Application Option for First-Gen College Students

In Wake Forest University’s continuing commitment to provide access and inclusion, we announce that Early Action admissions is available for first-generation college students. 

Many factors can be considered when determining who is a first-generation college student. For the purposes of this year’s Wake Forest University application, we will designate first-generation college students based on the following: “First generation” means the child of parents who have not graduated from a four-year accredited college or university. Brothers, sisters, or other family members who graduated do not exclude you from participation; neither does a parent currently enrolled. This criteria also applies to international students. “First generation” can also include the children of parents who earned a degree in another country, immigrated to the United States, and are underemployed in the U.S. Whether domestic or international, if the student resides with and receives support from only one parent, the “first generation” classification is based on that parent’s education.

This admissions action is non-binding, which means you have until May 1 to decide whether to accept an offer of enrollment. You’ll hear back from us with an admissions decision sooner – by January 15 – but you still have the flexibility to consider your options. If your Early Action application is deferred, it will be reconsidered as a Regular Decision application. It’s simple to be considered. Just designate Early Action on your application to Wake Forest. The deadline for this option is November 15. 

Wake Forest University is delighted to offer the Early Action plan as an additional path to admission for first-generation students. We envision it as a benefit for those who want to learn of their admissions decision earlier but also retain the ability to compare financial-aid packages and out-of-pocket costs. 

Warmest regards,

Eric Maguire
Vice-President for Enrollment
Wake Forest University