and there is a lot to choose from.
Tips for prospective students
Apply for aid. Visit in the spring when the magnolia trees have bloomed, it is the most beautiful place in the world!
Great for these types of students
The best thing about Wake is that it is an intimate college campus. There are only three entrances for the whole campus, and they are monitored after 10pm every night. That creates a very safe feeling. Also, the walk from one side of campus to the other is only five minutes, so unlike big universities, you do not have to walk 15 miles a day. The Greek life is very active, but inclusive and not as intense as other schools, and that creates a great social life. Classes are small and professors actually know your name. There is an opportunity for everyone at Wake so its great for all!

Markecia from Charlotte, NC

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Wake Forest is an amazing school academically.
They work with you in your efforts to achieve any goal.
Wake Forest is 'pro humanitate'.
Tips for prospective students
Hard work will get you so far. You really do reap the rewards for the work and effort that you put in, and Wake Forest makes sure of it.
Academic Rigor
Make sure you are about your business. Its okay to have fun, but make sure you have that balance. (Pssssttt.... It isn't hard to maintain a balance because you're surrounded by so many who are like minded)
Dorm Life
The dorm life is simply amazing. I've met so many great people my first year at Wake Forest. The administration and faculty make it easy for you to become more acclimated with the dorm life.
Food and Dining
Wake Forest does it's best to offer gourmet foods with endless options. Take advantage! And they are constantly changing the meal plan in efforts to make each student just a little more comfortable.
What to do for fun
There's always something going on at Wake Forest whether it be a music concert, a lawn party, or just day to day outside activity. If you're not busy studying for a test or doing homework, finding something fun to do isn't hard at all!
Bang for the buck
Wake Forest, though on the pricey side is well worth it. the professors and education supplied along with the endless resources is far above average. From the speakers to the shows and plays put on on campus, the Wake Forest experience is well worth the money.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
One of my favorite traditions at Wake Forest is Awake All Night. This is an event where campus does not sleep. Activities run all day long. It's like a never ending carnival! In addition to this is the President's Ball. It an amazing ball that happens every other year that I think every student should take advantage of. It is simply fantastic.
Great for these types of students
If you are serious about your education, but love to have fun...if you want a chance to see the world and make a change...if you want to meet people from all types of backgrounds...Wake Forest is for you!
Clubs and Activities
The amount of activities and groups to join on campus is beyond words. There are literally hundreds of things you could do on campus and if there is something you'd be interested in doing that hasn't been started, it isn't a hassle to get a group/club up and running!
Greek Life
Even though I am not a part of a sorority I am very familiar with Greek Life on campus and can honestly say they bring an extra bang to the school from day to day.
Campus Safety
There is never a reason to feel unsafe at Wake Forest. The safety groups and access to help is always available.

Hannah from NC

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Wake Forest is not at all what I was expecting. I thought it was going to be pretty challenging with teachers always there to help. From my experiences, the classes push you to your breaking point and some teachers just expect you to know the material.
Tips for prospective students
If you are coming to Wake, wait until second semester to jump into extra activities that could take up a good amount of your time. The first semester is CRITICAL to your transition to Wake. Take time to get to know the people around you and in your classes! Have fun and enjoy the little down time that you get!
Academic Rigor
Academics at Wake are taken very seriously. Every class is tough, but you have to be willing to spend hours in the library studying to get good grades.
Dorm Life
As a freshman, you have no say in where you live or with whom. The dorm rooms are very small and most are hall style.
Food and Dining
The food at Wake is pretty good! There are many places to grab a snack on the go or to sit down and enjoy a real meal. With the Pit right in the middle of everything, it is quick and easy!

Amy from Shakopee, MN

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Wake Forest offers an amazing learning environment. The class sizes are kept small, so I feel that my Professors really know me. I feel that I am able to not only do well here, but flourish.
Tips for prospective students
Be sure to utilize everything that Wake offers. There are free tutors and career advising. If you are every struggling, speak up and someone will be able to help you.
Academic Rigor
Wake Forest is nicknamed Work Forest: Where You Best Hasn't Been Good Enough Since 1834. That is completely true; the professors expect a high standard, but it is completely worth it.
Dorm Life
Wake is currently revamping its dorm life. The older buildings are old, but still nice. They are all air conditioned, which is a plus since the summer, fall, and spring are quite warm in North Carolina.
Food and Dining
The 'Pit' (the dining hall) offers a wide variety of food. There is also another food court with a ton of options, a on campus restaurant, and a 24 hour Subway. There are also a couple of Sundrys that offer snacks and such.
What to do for fun
Join one of the many clubs or sports teams (archery is pretty awesome), go camping in the blue ridge mountains which are only an hour away, or hang out on campus. There is always something going on on Campus!!
Bang for the buck
Wake is expensive, no doubt about it. However the Career offices will work with you throughout your 4 years to ensure that once you leave Wake, you are either Graduate school bound or joining the work force.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Wake Forest has a tunnel system that students are 'forbidden' from exploring. No one is supposed to know about them, but everyone does. There is a special book passed down that details them. Good luck finding it!
Great for these types of students
Wake is great for students that love school. Work hard and play hard. There is a strong Greek presence on campus, but there are also plenty of non-Greek outlets as well.
Clubs and Activities
Wake offers pretty much everything from flag football to archery, fencing, and equestrian. If it doesn't exist, start a club! Wake is incredibly supportive of the Club Sports Union on campus.
Greek Life
It's everywhere. The majority of Wake students are Greek, but you don't have to join. I spent my 4 years hanging out with Greek friends and never joining. To each his own, its a small enough campus you all hang out anyway.
Campus Safety
Wake has a closed and gated campus. After 10p.m. you have to go past the security gate. Campus police patrol regularly and there are blue lights (alarm stations to call for help) everywhere. There are very few incidents on campus involving outsiders.