Important Information on our Wait List Process

March 23, 2020 by Kevin Pittard

By now, many of you have received your decision letter from us stating that you have been offered a place on our wait list. We understand that being a member of the Wake Forest University Class of 2024 is a goal for so many of you. What follows is some helpful information for you to know going forward.

First, you need to add yourself to our active wait list. Your application will not be evaluated should we need to admit additional students if you do not take this step. You can do this via your Admissions status portal. There you will see a link to the “Decision Reply form”. When you click that link, you will see specific instructions and key information to help you make your decision about joining the Active Wait List and how our wait list system works.  Active wait list applications are not ranked – all will be reviewed should we need to admit additional students.

Second, email your regional admissions representative. If you are not sure who this is, visit our Meet the Staff directory. Be sure to contact the person who reviews applications from the state where your high school is located (this includes international applicants who attend schools in the United States – you want to reach out to your regional admissions representative). This is your chance to convey your continuing interest in attending Wake Forest while also describing how the final months of your senior year are progressing. In particular, we are interested in hearing updates on recent academic success. Feel free to email your representative again as May 1 approaches noting your continued interest.

That’s it! There is nothing more you need to do. Due to the current situation, our campus is closed to visitors and you will not be able to see our campus.  Instead, we urge you to explore our website and social media accounts to take advantage of the wealth of information about WFU available there. Further, we do not offer interviews to students on our wait list. Express your interest via email to your regional admissions dean and continue to perform well in the classroom – then rest easy knowing you’ve done all that you can do.

On our end, we will monitor enrollment carefully. Beginning in late April, the Admissions Committee will gather to discuss how many (if any) additional students we will need to enroll. The number of students offered a position off the Wait List varies each year.  Some years we have offered up to 50 positions in the class, some years we have offered zero.  This year, of course, will be unlike any in our history so we cannot predict how this process will play out. We understand that many of you are anxious and appreciate your patience with this process. 

It is likely that you have been admitted to many wonderful colleges and universities. Please be sure to pay your tuition deposit to one of these schools prior to their deadline (traditionally May 1). It is important that you not risk losing your place there in hopes of receiving an offer from us.

Our active wait list will undoubtedly be comprised of students who would greatly enrich the Wake Forest community. We look forward to hearing from you.