Wake Forest University
- Academics

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Wake Forest University - 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 $95,924
Full-Time Retention Rate 95%
Part-Time Retention Rate 100%
Graduation Rate 88%
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.

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Wake Forest Student ReviewsWhat's This?

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Academics at Wake Forest University

heynowheynow

'12

Political Science and Government

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

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Academics at Wake Forest University

csfrankl

'06

Law

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

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Academics at Wake Forest University

bostonsbaby

'14

Communications

4.2
A-

Communications Not Like Others

Wake's version of a communications major is not focused on specifics like broadcast journalism or media writing, but rather human communication, how people relate to one another. Sure it might not provide you with the technical aspect but it is much more worldly in what you learn.

Jul 08, 2011

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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.

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Most Recent Student Author

College Prowler guides are in the hands of students throughout the entire process. Because you can't make student-written guides without the students, we have students at each campus who write, edit, and survey their peers for every guide that we publish. Thanks to our most recent student author at WFU

Name: Will Geiger

Hometown: Brielle, NJ

Major: History

see all student author bios > Become a student author to help update the guide for this school