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Wake Forest Supplemental Essays 2024-25 – Prompts and Tips

June 26, 2024

Admission is highly competitive at Wake Forest University, a mid-sized private school in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. They accept only one-fifth of applicants and standards are high. In fact, almost 70% of enrolled students finished in the top decile of their high school class. At a school that rejects four of every five applicants, every aspect of your application needs to shine. The Wake Forest supplemental essays are one such component.

 (Want to learn more about How to Get Into Wake Forest University? Visit our blog entitled:  How to Get Into Wake Forest: Admissions Data and Strategies  for all of the most recent admissions data as well as tips for gaining acceptance.)

Wake Forest’s one required and four optional essay prompts (which we highly recommend answering) are “very important” to the admissions process. Therefore, it is vital that all Demon Deacon applicants dedicate a significant amount of time to these short answer questions. Below are the Wake Forest supplemental essays for the 2024-25 admissions cycle along with our brainstorming/writing tips.

2024-2025 Wake Forest Supplemental Essays

1) Why have you decided to apply to Wake Forest? Share with us anything that has made you interested in our institution. (REQUIRED, 150 words)

This is a pure and simple “Why Us?” essay. For a deeper dive, let’s examine a list of possible characteristics of a winning “Why Wake Forest?” supplemental essay:

• Demonstrate why/how your goals align with the school’s mission statement. “ Pro Humanitate  (For Humanity), is a calling to use our knowledge, talents and compassion to better the lives of others.”
• Cite specific academic programs ,  professors ,  research opportunities ,  internship/externship programs ,  study abroad programs ,  student-run organizations , etc.
• Explain how you became interested in Wake, whether it was through a campus tour, interaction with a faculty member, discussion with an admissions rep who visited your school, family history, etc.

In any “Why Us?” composition, you need to show that you’ve done your homework on a given school. However, it shouldn’t read like you just Googled everything ten minutes before writing the essay. In addition to the pure research element, a lot of the time and skill required in creating a stellar Wake Forest essay will involve connecting opportunities/attributes of interest to your distinct values, talents, aims, experiences, and/or future goals.

Wake Forest Essay Prompts (Continued)

2)  List five books you’ve read that intrigued you. (OPTIONAL)

In the real world, one way human beings connect is through a shared love of stories, true or fictional. In the application world, this Wake Forest prompt can facilitate some level of connection between you and an admissions reader. The goal is not to appear as well-rounded as possible. If you happen to be a person with wide-ranging interests, that’s cool—feel free to share your eclectic tastes. However, if you tend to favor books about Zen Buddhism, the Civil War, or fantasy, for example, it can be great to communicate this primary passion by unleashing a list of five books on that lone topic.

Note: On the application, you will be provided with individual text boxes for each book and author, and you’ll need to select whether or not they were required reading.

3) Tell us what piques your intellectual curiosity or has helped you understand the world’s complexity. This can include a work you’ve read, a project you’ve completed for a class, and even co-curricular activities in which you have been involved. (OPTIONAL, max 150 words)

Out of everything on this Earth, what makes you tick? What keeps you up at night? What subject makes you read books and online content until your eyes bleed? This prompt essentially invites you to share a topic about which you are a) an expert and b) extremely passionate. This may be the subject that your friends and family (even those who love you dearly) are getting tired of hearing about every day. You shouldn’t have to think too hard about this topic. Instead, go with the topic that you could easily write 50,000 words about and condense those thoughts down to just 150 words.

Alternatively, you could discuss how something you’ve read or an experience you’ve had—academic or extracurricular—helped you understand the world’s complexity. Given the extremely tight word count, you’ll need to be as specific as possible. To help you brainstorm, here are some common areas of complexity that can be addressed:

• Good, evil, and everything in between
• Religion and spirituality
• Fate vs. free will
• Family issues
• Mental health
• Love and friendship
• Issue of race, class, and gender

4) Dr. Maya Angelou, renowned author, poet, civil-rights activist, and former Wake Forest University Reynolds Professor of American Studies, inspired others to celebrate their identities and to honor each person’s dignity. Choose one of Dr. Angelou’s powerful quotes. How does this quote relate to your lived experience or reflect how you plan to contribute to the Wake Forest community? (OPTIONAL, 300 words)

Firstly, you’ll need to select one of Dr. Angelou’s quotes, which will involve some research. The quote you choose isn’t as important as how well you’re able to connect it to your own experiences and goals, so don’t worry about whether your quote is popular or more obscure. Whether you choose “I am grateful to be a woman. I must have done something great in another life” or “If I am not good to myself, how can I expect anyone else to be good to me?” or “I’ve learned that I still have a lot to learn,” be inspired by Dr. Angelou’s wisdom and use that inspiration to communicate something important about your experiences, background, values, or perspective. In addition, researching the context of the quote might give you even more inspiration.

5) Give us your Top 10 list. (The choice of theme is yours.) (OPTIONAL, 100 characters per line)

This is a fun opportunity to share something genuinely unique about yourself and/or your interests. Perhaps you want to showcase your sense of humor, your love of music, your obsession with Titanic documentaries , your favorite coding languages, your extensive sneaker collection, or your best Scrabble words, among many, many others. The sky is the limit here! We’d also recommend sharing a brief “why” for each item on your list to further highlight your personality.

How important are the Wake Forest supplemental essays?

The essays are “very important” to the Wake Forest admissions committee. There are only four other factors rated this high in the process. Those are: GPA, class rank, standardized test scores, character/personal qualities, and the rigor of your secondary school record.

Want personalized essay assistance?

Lastly, if you are interested in working with one of College Transitions’ experienced and knowledgeable essay coaches as you craft your Wake Forest supplemental essays, we encourage you to get a quote  today.

Looking for more writing resources? You might consider checking out the following:

• Common App Essay Prompts
• 10 Instructive Common App Essay Examples
• College Application Essay Topics to Avoid
• How to Brainstorm a College Essay
• 25 Inspiring College Essay Topics
• “Why This College?” Essay Examples
• How to Write the Community Essay
• College Essay

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Wake Forest University 2022-23 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Early Decision: Nov 15

Regular Decision Deadline: Jan 1

Wake Forest 2022-23 Application Essay Question Explanations 

The Requirements: 2 lists, 2 essays of 150 words each

Supplemental Essay Type: Short Answer , Oddball , Activity

Before you dig in…

The Wake Forest supplement always gives students a run for their money and the 2022-23 application is no exception. That’s why we made you a guide that explains the purpose of each of these thought-provoking prompts and how to answer them in a way that presents a varied and comprehensive package to admissions.

1. List five books you have read that intrigued you. (Spaces have been left for you to include each book’s title and author and mark whether the selection was required or not required.)

The name of the game with prompts like this one is variety . Each of these books is an opportunity for you to reveal an interest or passion of yours to admissions, and you don’t want to come off as one-note. Did Neil Gaiman’s graphic novel series Sandman blow your mind? Were you horrified by Jon Ronson’s revelations about social media in So You’ve Been Publicly Shamed ? Admissions is giving you the option of checking “required” or “not required” for a reason – they want to understand what interests you both in a formal academic setting and on your own. So make sure you’re not just listing To Kill a Mockingbird , Romeo and Juliet and 1984 . They’re all works of art, but everyone’s read them, so what will they really say about you? When you only choose one or two of those oft-assigned classics, admissions gets a chance to see what from the modern English (or other!) curriculum really resonated with you.

2. Explain how a text you’ve read – fiction, nonfiction, poetry, or literature of any kind – has helped you to understand the world’s complexity. (150 words)

This prompt asks you to discuss a text that has profoundly impacted your view of the world. At CEA, we always recommend that you choose an unexpected work of fact or fiction in order to stand out from the pack. Yes, it’s true that 1984 showed many students a bleak picture of what a Big Brother takeover might look like. However, almost every student in the country is assigned that book and takes a look at those same lessons. What else have you read that stuck with you because of who you are and what you care about? You have a lot of leeway here.. Were you blown away by the coming-of-age story The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian ? How did that graphic novel change the way you think about the Native American experience? Did the thrilling The Talented Mr. Ripley make you rethink the relationship between morality and murder? And if so, how did Highsmith accomplish this? Try to be as creative as possible with your selection here, and think about what books have really struck you at your core and why.

3. Tell us more about the topic that most engages your intellectual curiosity. (150 words)

This is a classic short-answer: a broad, pithy question that demands a specific, personal response. This prompt isn’t just about your academic interests, so rather than starting with a subject area (religion! calculus!) or big category (books! snakes!), try to come up with a few specific examples. When was the last time you went down an internet rabbit hole trying to research something? When were you extremely motivated to solve a problem or create something new? What was the last fact or skill you learned outside of school that truly captured your imagination? Once you come up with good examples, be sure to go deeper into the prompt: have you always loved working with your hands in your father’s auto body shop or vegetable garden? If so, why is this kind of work interesting to you? Are you fascinated by tasks that combine your love of logic with your intuitive, creative side? If that’s the case, what other intellectual pursuits that fuse these two sides do you plan to pursue in the future? The bottom line here is to discuss examples of what truly fascinates you while also reflecting on what these examples say about your personality traits, interests, or learning style.

4. Give us your top ten list.

Theme: _____________________________.

This is one of our all-time favorite short-answer questions. It’s also one students dread initially, because they don’t know how to approach it. Like many of the other questions on this list, think about what you do or what you are interested in that might also be of interest to admissions. What else about who you are and what you do have you not yet revealed about yourself? Our Founder always jokes that she would list her favorite kinds of pasta in order (because she is an actual pasta addict). Maybe she would make a list of the top ten pasta meals of her life and who she ate them with, to showcase how much pasta is a part of her social life and how she connects with others (it truly is the centerpiece of her world). Think about how you can add dimension to your list and take a collection of favorite movies or music beyond the ordinary. If someone else could submit your list, it’s not specific or creative enough and probably won’t tell admissions anything they really want or need to know.

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How to Ace the 23/24 Wake Forest Supplemental Essays

Prior to coming to Scholarships360 for her first internship in 2022, Savannah utilized her campus publications by joining various fashion publications that are offered at Ohio University. One of those publications is Thread Magazine, where Savannah has had the opportunity to work on articles related to world-wide related fashion news and events, as well as articles closer to home, such as a fashion piece on Athens hometown-hero Joe Burrow. This year, Savannah also had the opportunity to be a content writing intern for Aiken House, as well as a section editor for Southeast Ohio Magazine. In 2023, Savannah served as the Chapter President of her sorority, Alpha Gamma Delta. These collective experiences, as well as her experience currently working for Ohio University’s Undergraduate Admissions, has led her to Scholarships360 and aided in her passion for helping students better understand the college admissions process and financial aid. In her free time, Savannah enjoys horseback riding, watching Formula One races, traveling, and spending time with her friends and family. Savannah will graduate from Ohio University in May 2024 with a degree in Journalism News and Information and a certificate in Italian Studies.

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Bill Jack has over a decade of experience in college admissions and financial aid. Since 2008, he has worked at Colby College, Wesleyan University, University of Maine at Farmington, and Bates College.

Maria Geiger is Director of Content at Scholarships360. She is a former online educational technology instructor and adjunct writing instructor. In addition to education reform, Maria’s interests include viewpoint diversity, blended/flipped learning, digital communication, and integrating media/web tools into the curriculum to better facilitate student engagement. Maria earned both a B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature from Monmouth University, an M. Ed. in Education from Monmouth University, and a Virtual Online Teaching Certificate (VOLT) from the University of Pennsylvania.

Wake Forest University is a private university in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The Wake Forest supplemental essays are a great opportunity for you to showcase who you are in a way that your resume can never do.

Unlike a lot of other college essays, Wake Forest’s prompts are primarily academic focused (although there is some fun to be had!). They want to know about you intellectually, which can feel a bit overwhelming at first. But not to worry– we are going to break down each of the optional prompts to make them easier to understand. Let’s get started!

Related: College supplemental essay database

“List five books you have read that intrigued you. (Spaces have been left for you to include each book’s title and author and mark whether the selection was required or not required.)”

This is a great question as it is simple, easy, and straight to the point. To start, think about all of the books you have read and why you liked each of them. 

From there, you want to try and choose five books that are different from one another. Try to go beyond the books that you’re assigned for your classes, and choose some that you read in your own free time.

This will show depth of thought, along with the fact that you are able to read different genres and authors, and have a wide variety of intellectual information. An example of this might be in the novel The Alchemist , which reminds readers that they are ultimately in charge of their own destiny.

Questions to consider

• What about each of the books have intrigued you?
• Is it the genre that intrigues you, or each book individually that draws you in?
• What made you pick up the book in the first place?

“Tell us what piques your intellectual curiosity or has helped you understand the world’s complexity. This can include a work you’ve read, a project you’ve completed for a class, and even co-curricular activities in which you have been involved.” (150 words max)

This question is nice because it is extremely open ended like the rest of Wake Forest’s supplemental essay prompts. To help inspire you with what to write about, you can think about a class that you took in high school that you really enjoyed. 

If there was a topic that stood out to you in one of those classes, do some more research about it to figure out why you are passionate about it. This question applies to more than formal academic subjects, so if there are certain art, music, or philosophical ideas that engage you outside of school, do share. This could be analyzing movies, music, or discussing the meaning of life with your grandfather. 

150 words go by pretty quickly, so try to be concise with your words.

• What’s something profound that you’ve learned from a book or experience? 
• How have your perspectives changed throughout the years? What caused it?
• What do you want to learn about the world? Why?

Also see: How to write an essay about yourself

“Dr. Maya Angelou, renowned author, poet, civil-rights activist, and former Wake Forest University Reynolds Professor of American Studies, inspired others to celebrate their identities and to honor each person’s dignity. Choose one of Dr. Angelou’s powerful quotes. How does this quote relate to your lived experience or reflect how you plan to contribute to the Wake Forest community?” (300 words max)

As Maya Angelou once said, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Therefore, leave your mark on Wake Forest with your supplemental essay by showing vulnerability. 

Tell the university what moves you, and how you plan to use your perspectives on campus. Dr. Angelou was a powerful and influential voice, so how might you showcase your own?

• What is one of your favorite works of Dr. Maya Angelou? Why?
• What does this quote mean to you?
• How can you relate to Dr. Angelou?

Don’t miss: How to write a 250 word essay

“Give us your top ten list. Theme: __________________________”

The fourth and final prompt in the series of Wake Forest supplemental essay prompts is one of the most interesting prompts that we have seen among the college supplemental essay prompts. You have so much creative freedom with this prompt that it almost makes it more difficult to think of what to write. 

To start, don’t overthink it. Picking the theme is the easy part, but actually thinking of a list of things that represents you well is tricky. You want to be unique so that your personality shines to the people who are reading the essay. 

Do you have a Top 10 favorite musicians list? Want to dig deeper? Write about your top 10 most influential people to have ever existed. Things like these will make you stand out and get the reader thinking. 

• Why have these things made it into your top 10?
• What are some of your favorite things? Why are they important?
• How does your list put who you are into context?

Final thoughts for students

The Wake Forest supplemental essays are open-ended, which can seem daunting at first glance. But as long as you stay true to yourself in your writing and write what you know, you cannot say the wrong thing. 

This is a chance for Wake Forest to see your sense of humor, your intellect, and what kind of student you are. In the end, these responses  will show them what makes you unique. Have some fun with it!

Don’t miss: Tips for a successful college application

Additional resources

Once you’ve completed your Wake Forest supplemental essays, give yourself a pat on the back. But remember, the journey is not over! As a student working through your college applications, we understand that you have a lot on your plate.

Luckily, we can alleviate some of that stress by walking you through some of your next steps. Whether you are confused about how to fill out the FAFSA , or possibly the cost of college applications , we have you covered with tons of resources right at your fingertips. Good luck on the rest of your college application journey!

Additional supplemental essay guides

• Duke University (Durham, NC)
• Vanderbilt University (Nashville, TN)
• Tulane University (New Orleans, LA)

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Art of Writing the Wake Forest University Supplemental Essays '23-'24

With its holistic approach to education and emphasis on character, Wake Forest University seeks students with intellectual curiosity and personal integrity. The Wake Forest supplemental essays are a critical aspect of your application, providing you the opportunity to showcase your personality, passions, and commitment. Let's dive into each of the prompts.

Wake Forest University Supplemental Essay Prompts

• List five books you have read that intrigued you. (No word limit)

This prompt aims to understand your intellectual interests and how you engage with ideas. Choose books from different genres that you have found intriguing, and be ready to discuss why they captivated you if asked in an interview.

• "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee
• "A Brief History of Time" by Stephen Hawking
• "1984" by George Orwell
• "Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind" by Yuval Noah Harari
• "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho
• Talk about a work of art that significantly influenced you. (300 words)

Consider an artwork that had a profound effect on you. It could be a painting, sculpture, film, song, or novel. Discuss why it affected you and what you learned or experienced from it.

Van Gogh's "Starry Night" has had a profound impact on me. I was struck by its enchanting yet turbulent portrayal of the night sky. The swirling blues and yellows, the haunting cypress tree, and the serene village illuminated under the celestial spectacle made me realize that beauty and turmoil often coexist.

This painting taught me that the perception of reality varies greatly among individuals. Van Gogh captured the night not as he saw it, but as he felt it. This perspective changed the way I interpret the world around me, encouraging me to seek and value subjective experiences over objective facts.

The influence of "Starry Night" extends to my passion for psychology. The painting's intensity reflects Van Gogh's internal strife, underscoring the intimate link between our psychological state and our interpretation of reality. I aspire to delve deeper into this fascinating interplay at Wake Forest through a major in Psychology.

• Who or what has influenced you in the pursuit of knowledge? (300 words)

This prompt wants to know about a significant influence on your intellectual curiosity. Reflect on individuals, experiences, or books that have inspired your love for learning.

My grandfather, a World War II veteran, significantly influenced my pursuit of knowledge. His vivid stories of the war were filled with valor, horror, loss, and resilience. I was enthralled and deeply moved, leading me to explore historical accounts and documentaries to understand the war's complex socio-political context.

His stories ignited in me a passion for history, particularly the intricate ways in which events of the past shape the present. His personal narrative made me realize that history is not just a series of dates and events but a profound study of human nature and societal evolution.

This passion for history continues to drive my intellectual curiosity. At Wake Forest, I look forward to engaging in rigorous historical analysis, understanding how past societies inform contemporary issues and future trajectories.

• What piques your curiosity? (150 words)

Here, you have an opportunity to showcase your inquisitive nature. Talk about an idea, a topic, or a question that stokes your curiosity, and explain why.

The paradoxes in quantum mechanics pique my curiosity. The dual nature of light as both particle and wave, Schrödinger's Cat's simultaneous state of being dead and alive until observed—these fascinating concepts challenge our traditional understanding of reality.

This enigmatic field urges me to question, explore, and continually expand my intellectual boundaries. At Wake Forest, I hope to dive deeper into quantum mechanics, unraveling its paradoxes and contributing to its exciting advancements.

• Describe an experience that transformed the way you view the world and how this perspective prepares you for Wake Forest. (300 words)

Reflect on a significant experience that reshaped your perspective. Discuss how this transformed view aligns with Wake Forest’s values and prepares you for your time at the university.

My volunteer experience at a local homeless shelter profoundly transformed my perspective. Interacting with individuals from diverse backgrounds facing severe adversity made me recognize my privileges and instilled in me a deep sense of social responsibility.

One encounter that left an indelible mark was with a young girl named Lucy. Despite her circumstances, she was full of hope, eagerly talking about her dream to become a teacher. Her resilient spirit in the face of hardship altered my worldview, fostering in me a desire to actively contribute to societal betterment.

This experience aligns with Wake Forest's Pro Humanitate motto, embodying service for humanity. It has prepared me to participate meaningfully in the university's service-oriented initiatives. I hope to leverage Wake Forest's resources to tackle social issues, particularly homelessness, and strive for a more equitable society.

In answering these prompts, be authentic and personal. The admissions committee wants to understand you better — your interests, inspirations, and viewpoints. Show them the individual beyond the grades and test scores.

Remember to stay within the word limit. Write concise and precise responses. Don’t attempt to impress with big words or grand gestures. Instead, communicate your truth in your unique voice.

Reflect on your experiences, and make sure each essay complements the others and your overall application. Through your responses, provide a holistic picture of who you are and how you align with Wake Forest's ethos.

Proofread your essays for grammatical errors and typos. Ensure your ideas are clear and well-articulated.

Lastly, express your enthusiasm for Wake Forest. Research the university thoroughly. Understand its mission, values, academic programs, campus culture, and communities. Show them why you believe Wake Forest is the right place for you.

There you have it, aspiring Demon Deacons! With these strategies, you're well on your way to crafting compelling essays for Wake Forest University.

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Wake Forest Supplemental Essays 2023-2024

By Eric Eng

Wake Forest University’s supplemental essays for 2023-2024 are key to the college application process, offering insight into an applicant’s personality and fit for the university. These essays are more than a display of writing skills; they’re a chance for students to share their unique stories and aspirations. In a competitive academic environment, these essays can significantly impact admissions decisions.

To effectively approach these essays, students need thoughtful preparation and a strategic mindset. It’s essential to engage in self-reflection, understand Wake Forest’s ethos, and craft narratives that are engaging and revealing, ultimately aligning with the university’s values and expectations.

The supplemental essay prompts at Wake Forest are designed to reflect the university’s culture and values. Responding to these prompts requires not just answers but an understanding of Wake Forest’s ideals. This article guides mastering these essays for the 2023-2024 cycle, offering strategies to interpret prompts, infuse personal insights, and create compelling narratives that showcase why you’re an ideal fit for Wake Forest University.

How Many Supplemental Essays Does Wake Forest Have?

For the 2023-24 application cycle, Wake Forest University has outlined a set of supplemental essays as part of their admissions process. Applicants are required to complete one mandatory essay prompt, which seeks to understand their motivation for applying to Wake Forest. In this required essay, applicants should elaborate on any aspects that have drawn their interest towards the university, with a word limit of 150 words.

In addition to the required essay, there are four optional essays. Although these are not mandatory, Wake Forest strongly recommends that applicants submit these additional essays. This recommendation stems from the desire of admissions officers to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the applicants and their keen interest in the university.

The optional essays cover a range of topics, including a list of five intriguing books read by the applicant, a discussion on what piques their intellectual curiosity, a reflection on a quote by Dr. Maya Angelou and its relevance to their life or potential contribution to the Wake Forest community, and a “Top Ten” list on a theme of the applicant’s choosing.

The word limits for these essays vary, with one of the prompts requiring a 300-word response, while others are limited to 150 words.

These supplemental essays play a significant role in the admissions process at Wake Forest University. With numerous applicants possessing similar academic profiles, these essays provide a unique opportunity for students to distinguish themselves and demonstrate their full interest in the institution.

What are the 2023-2024 Wake Forest Supplemental Essays?

Why have you decided to apply to Wake Forest? Share with us anything that has made you interested in our institution. (150 words)

We welcome the opportunity to get to know you beyond the numbers. You are invited to answer any, all, or none of the following optional short-response questions.

List five books you’ve read that intrigued you. (150 characters)

Tell us what piques your intellectual curiosity or has helped you understand the world’s complexity. This can include a work you’ve read, a project you’ve completed for a class, and even co-curricular activities in which you have been involved. (150 words)

• Dr. Maya Angelou, renowned author, poet, civil-rights activist, and former Wake Forest University Reynolds Professor of American Studies, inspired others to celebrate their identities and to honor each person’s dignity. Choose one of Dr. Angelou’s powerful quotes. How does this quote relate to your lived experience or reflect how you plan to contribute to the Wake Forest community? (300 words)

Give us your Top Ten list. (The choice of theme is yours.) (100 characters)

How to Write the 2023-2024 Wake Forest Supplemental Essays

Question #1.

This prompt, with a 150-word limit, invites you to share why you’re interested in studying at Wake Forest University. It’s a chance for you to highlight what specific aspects of the university appeal to you the most. In your response, you can discuss anything from academic programs to campus life that makes Wake Forest stand out to you. Think of this as an opportunity to show the admissions committee how Wake Forest aligns with your educational and personal goals. Here’s how you should approach this prompt:

1. Personal Connection to the University: Encourage students to reflect on any personal connections they have with Wake Forest. This could be a family legacy, a visit to the campus that left a strong impression, or a specific encounter or conversation with current students or alumni. They should explain how these connections made them feel and why they were impactful.

2. Academic Programs and Opportunities: Students should research and mention specific academic programs, courses, or unique educational opportunities at Wake Forest that align with their academic interests and career goals. They should delve into why these programs appeal to them, perhaps linking them to past academic or extracurricular experiences, and how they see themselves benefiting from and contributing to these programs.

3. Campus Culture and Community: Here, the focus is on Wake Forest’s campus culture, values, and community spirit. Students should think about what aspects of Wake Forest’s community culture (such as its emphasis on service, diversity, innovation, etc.) resonate with them. They can talk about how they see themselves fitting into and enhancing this community based on their own values and experiences.

4. Personal and Professional Growth: Students should consider how attending Wake Forest will aid in their personal and professional development. This could include discussing how the university’s ethos, resources, or network will help them achieve their long-term goals. They should be specific about how Wake Forest’s unique offerings will support their journey toward personal growth and career aspirations.

In each of these points, it’s crucial that students provide specific, personal, and thoughtful reflections. The aim is to show a deep and genuine interest in Wake Forest, going beyond generic statements. Their response should reflect a clear understanding of what Wake Forest offers and how it aligns with their own aspirations and values.

Question #2-A

The prompt “List five books you’ve read that intrigued you” is straightforward but reveals a lot about a student’s interests, intellectual curiosity, and personality. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how a student can approach this prompt:

1. Reflect on Personal Interests and Growth: The books a student chooses should reflect their genuine interests, passions, or moments of personal growth. They should consider books that left a significant impact on their thinking or that resonate with their personal journey. For instance, a book that introduced them to a new perspective, deepened their understanding of a subject they are passionate about, or a novel that provided comfort during a challenging time. This reflection not only helps in selecting books but also prepares the student to explain their choices if elaboration is required in later essays or interviews.

2. Diversity in Selections: The selection should ideally encompass a variety of genres, subjects, and authors. This diversity demonstrates intellectual curiosity and a willingness to explore different ideas and cultures. For example, mixing classic literature with contemporary novels, non-fiction works, and perhaps books in their field of academic interest (like a popular science book for a STEM student) shows a well-rounded reading habit.

3. Consider the Implications of Each Choice: Each book listed says something about the student. For example, choosing a book about social justice might suggest a concern for societal issues, while a science fiction novel might indicate a creative and futuristic mindset. Students should be mindful of what each book might imply about their character, values, and interests.

4. Avoid Overthinking ‘Right’ Choices: Students often fall into the trap of trying to guess what the admissions committee might find impressive. It’s important to avoid this and focus on authenticity. Authentic choices that genuinely intrigue the student are more likely to resonate with the reader. Authenticity in their choices can also make it easier for them to discuss these books passionately if asked in an interview or follow-up essay.

Students should use this prompt as an opportunity to showcase their unique identity, intellectual depth, and the breadth of their interests through their choice of books. This approach not only answers the question effectively but also adds a personal dimension to their application.

Question #2-B

This essay prompt is about understanding what drives a student’s intellectual curiosity or has helped them grasp the complexity of the world. It’s an opportunity for students to showcase their interests, how they engage with the world intellectually, and what experiences have shaped their understanding. Here are four key points to consider when answering this prompt:

1. Identify a Specific Interest or Experience: Choose a topic that genuinely excites you, whether it’s a book, a project, or an extracurricular activity. The key is to be specific. For instance, instead of saying you love science, you might talk about how a particular experiment in chemistry class deepened your understanding of reaction kinetics.

2. Demonstrate Personal Growth or Insight: Explain how this interest or experience contributed to your understanding of a complex topic or issue. Did it challenge your beliefs or change your perspective? For example, if you read a novel about a culture different from your own, discuss how it broadened your understanding of global issues.

3. Link to Academic or Career Goals: If possible, connect this interest or experience to your future academic or career aspirations. This shows that your curiosity is not just a passing interest but something that is guiding your educational journey. For instance, a student interested in environmental science might talk about how a project on renewable energy sources influenced their decision to pursue this field.

4. Reflect on the Importance of Curiosity and Learning: Finally, reflect on the broader importance of being intellectually curious and open to learning. This might involve discussing how your chosen interest or experience has equipped you with skills or knowledge that you believe are essential for success in college and beyond.

Remember, the essay is short (150 words), so you’ll need to be concise and direct in your writing. Focus on showing depth in a single area rather than trying to cover too many topics superficially.

Question #2-C

Maya Angelou, renowned author, poet, civil-rights activist, and former Wake Forest University Reynolds Professor of American Studies, inspired others to celebrate their identities and to honor each person’s dignity. Choose one of Dr. Angelou’s powerful quotes. How does this quote relate to your lived experience or reflect how you plan to contribute to the Wake Forest community? (300 words)

The prompt you’ve provided is centered around the influence of Maya Angelou’s work and its relevance to personal identity, dignity, and community contribution. Here are four key points for students to consider when brainstorming their responses:

1. Understanding Maya Angelou’s Quotes: Before choosing a quote, it’s crucial for the student to delve into Maya Angelou’s vast collection of work. Angelou’s quotes often reflect themes of resilience, human dignity, courage, and the celebration of diversity. The student should look for a quote that resonates with them on a personal level. This requires reflecting on their own experiences, values, and beliefs. The chosen quote should ideally be a mirror that reflects a part of their identity or life philosophy.

2. Personal Connection: Once a quote is selected, the student should introspectively explore how this quote relates to their own life. This could be through a personal experience, a challenge they’ve overcome, or how the quote has shaped their perspective on life. It’s important to share a genuine, personal story or reflection that brings the quote to life. The aim is to show how Angelou’s words have been internalized or manifested in their own journey.

3. Reflection on Identity and Dignity: Considering Angelou’s focus on identity and dignity, the student should discuss how the quote has influenced their understanding and appreciation of these concepts. This part of the essay can explore themes of self-awareness, cultural background, personal growth, or how they respect and acknowledge the dignity of others. It’s about demonstrating a deep engagement with Angelou’s ideas and how they intertwine with the student’s own sense of self and respect for others.

4. Contribution to Wake Forest Community: Finally, the student should articulate how the insights gained from Angelou’s quote will influence their contributions to the Wake Forest community. This involves envisioning how their personal experiences and lessons learned can be applied in a community setting.

It could be through specific initiatives, fostering inclusive environments, or how they plan to engage with and learn from others. The goal is to illustrate a forward-looking approach, showing how their unique perspective and experiences will enrich the campus community.

Overall, the student should aim to create a narrative that’s reflective, insightful, and demonstrates a deep engagement with Maya Angelou’s teachings, while also showcasing their unique personality and aspirations for their time at Wake Forest University.

Question #2-D

The “Top Ten list” prompt is quite intriguing and open-ended. It’s designed to gauge a student’s creativity, personal interests, and ability to engage with an unconventional essay format. The prompt is less about the content of the list and more about what the list reveals about the student. Here’s how a student might approach this prompt:

1. Selecting a Unique Theme: The theme choice is crucial as it reflects the student’s personality, interests, or experiences. For instance, a student passionate about environmental issues might choose “Top Ten Ways to Live Sustainably,” while someone interested in literature might opt for “Top Ten Literary Characters Who Influenced Me.” The key is to pick a theme that is personal and meaningful, offering insight into the student’s world view, values, or aspirations.

2. Showcasing Depth and Insight: Each item on the list should provide more than just a name or a title; it should include a brief explanation that offers depth and insight. For example, if a student lists a historical figure, they could mention how that person’s achievements or ethics inspired them. This approach demonstrates critical thinking and the ability to find inspiration in diverse places.

3. Balancing Seriousness and Playfulness: The list format allows for a mix of seriousness and playfulness. Students could balance light-hearted items with more profound ones. This juxtaposition can create an engaging, dynamic read, showing the admissions committee that the student is well-rounded, reflective, and can appreciate different aspects of life.

4. Reflecting Personal Growth or Aspirations: The list can be a vehicle to discuss personal growth or future aspirations. For example, a student interested in a medical career might list “Top Ten Medical Innovations That Fascinate Me,” briefly explaining how each innovation inspires them and relates to their future goals. This approach not only showcases the student’s interest in the field but also their awareness of its evolution and challenges.

In essence, this prompt is an opportunity for students to present themselves in a multi-dimensional light, offering glimpses into their personalities, intellectual interests, values, and aspirations. The key is to be authentic, thoughtful, and creative in their approach.

How to Structure Your Supplemental Essays

The structure of supplemental essays, especially for specific prompts like the Wake Forest Supplemental Essays 2023-2024, plays a critical role in conveying a student’s message effectively and engaging the admissions committee. A well-structured essay not only makes the content more readable and coherent but also demonstrates the applicant’s ability to organize thoughts and communicate clearly. Here are three key points on how applicants can structure their Wake Forest Supplemental Essays for the 2023-2024 admissions cycle:

1. Introduction: Personal Anecdote or Hook: Start with a compelling introduction that includes a personal anecdote, a thought-provoking question, or an interesting fact related to the essay topic. This approach grabs the reader’s attention and sets the tone for the essay. For instance, if the prompt is about a personal challenge, begin with a brief narrative of a moment that epitomizes that challenge. The introduction should not only captivate but also subtly hint at the essay’s overarching theme.

2. Body: Thematic Progression and Examples: The body of the essay should be organized around a clear theme or narrative. Each paragraph should introduce a new aspect of the theme, supported by specific examples, personal experiences, or reflections. For Wake Forest Supplemental Essays, applicants might choose to structure the body around the evolution of their interest in a particular field, the impact of a significant experience, or the development of a personal philosophy. The key is to ensure each paragraph seamlessly connects to the next, creating a cohesive narrative that underscores the applicant’s unique perspective or journey.

3. Conclusion: Reflection and Forward-Looking Statement: Conclude the essay by reflecting on what has been discussed and how it relates to the applicant’s future goals, especially in the context of their potential experience at Wake Forest. This section should not merely summarize the essay but rather provide insight into how the experiences or ideas discussed have shaped the applicant’s aspirations or worldview. For instance, if the essay discusses a particular passion or interest, the conclusion could articulate how this aligns with the programs or opportunities at Wake Forest and the applicant’s future career or academic goals.

In crafting Wake Forest Supplemental Essays for the 2023-2024 application cycle, students should aim for a structure that not only presents their experiences and thoughts logically but also showcases their personality, critical thinking, and potential contribution to the Wake Forest community. A clear, engaging structure is instrumental in making their application stand out.

How to Effectively Revise and Proofread

1. Utilize a Structured Revision Approach: When revising the 2023-2024 Wake Forest Supplemental Essays, applicants should adopt a structured approach. Initially, focus on the larger elements of the essay, like the overall message, structure, and flow. Ask questions like, “Does this essay present a clear and engaging narrative about me?” and “Have I addressed the prompt thoroughly?” This high-level revision ensures that the essay aligns with the applicant’s intentions and effectively communicates their strengths and personality. Only after these elements are refined should the focus shift to sentence-level precision, word choice, and tone.

2. Engage Diverse Feedback Sources: For the 2023-2024 Wake Forest Supplemental Essays, it’s crucial to gather feedback from various sources. Family members, teachers, and peers can offer valuable perspectives. However, each group brings different insights – while family members might be more attuned to the personal aspects of the essay, teachers can provide a more critical academic perspective. Peers, especially those who have gone through the application process, can offer practical advice on what resonates with admissions committees. It’s important to balance this feedback, ensuring that the final essay remains authentic to the student’s voice and vision.

3. Focus on Clarity and Conciseness: Applicants should remember that admissions officers read thousands of essays. Thus, the 2023-2024 Wake Forest Supplemental Essays should be clear, concise, and impactful. During revision, it’s essential to eliminate redundancy, clarify ambiguous statements, and ensure that each sentence serves a purpose. This might involve cutting out beloved sentences or rephrasing for clarity. Tools like Grammarly or Hemingway Editor can be useful for identifying complex sentences, passive voice, or grammatical errors. However, these tools should complement, not replace, personal review and judgment.

4. Incorporate Rest and Reflection Periods: Effective proofreading of the 2023-2024 Wake Forest Supplemental Essays isn’t just about meticulous reading; it also involves strategic breaks. After each round of revision, taking a break – perhaps a day or two – allows the mind to rest and return with a fresh perspective. During these breaks, the subconscious mind often processes the essay, leading to new insights or realizations. When applicants return to their essays, they’re more likely to spot errors or identify areas needing improvement that they might have previously overlooked.

In essence, the revision and proofreading process for the 2023-2024 Wake Forest Supplemental Essays should be thorough, reflective, and iterative, involving structured approaches, diverse feedback, a focus on clarity, and strategic breaks for reflection. This ensures that the final submission is polished, compelling, and truly reflective of the applicant’s strengths and character.

Why Study at Wake Forest University?

Wake Forest University, located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, is not just a place to get an education – it’s a community where learning, discovery, and personal growth go hand in hand. Known for its strong academic programs, close-knit community, and commitment to nurturing the whole person, Wake Forest stands out as a top choice for many students.

Wake Forest consistently ranks among the top universities in the United States. It holds impressive positions in national university rankings. For example, U.S. News & World Report often places it within the top 30 national universities. These rankings reflect its commitment to academic excellence, quality teaching, and student success.

One of the key features of Wake Forest is its small class sizes. This means you won’t just be a number in a huge lecture hall. Instead, you’ll get personal attention from professors who are not only experts in their fields but also genuinely care about their students’ learning and well-being. This environment fosters deeper understanding, more engagement in class discussions, and stronger relationships with faculty.

Wake Forest offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Whether you’re interested in the arts, sciences, business, law, or medicine, you’ll find programs that challenge and inspire you. The university is particularly known for its strong business and law schools, as well as its liberal arts programs.

At Wake Forest, education goes beyond textbooks and classrooms. The university emphasizes the development of the whole person – intellectual, emotional, and ethical. This holistic approach ensures that you’re not just prepared for a career, but also for life’s challenges and opportunities. You’ll learn to think critically, act compassionately, and lead effectively.

Life at Wake Forest is vibrant and full of opportunities to get involved. With over 200 student organizations, there’s something for everyone. From arts and culture to sports and community service, the university encourages students to explore their passions outside the classroom. This vibrant campus life is key to building friendships, developing new interests, and enjoying a well-rounded college experience.

Wake Forest has a robust career development center and an extensive network of successful alumni. This means you’ll have support not only in finding internships and job opportunities but also in building a career after graduation. The university’s alumni are known for their willingness to mentor current students and help them navigate the professional world.

The Importance of Supplemental Essays

Supplemental essays, such as the 2023-2024 Wake Forest Supplemental Essays, are a crucial element in the college admissions process, offering a unique opportunity for applicants to provide personalized insights that extend beyond the confines of standard application data.

These essays enable students to convey their personality, life experiences, and values in a more comprehensive and nuanced manner. This personal touch is invaluable, as it allows admissions officers to perceive the applicant as a multifaceted individual, rather than just a compilation of grades and test scores, thereby strengthening their case for admission.

One of the primary advantages of the Wake Forest Supplemental Essays is the ability for students to express their specific interest in and fit for Wake Forest University. Through these essays, applicants can detail what aspects of the university—be it its academic programs, campus culture, or extracurricular opportunities—resonate with them. This not only demonstrates the student’s thorough research and genuine interest in Wake Forest but also helps the admissions committee understand how the student would both contribute to and benefit from the university environment.

Moreover, these supplemental essays provide a platform for students to highlight unique aspects of their identity, background, or experiences that may not be apparent from other parts of their application. This could encompass unique life experiences, diverse cultural backgrounds, or specific personal achievements and challenges. By bringing these elements into the spotlight, students can distinguish themselves from others in a pool of similarly qualified candidates, thereby enriching their application with diversity and depth.

Finally, the 2023-2024 Wake Forest Supplemental Essays are an excellent opportunity for students to showcase their writing skills, critical thinking, and intellectual engagement. Wake Forest values applicants who can articulate their thoughts in a clear, creative, and reflective manner. Well-written essays that demonstrate these abilities provide students with a competitive edge, showcasing their readiness for the academic challenges of college.

Overall, these essays are more than mere application requirements; they are strategic tools that allow students to construct a compelling narrative about themselves, highlighting their alignment with Wake Forest University’s ethos and offerings. These essays can significantly influence the admissions decision by presenting a well-rounded, humanized view of the applicant.

Comparing Wake Forest’s Supplemental Essays to Other Universities

Wake Forest University’s Supplemental Essays for the 2023-2024 admissions cycle stand out for their creative prompts, distinguishing them from other top universities. Unlike many institutions that focus on more conventional essay questions about personal growth, academic interests, or community impact,

Wake Forest encourages applicants to engage in a broader spectrum of self-expression. For instance, while a school like Stanford asks for essays that delve into personal intellectual vitality and meaningful experiences, Wake Forest’s prompts often include imaginative options, like the aforementioned “Top Ten list.” This creative angle offers students a canvas to showcase not just their academic and personal achievements, but also their unique personalities, humor, and unconventional thinking.

The depth and variety of Wake Forest’s Supplemental Essays also set them apart. Schools like Harvard or Yale often ask for essays that deeply explore personal backgrounds, academic ambitions, or intellectual challenges. Wake Forest, while including similar themes, often adds a twist that demands a more reflective and creative response from students.

For example, a prompt asking about a book that influenced the student’s perspective could be common in many schools’ applications. However, Wake Forest might spin this by asking for a list of books that have shaped the student’s worldview, thus probing not just for a single influence but for a pattern of intellectual engagement and evolution. This approach encourages students to think more broadly and critically about their experiences and influences.

Furthermore, Wake Forest’s prompts are designed to gauge a student’s fit for its unique campus culture. Unlike institutions like MIT or Caltech, where essay prompts heavily lean towards academic and scientific interests, Wake Forest’s essays seem to equally value creativity, cultural awareness, and community involvement. Their questions often subtly encourage students to reflect on how they would contribute to and benefit from the university’s diverse and dynamic community.

This holistic approach is indicative of Wake Forest’s commitment to nurturing not just academically brilliant minds, but well-rounded individuals who will actively participate in and enrich their campus community. Therefore, students approaching the Wake Forest Supplemental Essays for 2023-2024 should be prepared to showcase not only their academic prowess but also their unique character, creativity, and potential for community engagement.

Recap and Final Thoughts

In summary, the Wake Forest supplemental essays are an integral part of your application, offering a platform to showcase your individuality, experiences, and fit with the university. Understanding and thoughtfully responding to the prompts, crafting essays with a clear structure and your unique voice, and refining your responses through careful editing and feedback are key to creating compelling submissions.

Remember, these essays are not just about demonstrating your writing ability but about telling your story in a way that resonates with the admissions committee. Use this opportunity to share who you are, what you value, and how you envision your journey at Wake Forest.

By following the strategies and insights outlined in this guide, you can approach your Wake Forest supplemental essays with confidence and creativity. Best of luck in your application process, and may your essays open the door to an exciting educational journey at Wake Forest University.

AdmissionSight , a college consulting firm, offers personalized assistance to students in their college admissions journey. We help you create a strategic plan for your application process, identify suitable schools aligned with your academic and personal goals, and prioritize your application strategy.

Our experts review your application, providing constructive feedback to enhance its quality and uniqueness. We also assist in crafting compelling essays that reflect your personality and achievements, guide you through the writing process, and offer feedback on drafts. In addition, we provide interview coaching to boost your confidence and readiness for college interviews, offering tips on professional presentation and answering common questions.

We aid in optimizing your extracurricular activities to align with your interests and goals, emphasizing leadership and initiative. Overall, AdmissionSight offers valuable guidance and support to increase your chances of college acceptance. With a strong network and a success rate exceeding 75% in the past decade, book a free initial consultation today!

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Wake Forest University Essay Guide 2020-2021

“Snow at Wake Forest University” by almassengale is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0.

In this Wake Forest University Essay Guide, you’ll find tips on how to best respond to the supplemental essay prompts for Wake Forest. For more guidance on personal essays and the college application process in general, sign up for a monthly plan to work with an admissions coach 1-on-1.

Situated in Winston-Salem, NC, Wake Forest University is a prestigious liberal arts school and one of few that is also focused on research. The University is famous for its small class sizes, highly engaged faculty, and personal approach to educating the whole person. Wake Forest is on the larger end of small liberal arts schools with an undergraduate student body of approximately 5,100 students. With a small student body, an undergraduate focus, and dedicated professors, the private school has several unique programs and encourages interdisciplinary study. For a small university, Wake Forest athletics are a big part of the undergraduate experience and students enjoy the competitive atmosphere between their peer Division I schools.

The school is ranked #27 by U.S. News and historically accepts approximately 30% of its applicants. Applying Early Decision is a significant advantage at Wake Forest, with 44% of the admitted Class of 2023 applying during the early round. Pre-pandemic, Wake Forest was one of the most selective test-optional universities. For the Class of 2023, the median ACT scores were 29-33 and median SAT scores were 1210-1470.

The Wake Forest supplement can be daunting at first – by requiring thoughtful responses to unexpected questions, the University is not only weeding out applicants who aren’t willing to put in the effort, but also preparing you for the type of thinking that their rigorous liberal arts curriculum demands. Due to their test-optional status and small school mentality, Wake Forest weighs applicants’ essays more heavily than most universities.

Prompt 1: How did you become interested in Wake Forest University and why are you applying? (150 words)

This question is the typical two-fold “why school” question, though writers should weigh the second part of the question more heavily. With a limit of 150 words, the challenge lies in telling your story while being concise. As a school that takes an applicant’s demonstrated interest into consideration, Wake Forest values how and when you learned about the school. There are few “wrong” answers to this question; the admissions officers truly want to know how you learned about the school, whether via their mailings, alumni, current students, or campus tour.

Your rationale for applying is the more important aspect of the question. What about your introduction to and research about the university triggered you to open an application? What about their campus, academic offerings, or campus environment helps you envision yourself as a Demon Deacon?

The key to an effective “Why Wake Forest?” response is to focus on yourself . With a strict word limit, you should not devote any words to telling them why they are great or describing any of their programs. Instead, tell the reader how you would engage with professors through classes and research, build connections with peers on the athletic field and through extracurriculars, or take advantage of service opportunities. Demonstrate that you have done your research by mentioning classes, resources, and campus initiatives in your response. When in doubt, be more specific.

Prompt 2: Help us to get to know you better by responding briefly to these questions. No need for research, just be creative and enjoy the process. List five books you have read that intrigued you (title, author, required reading).

For this response, you have 150 characters for the book title, author, and whether or not the book was required reading. When brainstorming for the Wake Forest supplemental essays, evaluate Prompts 2, 3, and 4 together since there is significant overlap in the content they require. Think about these three prompts as a set and also consider them in the context of your entire application. With such limited word counts, redundancies should be strictly avoided.

I recommend weighing your five selected books more toward non-required reading than required reading. The element of choice is inherently absent from reading a book for a class, and the admissions readers want to know what interests you. However, if there is a book that was meaningful to you from class, don’t hesitate to include it.

One of your first steps when brainstorming for this response should be to make a list of all the books you have enjoyed reading. Then, consider what you learned from each. What made you pick up the book originally? What made you keep reading? What did you learn from the book? Wake Forest is hoping to gain insight into what is important to you, so I suggest picking a variety of genres and authors rather than a series or books that are thematically connected. Use this as an opportunity to be genuine and reveal facets of yourself that are not exhibited elsewhere in the application. You do not have the opportunity to describe your reasoning for including the book on your list, but you could include a brief explanation after the title if your selection could be unfamiliar to others.

Prompt 3: As part of my high-school English curriculum, I was required to read [insert title]. I would have replaced it with [insert title here]. The required book I was most surprised I enjoyed was [insert title here].

This question is similar to Prompt 2 and Prompt 4 – relatively straightforward, and should not be overthought. Review the list you made for Prompt 2 to help you make a decision and use the fact that you do not have the opportunity to explain any of your choices to your advantage. The book has to speak for itself, and you also don’t have to articulate why you didn’t like it. Did you not like the writing style? Did you not connect with the main character? Do you not like the author?

The book you choose to replace it with could be a totally different genre or delve into the same theme in a different way. Does it explore a theme that you find interesting? Do you have a lot in common with the main character? Did the book shift your perspective on something? Is the book highly relevant to current events? The possibilities here are endless, so don’t force a book into a blank because you think Wake Forest will like it. Be creative and show a side of yourself that the admissions office would not see otherwise.

Prompt 4: Tell us how a work of fiction you’ve read has helped you to understand the world’s complexity. (300 words)

By the third essay about books, you should be able to tell that Wake Forest University is a prestigious liberal arts school that values written communication. There are two relatively straightforward approaches to answering this question. You could either chose the book first and deduce what you learned from it or you could consider an aspect of the world’s complexity that you find particularly interesting and recall if you’ve read a book that discusses that element of the world. One of these methods will likely flow more naturally for you.

I recommend avoiding using a book for class unless absolutely necessary or unless you are able to connect that work to a context outside of the classroom. Perhaps a book you read for AP Language and Composition inspired you to get involved in an initiative in your community, so there are always exceptions to this suggestion. Note that you must write about a work of fiction for this essay. If you are stuck when brainstorming your response, think on a more granular level; the whole book does not have to relate to the world’s complexity. You could extrapolate from a specific scene or interaction between two characters.

The key is to focus on yourself , not the book or the complexity in the world. How do you personally relate to that complexity or experience that complexity? Is there a book where you learned a lesson or identified closely with the main character? Have you read a book that changed your opinions, perspectives, or ideas? What does your choice of book reveal about you? Again, think about your application holistically, both in the context of the three questions about books and as a whole package.

Prompt 5: What piques your intellectual curiosity, and why? (75-150 words)

By using the phrase “intellectual curiosity” in the prompt, Wake Forest is asking you to do more than identify a hobby or interest. It matters more why you are curious, how you exhibit that curiosity, and what you have done to explore that curiosity. Although it might be tempting to identify many things you are curious about, I recommend choosing one thing that piques your curiosity since your words are so limited.

As with many essays, how you frame and present your response is more important than the topic. Is there an interest, activity, hobby, idea, philosophical concept, or piece of art that really makes you think? What motivates you? Have you ever tried learning about a topic that isn’t related to school? It isn’t quite enough to just be curious – choose something that demonstrates that you’ve taken action: have you shared your curiosity with others? Did you make a difference in your community in some way as a byproduct of exploring your intellectual curiosity?

Prompt 6: As part of our “Voices of Our Time” series – which allows students, faculty, and staff to hear from some of the world’s leading thinkers – Wake Forest has hosted Ta-Nehisi Coates, Michelle Alexander, Eboo Patel, and Thomas Friedman. If you could choose the next series speaker, who would you pick, and why? (150 words)

Your response to this prompt is a brief exercise in persuasion. Think carefully about why you are selecting the person in particular. For originality, you should choose to write about someone that is not in the mainstream, but avoid selecting an entirely obscure person. Don’t just restate facts about the person that could be learned in a quick Google search – go beyond. The person you select should be an indication that you are culturally aware and pay attention to the world around you.

Most importantly, your essay should be about you, not the person you select . This poses a substantial challenge, but you can overcome this hurdle by devoting the majority of your words to explain why you would invite the next speaker. Why does this person matter to you? What are your core values? Who embodies them? Did something they say, write, or create encourage you to think about the world differently? Who champions a cause that is important to you? Most of your essay should address the “why” component – why should this person come to Wake Forest? What would they add or magnify in the community?

Prompt 7: Give us your Top Ten list (theme and then top 10).

This question is one of the more intimidating ones on the supplement, but it offers an opportunity to be creative! Think about aspects of yourself or your interests that you have not yet shown through your application. Do you have a bunch of great nicknames? A really long bucket list? Are there 10 meals you’ve shared that were particularly meaningful? Do you love to cook 10 dishes?

In general, avoid Top 10 “Favorite” lists such as movies or food simply because they are overused. You will have likely exhausted your ability to write about books, but be sure not to choose books or another topic you have already covered in your application.

Prompt 8: At Wake Forest, we gather our students in “Calls to Conversation,” congregating small groups around dinner tables in faculty’s and administrators’ homes to discuss topics organized around a theme, for example “arts for social change,” “gender in society,” and “leading a meaningful life.” If you could design a theme for a “Call to Conversation,” what would you choose, and why? (150 words)

As this prompt indicates, faculty members play a central role in the Wake Forest undergraduate experience, and the University is proud of their 11:1 student to faculty ratio! Similar to Prompt 6, this prompt gives you the opportunity to show your social conscience.

Responses to this prompt can easily become too vague or broad because of the word “theme” in the prompt. I recommend choosing a theme such as “Aristotle’s relevance to college students” instead of the more general theme of “moral philosophy.” When addressing your chosen theme, emphasize the impact and importance of it. Ask yourself, “Would I attend this Call to Conversation?” Consider why others should engage in conversation on this topic. Your selection does not need to be strictly academic in nature; there are many opportunities to establish a real world connection to academic material and develop a conversation around current events. One way to elevate your response to the next level would be to include a call to action; motivate your reader to want to discuss your topic.

9. We live in an age intensely interested in heroes. Professor Joseph Campbell defines “hero” as “someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.” Describe a hero in public life and how and why, in your opinion, they meet Professor Campbell’s definition. (150 words)

Through this essay, Wake Forest University not only wants to learn who is important to you, but also how and why you see them as a hero. As is the case for Prompt 6, avoid writing about someone who is too well-known and mainstream – many applicants could write about Bill Gates, Michelle Obama, or Beyonce.

The prompt requires that the person be in “public life,” but that does not require that the person be famous! Your essay will be more meaningful and memorable if you think of “hero” in the more unconventional sense. A hero could be an artist who creates music that speaks to you or has helped you through a difficult time. Is there a painting that has a unique backstory for you? Is there someone in your community who has had an indelible impact on your life? Can you think of someone who champions a cause you believe in? When answering the prompt, keep in mind what the very question is intended to reveal — everyone has different heroes for different reasons. Be specific and vivid in your description of why the person meets the definition of a hero.

This informational essay was written by Caroline Marapese, Notre Dame ‘20. If you want to get help writing your Notre Dame application essays from Caroline or other CollegeAdvisor.com Admissions Experts , register with CollegeAdvisor.com today.

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, what to expect for wake forest's supplemental essays.

I'm earnestly prepping my application for Wake Forest, and I heard they have some unique supplemental essays. Can anyone who's applied before shed some light on what kinds of prompts they generally ask and how creative I should get with my responses?

Wake Forest does indeed have a reputation for more inventive and thought-provoking essay prompts. They often look for responses that reflect deep self-awareness and creativity, so it's your chance to shine apart from the numbers on your transcript. Their prompts might range from asking about a pivotal experience in your high school journey to your favorite book and why. They've even been known to ask about the intellectual and creative opportunities you seek in college. The key is to be authentic and allow your personality to come through.

Bring individuality and depth to your answers by providing examples or narratives that reveal your values and how you engage with the world. Ensure you're answering the prompt directly while maintaining a conversational tone that reflects your voice. Take time to brainstorm and draft multiple versions, seeking feedback from others to refine your message.

Remember, the admissions team at Wake Forest values the reflective and vibrant thinker, so give them a glimpse into how your mind works. With these essays, you're not just narrating your past; you are also painting a picture of the contribution you hope to make to their community.

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