Merit-Based Scholarships

Wake Forest offers merit-based scholarships to fewer than 3% of first-year applicants.

Most scholarships (including full-cost scholarships) do not require a separate merit-based scholarship application. Instead, students need only submit a complete application for undergraduate admissions by November 15. Finalists for scholarships that require more comprehensive interviews or auditions will be notified by the end of March.

Though criteria differ slightly, all scholarship programs recognize extraordinary achievement, leadership, and talent. Recipients embody those qualities that have led their predecessors since 1986 to thirteen Rhodes Scholarships, three Marshall Scholarships, twelve Truman Scholarships, over ninety Fulbright Scholars, and other honors including Gates, Goldwater, Beinecke, and Luce. Previous graduates of merit-based scholarship programs are profiled by the Wake Forest Scholars Program.

Some merit-based scholarships also require financial need. A family can estimate financial need by using the Net Price Calculator. Applicants who believe they might qualify for need-based aid should apply by January 1.

The Presidential Scholarship for Distinguished Achievement in a talent area, requires a separate application by November 15. Applications received later will be considered as talent areas allow. The William Louis Poteat Scholarship for North Carolinians active in the Baptist church, requires a recommendation from a member of the applicant’s church. US Army ROTC Scholarships are available to qualified applicants.