Winston-Salem, North Carolina · Private · 5,485 undergrads
Wake Forest admitted 21% of applicants for fall 2025 (4,068 of 19,600, Common Data Set 2025-26). Wake Forest is test-optional for fall 2027. The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent SAT scores had 1420–1490.
The numbers
Applied
19,600
fall 2025
ACT, middle 50%
32–34
enrolled first-years
Accept their offer
36%
of admitted students enroll
Application fee
$85
waivers exist
See your odds and what families like yours paid. It stays on your device.Add my SAT and income
Can I get into Wake Forest?
21% of applicants get in
Grades and essays carry this one; most strong applicants still hear no. The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent scores had 1420–1490 on the SAT.
Likely: even the low end of our estimate is 60% or more, and the college admits at least 25% of applicants. Target: our estimate is 30% or more. Reach: our estimate is under 30%, or the college admits under 15%. Long shot: our estimate is under 12%, or the college admits under 12%. Estimates use the college's admit rate and score range plus your grades and scores. They are not a promise.
19,600 applied, 4,068 admitted, fall 2025 (Common Data Set).
Does Wake Forest need the SAT or ACT?Optional
No.
Test-optional for fall 2027. 22% of enrolled first-years sent the SAT. Send your SAT if it's 1460 or higher, the middle of what enrolled first-years scored.
Checked on admissions.wfu.edu Nov 2, 2026. See the source
Early rounds and deadlines
Early decision is offered. It's binding: if you get in, you go.
Early action is offered: you hear sooner and don't have to commit.
6days
Early decisionBinding
Due Sunday, Nov 15, 2026
6days
Early action
Due Sunday, Nov 15, 2026
53days
Early decision IIBinding
Due Friday, Jan 1, 2027
53days
Regular decision
Due Friday, Jan 1, 2027
Early-round numbers: Common Data Set, fall 2025.
The wait list
There is a wait list.
Common Data Set, fall 2025.
What Wake Forest looks at
Counts most
How hard your classes were, class rank, GPA, essay, character.
Counts a lot
Recommendations, interview, activities, talent or ability.
Also considered
SAT or ACT scores, first in your family to go to college, A parent or relative went there, where you live, state residency, religion, volunteering, work experience, showing interest (visits, emails).
As Wake Forest rates each factor in its Common Data Set, fall 2025.
Questions people ask
What is Wake Forest University's acceptance rate?
Wake Forest admitted 21% of applicants for fall 2025 (4,068 of 19,600, Common Data Set 2025-26).
What SAT score do you need for Wake Forest University?
The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent SAT scores had 1420–1490. A quarter of them scored higher and a quarter lower, so it's a typical range, not a cutoff (Common Data Set, fall 2025).
Where these numbers come from
Admit rate and applicants: Common Data Set, fall 2025 (checked Oct 31, 2026)
GPA, early rounds and wait list: Common Data Set, fall 2025 (checked Oct 31, 2026)
Cost, pay and debt: College Scorecard, 2024-25 (checked Oct 31, 2026)
