A Reminder about Financial Aid!

Wake Forest is intentional about making “the opportunity” – of its education, its community, its purpose – accessible. In recent years, that intentionality has shown up in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions’ implementation of a unique application round for first-generation college students and by reorienting our recruitment efforts to emphasize working with college-access-oriented organizations throughout the United States. The other—and arguably most important—part of our work related to accessibility is tied to financial aid. As an institution, our philosophy is to meet the full demonstrated financial need of all of our students. Further, we limit loan indebtedness as much as possible, and we offer tuition deposit waivers to those that qualify. Ultimately, we are committed to making the dream of Wake Forest possible. 

In order for us to do that, it’s important that applicants complete the financial aid application process as soon as possible. Some families believe that they should first complete the admissions process, and, only after receiving an admissions decision, would they start the financial aid process. There are other families that believe in “taking a break” from the demanding nature of applying for college (and senior year!) and also take a few months before submitting their financial aid information. If you weren’t aware, the admissions and financial aid process should be completed simultaneously. Keep in mind that high school students across the country are also applying for financial aid and often submitting forms that use the same servers and platforms as you. Last year revealed the challenges that can come along with applying for financial aid and the serious implications of delays. 

If you have already submitted all your financial aid information, thank you. If you’ve started but have yet to complete the process, I’ll encourage you to finish it! If you have yet to start, there is still time to get your documentation submitted. In my years in Admissions/Enrollment, one thing that especially disappoints me are the families that simply run out of time… They waited too late in the calendar year to complete their financial aid process, so they either did not receive an award notification, or they only had a few days to fully consider Wake Forest among their options. So give yourself the gift of time and allow us to provide you with the fullest possible consideration for admission. 

Please contact my colleagues in the Office of Student Financial Aid regarding any specific questions you may have. 

Good luck! 

Thomas Ray
Associate Dean
Office of Undergraduate Admissions