Wake Forest University
- Academics

RT
Currently attending or alumni?
Review this school!
Are you interested
in this school?
Saving your decision
Yes
Maybe
No

We will attempt to notify this
school of your interest.

This school has been saved to your schools list.

This school has been removed from your recommended schools list.

For your next recommendation, check out .

Wake Forest University - Academics - Academics - College ProwlerCollege Prowler4.24

Academics

Quick Stats

Student-Faculty Ratio 11:1
Full-Time Student Population 6,920
Part-Time Student Population 145
Full-Time Instructional Faculty 476
Part-Time Instructional Faculty 117
Total FT Faculty 1,491
Faculty with Terminal Degree 91%
Average Faculty Salary $95,851
Full-Time Retention Rate 94%
Part-Time Retention Rate 100%
Graduation Rate 89%
Programs/Majors Offered 55
Average Course Load 15 credits
Academic/Career Counseling? Yes
Remedial Services? Yes
Class Sizes
  • 20 to 49 Students: 40%
  • 50 or More Students: 3%
  • Fewer than 20 Students: 57%

Student Author OverviewWhat's This?

The discussion of Wake Forest academics begins and ends with the faculty. The teacher-scholars at Wake Forest truly put the "teacher" before the "scholar," as their focus is to educate undergraduates. Wake professors teach at Wake because they want to work with and get to know undergrads. With an 11:1 student to faculty ratio, and with virtually all classes taught by professors, Wake Forest provides a very intimate academic experience. As far as the "Work Forest" reputation, be prepared to work hard when you get here. Most professors are very respected within their academic fields, and they expect a lot out of their students. While the work is never unmanageable (although caffeine helps), you will certainly be challenged, even if that means getting a lower grade than you would have liked. Rest assured, even with the toughest professors, you will be better equipped for future challenges and perhaps get a stellar recommendation.

While academics can be challenging, the biggest obstacle is often getting in the classes you want. The administration continues to increase student enrollment but not the number of classes and professors. This causes a strain when registering for classes. It is particularly difficult for freshman, although there are certain introduction classes that are designated as "freshmen only." However, scheduling issues are just a minor inconvenience because there are always interesting alternatives.

See how you stack up against students who were accepted to this school . . .And calculate your chances!Register to get started

Wake Forest Student ReviewsWhat's This?

Sort by:

Loading...

Academics at Wake Forest University

TypicalDeacGirl

Business Management '12

4.6
A

BEM Is Tough--But Worth It

The Business School is tough--no way around it. Grades are deflated and all of your classmates will be just as smart and driven as you. However, the resources in terms of teachers (rated #1 in undergrad business teaching quality by BusinessWeek), peers, and career preparation/opportunities is so worth it!

Feb 15, 2012

Comment actions: Rate
Report as inappropriate/inaccurate

Academics at Wake Forest University

heynowheynow

Political Science and Government '12

N/A

Admissions difficulty average? Is this a joke?

Ok, I have long relied on the opinion of College Prowler to offer insights from the student peer review perspective. However, after seeing that Wake is given an

"average" admissions difficulty, it has really inquired me to think deeper. The school has a higher score range and academic rating than many of its peer institutions being compared on the site. The simple rating obviously shows that many other factors are not taken into consideration, and it can very easy give off a misleading impression to potential applicants.

We need to look at the profile of applicants, their credentials, background and many other factors that gives nuances to the admissions process.

And to give a fair review, on the diversity matter that a couple people has seemed to be concerned about. Yes, Wake Forest is not the most diverse campus. However, I think we can safely say that for that diversity is an issue of most college campuses in the southeast. I am personally a student of minority, so I understand and value the importance of how diversity contributes to a dynamic learning environment. It goes beyond socio-economic and racial diversity, it's also about diversity of viewpoints and opinions that helps to fuel the process of academic endeavor.

However, I think at times we are too quick to come to judgment. Wake, while lacks racial/ethic and socio-economic diversity, like a number of its peer private institutions, is not a close minded school. The college dedicate itself to the focus of undergraduate teaching. College is not about having bars and restaurants nearby, or a vivid nightlife scene. Wake believes in a truly transformative experience, of immersing its students to intellectual challenge, in an encouraging way. It's only through rigor and discipline can an individual fully engage in the self-discovery process. I am currently a senior at Wake, and I can confidently say that my experience here, has truly been one that has made be a better and more well rounded person.

I tried to be as unbiased as possible. I am very critical at ratings, and I rarely write reviews online. However, remembering how confusing the college application process was, I thought that someone needed to step up to help better define Wake Forest. I believe in Wake, and I hope that if you choose to come here, that you will too.

Good luck to your college search!

Read more: http://collegeprowler.com/college-of-saint-benedict--and--st.-john%27s-university/#ixzz1gO3K4olk

Dec 12, 2011

Comment actions: Rate
Report as inappropriate/inaccurate

Academics at Wake Forest University

csfrankl

Law '06

5.0
A+

Academics

I have found the professors extremely smart, helpful, and caring. The curriculum offers a good bit of variety to choose from. The workload is intense but manageable.

Jul 27, 2011

Comment actions: Rate
Report as inappropriate/inaccurate
User rating for Wake Forest University - Academics is 4.6 out of 5 based on 21 user reviews.

Student Survey Poll ResultsWhat's This?

Rate your school’s professors on the following topics

Rate your school’s academic environment on the following topics

Facts

Instructional Programs Occupational: No
Academic: Yes
Continuing Professional: No
Recreational/Avocational: No
Adult Basic Remedial: No
Secondary (High School): No
Special Credit Opportunities Advanced Placement (AP) Credits: Yes
Dual Credit: Yes
Life Experience Credits: No
AP Test Score Requirements Possible credit for scores of 4 or 5
IB Test Score Requirements Possible credit for scores of 6 or 7
Undergraduate Schools/Divisions
  • Schools of Business
  • Wake Forest College
Degrees Awarded
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Doctorate - Professional practice
  • Doctorate - Research/scholarship
  • Master's degree
Most Popular Majors
  • Business Administration and Management: 8%
  • Economics and Econometrics: 3%
  • Law: 4%
  • Medicine: 3%
Graduation Requirements
  • Arts/fine arts
  • English (including composition)
  • Foreign languages
  • History
  • Mathematics
  • Philosophy
  • Sciences (biological or physical)
  • Social science
Special Study Options
  • Study abroad
  • Teacher certification (below the postsecondary level)
Other Academic Offerings
  • Cross-registration
  • Double major
  • Dual enrollment
  • Honors program
  • Independent study
  • Internships
Best Places to Study
  • Benson Center
  • Campus Grounds
  • Starbucks
  • Tribble Hall
  • Z. Smith Reynolds Library
Did You Know?
  • Wake Forest has study abroad programs in more than 70 countries, and more than 65 percent of all students study abroad at some point during their four years.
  • Students can apply for the Open Curriculum Program for greater academic flexibility in pursuing their interests.
  • Wake Forest's accounting students pass the CPA exam at a higher rate than students from any other school.
  • Wake Forest is ranked 25th in the 2010 edition of U.S. News & World Report's Guide to America's Best Colleges.

Become a Contributing Author Learn more »

Most Recent Student Author View all

Name
Will Geiger
Hometown
Brielle, NJ
Major
History

College Prowler is seeking talented student authors to assist with writing and updating the College Prowler guides to their schools. This is a great opportunity for a student to gain experience and tremendous exposure, utilize new media techniques, and share advice with high school students about what life is really like at your college.

Buy the eBook "Wake Forest University 2012: Off The Record"
Download a FREE Printable Summary (PDF)