SAT and ACT Scores For Wake Forest University

Wake Forest University is among the most selective universities in the United States. In the latest admission cycle (for the Class of 2028), Wake Forest received roughly 13,000 applications and offered admission to only about 3,250 students—an acceptance rate near 25%. That means just around 25 in 100 applicants earn a spot, underscoring Wake Forest's high standards and competitive environment year after year.

Wake Forest's Early Decision plan is binding. It admits a significant portion of each class (around half of enrolled students often come through ED). Applying Early Decision signals that Wake Forest is your top choice and usually boosts admission chances. However, because ED is binding, students should only use it if Wake Forest is absolutely their first choice.

Testing policy has evolved. Wake Forest was test-optional in recent years, but for the 2025–26 admissions cycle (for fall 2026 entry), Wake Forest will require SAT or ACT scores again (with hardship exceptions). In other words, applicants next year must submit test results. Even before this change, nearly all successful applicants who reported scores were at the very top of the national scale, reflecting Wake Forest's rigorous academic profile.

SAT Scores

  Recommended Score: 1450

When families are curious about Wake Forest SAT or Wake Forest average SAT scores, they find that admitted students' middle-50% composite SAT range is roughly 1400–1500. This elite band mirrors Wake Forest's high academic expectations and means admitted students typically score near the top of the national distribution.

For section detail: the SAT Reading and Writing component (formerly called Evidence-Based Reading & Writing) for Wake Forest's admitted students falls around 680–740 for the middle 50%. These scores reflect the critical reading, writing, and analytical skills Wake Forest expects across all majors.

On the Math portion, Wake Forest's middle-50% range is about 700–770. This upper-tier performance signals comfort with advanced algebra, data analysis, and precalculus—skills that Wake Forest seeks in both STEM and quantitatively rigorous social science applicants.

If you're wondering about a Wake Forest average SAT, aim for the mid-1500s. Wake Forest evaluates applications holistically, so scores below 1400 don't automatically disqualify you. But in such a competitive pool, you'll need compensating strengths (like outstanding coursework, unique talents, or leadership impact) to remain viable.

Policy note: Wake Forest superscores the SAT. They consider your highest Reading and Writing and Math section scores from all test dates. In practice, this means a weak section can be improved with a retake, boosting how your Wake Forest SAT scores are evaluated.

ACT Scores

  Recommended Score: 33

Looking at Wake Forest's ACT range, the middle 50% of composite scores is about 31–34. This implies most admitted students are scoring at or near the top percentile nationally. In other words, Wake Forest ACT results cluster in the mid-30s, reflecting the school's competitive applicant pool.

By section, admitted students tend to excel in English (ACT Reading and Writing). The middle 50% for ACT English is approximately 31–34, meaning the average admitted student often scores a 31 or above on this section. These scores demonstrate the strong critical reading and communication skills Wake Forest expects.

ACT Math scores at Wake Forest are similarly high: the middle 50% falls around 31–34. While there's a bit more spread than English, competitive applicants still show very strong quantitative fluency. Many engineering or economics hopefuls, for example, hit scores in the mid-30s on ACT Math.

Wake Forest superscores the ACT just as it does the SAT, taking the highest section scores across multiple test dates. The optional writing section is not required, but applicants may submit it if it strengthens their profile. Using superscoring, you can focus on improving any weaker sections in additional attempts.

If you're estimating a Wake Forest average ACT, plan around 34. Given Wake Forest's low admit rate, even moving from a 31 to 34 can enhance your profile. Pair high test scores with rigorous coursework, standout essays, and meaningful extracurriculars to maximize your chances.

Admission Numbers

Overall Rating: Competitive

Here are the applicant and admissions numbers per year for Wake Forest University:

Here's the reality: Wake Forest's admit rate is only about 25%, with roughly 13,000 applications for about 3,250 spots (around 1,300 students actually enroll). That's why understanding the Wake Forest average SAT and Wake Forest average ACT benchmarks matters—they align with the profile of those admitted. If your scores fall near or above Wake Forest's 75th percentile (around a 1500 SAT or 34 ACT), you're in stronger territory.

That said, Wake Forest emphasizes holistic review. Admissions officers weigh coursework rigor, grades, essays, recommendations, and personal qualities. In a pool full of near-perfect transcripts, however, top-tier SAT/ACT scores help confirm to Wake Forest that you're ready for the academic rigor. In short, scores aren't everything, but they remain a key part of the competitive signal.

Strategy snapshot: If Wake Forest is your clear first choice, applying Early Decision could improve your odds by signaling commitment. Take advantage of superscoring by retaking tests to shore up any weak section. Also balance test prep with maintaining strong senior-year classes and crafting compelling essays. Meet Wake Forest's testing bar (target near the top of the Wake Forest SAT and ACT ranges) and then win the admissions read with the rest of your profile.