Wake Forest is a private research university in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. If you are looking for a mid-sized liberal arts-forward education in the south, Wake Forest is probably already on your list. We have written about Wake Forest in the past, but they have recently become more competitive. In 2021, they had about a 30% acceptance rate. Last year, they had a 20% acceptance rate.
The Wake Forest supplement has multiple questions, so let’s break them down.
Why have you decided to apply to Wake Forest? Share with us anything that has made you interested in our institution.* 150 words.
This question is listed under “contacts” confusingly, but other than that, it is a very straightforward question. The trick here is to do some research. The more you know about the school, the easier this question will be to answer. You will want to be able to mention specific details by name.
If you have the space, start this essay with a brief story about when you fell in love with the academic subject you plan to major in. If you don’t know exactly what you want to major in, take a best guess. We promise that no one will hold you to studying what you wrote about in your admissions essay. So write confidently (even if you have to fake it a little.) Round out the story by stating that you hope to major in this academic niche at Wake Forest.
Then, it’s time to back this up with some specifics. You should mention two higher-level classes in the major and why they fit with your interests. Avoid intro classes and 101s. These classes are similar at every school; you should look for classes that feel unique to Wake Forest. Also, name a professor who you would want to work with and what drew you to their research. If there are any other specific academic opportunities that you found while doing research, you can also mention them.
Academics must come first, but after you have explained what you want to do academically at Wake Forest, you should also talk about on-campus opportunities related to your interests. For example, if you are in your high school’s drama club, you could talk about joining the Anthony Aston Players at Wake Forest. Show the overlap between what you do in high school and what you hope to do at Wake Forest.
This essay is short, and there is a lot to pack in. Do your best and give yourself time to edit.
The following questions are technically optional, but you should answer them. Wake Forest is allowing you to stand out; you need to take it if you are serious about getting in.
1. List five books you've read that intrigued you.
This question also asks you for the title, author, and if the book was required reading for each book you list. Here’s the trick: none of them should be required reading. Okay, if one interesting required reading book sneaks on, it’s not the end of the world... However, you should absolutely have nothing like The Great Gatsby or Catcher in The Rye on this list. Think of the best books you have read for pleasure. Double points if one or two of them connect to your major. Choose interesting and unique books you genuinely like, and you should be fine.
2. Tell us what piques your intellectual curiosity or has helped you understand the world's complexity. This can include a work you've read, a project you've completed for a class, and even co-curricular activities in which you have been involved. 150 words
Tell a short story about a rabbit hole you have gone down. Include how you first encountered the subject and how you learned more about it. This can really be about anything. Don’t feel the need to connect it to what you want to study. This can be an excellent opportunity to let them know about a secondary interest.
However, you want to be specific. Your answer shouldn’t be “Art History.” That is far too broad. Think of one particular topic in the field. “Italian Art?” getting closer. “The history of Napoleon looting Italian art and how The Wedding Feast at Cana is still in the Lourve post-Waterloo?” Great. Nerd out and tell a good story. We should feel like we are in the rabbit hole with you.
3. Dr. Maya Angelou, renowned author, poet, civil-rights activist, and former Wake Forest University Reynolds Professor of American Studies, inspired others to celebrate their identities and to honor each person’s dignity. Choose one of Dr. Angelou’s powerful quotes. How does this quote relate to your lived experience or reflect how you plan to contribute to the Wake Forest community? 150 words
This question asks you to do a little bit of leg work. Usually, colleges give you the quote they want you to respond to. For this one, you will need to find the quote and honestly maybe look a little into Maya Angelou to make sure you understand the context of the quote. For example, you don’t want to use “I know why the caged bird sings” to talk about being stuck in the wrong elective class. Like babes, it’s about racism.
You should state the quote and then tell a story about how it relates to you. For example,
“You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have,” followed by a story about making art with your friends. Or “I’ve learned that I still have a lot to learn,” followed by a story about learning something new from someone with a different perspective.
We like this approach better than “reflecting on how you plan to contribute to the Wake Forest Community.” Often when students write about the future, the essay can be full of “ifs” and “mights.” It can make these essays feel unfocused.
4. Give us your Top Ten list. (The choice of theme is yours.)
This is a super fun question, and you should treat it as such. You have to state a theme and then list ten items that fit that theme.
Ideally, you want to connect this to an interest you have and be unique. If you are a vegan who likes to cook, tell us your top 10 egg substitutes. Maybe you play the saxophone; tell us the top 10 jazz sax solos. This is a great time to show your playful side. It is fine to include quirks and even jokes.
We would rather you tell us the top 10 potato dishes or drag performances or perfume oils than something that feels stale.
Wake Forest gives you a lot of opportunities to share your creative side. You should take them. However, be warned the word counts are low, so you will need to use your words carefully.
Give yourself time, and if you need help, contact us here.