Wake Forest University SAT & ACT Scores
Wake Forest University does not require the SAT or ACT for fall 2027 applicants, and it has no minimum score. Among enrolled first-years who chose to send scores, the middle 50% SAT range was 1420–1490 and the ACT range was 32–34. Wake Forest admitted 20.8% of 19,600 first-year applicants for its fall 2025 entering class.
Where does your score land?
Compared with Wake Forest University's enrolled first-years, fall 2025 entering class.
Is Wake Forest University test-optional?
The rule for students applying now, for fall 2027 entry.
Wake Forest is test-optional: neither the SAT nor the ACT is required, there is no minimum score, and applicants who don't send scores are not penalized.
Checked October 29, 2026 on Wake Forest University's admissions site . Policies can change each cycle.
Policy timeline
- Fall 2009 entryTest-optional policy begins
- Fall 2027 applicantsTest-optional
Wake Forest announced in 2008 that it would stop requiring the SAT or ACT, and the policy took effect with students entering in fall 2009. Its advice is simple. If you think your scores accurately show your ability, send them; if not, leave them off, and you won't be penalized. International students whose first language isn't English still need a TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo score.
Wake Forest University SAT scores
The middle 50% of enrolled first-years scored 1420–1490, and the median was 1450.
SAT score distribution
Enrolled first-years, fall 2025 entering class| SAT | 25th | Median | 75th |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total | 1420 | 1450 | 1490 |
| Reading & Writing | 700 | 730 | 750 |
| Math | 700 | 730 | 760 |
Scores of enrolled first-year students who submitted scores, fall 2025 entering class. Source: 2025–26 Common Data Set. 24% of enrolled first-years sent an SAT score.
What your SAT means here
For the fall 2025 entering class, the middle 50% of enrolled first-years who reported the SAT scored 1420–1490. The 25th percentile was 1420, the median was 1450 and the 75th percentile was 1490. Section ranges were 700–750 in Reading and Writing and 700–760 in Math.
Only 24% of enrolled first-years submitted SAT scores. Students decide whether to send scores, so this range describes a small, self-selected group of students who chose to share an SAT, not the class as a whole.
That makes the range a guide to the decision to send, not a bar to clear. If your SAT is at or above 1450, it sits in the upper half of scores that enrolled students chose to share. If it falls below 1420, Wake Forest's own advice applies: you can leave it off without penalty.
Take full-length Digital SAT practice tests free, with an explanation on every question and a score report that shows what to fix.
Wake Forest University ACT scores
The middle 50% of enrolled first-years scored 32–34 on the ACT, with a median of 33.
ACT score distribution
Enrolled first-years, fall 2025 entering class| ACT | 25th | Median | 75th |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composite | 32 | 33 | 34 |
| English | 33 | — | 35 |
| Math | 29 | — | 33 |
Scores of enrolled first-year students who submitted scores, fall 2025 entering class. Source: 2025–26 Common Data Set. 22% of enrolled first-years sent an ACT score.
What your ACT means here
Among enrolled first-years who sent the ACT, the middle 50% composite was 32–34, with a median of 33. The English range was 33–35 and the Math range was 29–33. 22% of enrolled first-years submitted ACT scores.
As with the SAT, this range only covers students who chose to share their scores. A composite at or above 33 is in the upper half of what enrolled students sent. A composite below 32 is in the bottom quarter of that group, and you can apply without it.
Take full-length ACT practice tests free, with a worked explanation on every question and a score report that shows what to fix.
Wake Forest University acceptance rate
Competitive: 20.8% of first-year applicants were admitted (fall 2025 entering class).
Each dot is 1 in 100 applicants.
- First-year applicants19,600
- Admitted4,068
- Acceptance rate20.8%
- Testing for fall 2027Test-optional
Early application plans: Early Decision I and Early Decision II (binding); non-binding, non-restrictive Early Action only for first-generation college students.
Fall 2025 entering class. Source: Wake Forest University 2025–26 Common Data Set.
Wake Forest offers two binding rounds, Early Decision I and Early Decision II, plus Regular Decision. Its non-binding Early Action round is open only to first-generation college students. Early Decision I decisions go out on a rolling basis.
What to aim for
If you plan to send scores to Wake Forest, a reasonable target is an SAT at or above 1490 or an ACT at or above 34, which would put you in the top quarter of enrolled students who reported them. Scores near the median can still be worth including. Below the 25th percentile, applying test-optional is usually the cleaner choice.
Wake Forest says your academic work, meaning the classes you take and the grades you earn, matters most. It also wants to hear your voice through its written supplement or an interview, and it reviews applications holistically with no magic number for courses, scores or GPA. Put your energy into a demanding schedule and a thoughtful supplement; scores are optional extras here.
How Wake Forest University compares
Schools with a similar acceptance rate.
| School | Admit rate | Median SAT | SAT middle 50% | ACT middle 50% | Testing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Virginia | 17% | — | — | 32–35 | Test-optional |
| University of Miami | 17.6% | 1400 | 1350–1450 | 30–33 | Required |
| University of Florida | 20.3% | 1410 | 1330–1490 | 29–33 | Required |
| Wake Forest University | 20.8% | 1450 | 1420–1490 | 32–34 | Test-optional |
| University of Texas at Austin | 22.2% | — | — | 27–33 | Required |
| Florida State University | 23.8% | 1360 | 1300–1410 | 29–32 | Required |
Frequently asked questions
Is Wake Forest University test-optional?
For students applying for fall 2027 entry: Wake Forest is test-optional: neither the SAT nor the ACT is required, there is no minimum score, and applicants who don't send scores are not penalized.
What is the average SAT score at Wake Forest University?
The median SAT score of enrolled first-years was 1450 (fall 2025 entering class). The middle 50% scored 1420–1490, so a quarter scored 1490 or higher.
What SAT score do you need for Wake Forest University?
A score at or above 1490 puts you in the top quarter of Wake Forest University's enrolled first-years, and 1420–1490 is the middle 50% (fall 2025 entering class). Because the school is test-optional, those ranges come only from students who chose to submit.
What ACT score do you need for Wake Forest University?
Wake Forest University's enrolled first-years had a middle-50% ACT composite of 32–34, with a median of 33 (fall 2025 entering class). A 34 or above puts you in the top quarter.
What is Wake Forest University's acceptance rate?
Wake Forest University admitted 20.8% of first-year applicants for the fall 2025 entering class (4,068 of 19,600), which makes it competitive.
How many Wake Forest University students submit test scores?
In the fall 2025 entering class, 24% of enrolled first-years submitted an SAT score and 22% submitted an ACT score. Some students send both.
What are your chances at Wake Forest University?
Scores are one part. Add your GPA, courses, activities and recommendations for a free reach, target or likely estimate.