I got into Wake RD rather unexpectedly. I had never visited, interviewed, or showed interest, so I’m rather surprised. I was denied from some of my tops, so after looking into Wake I am really interested. However I’m hesitant to commit.
I am from NY and have always thought of going to a NE lib arts school. For that reason my other choice is Holy Cross. I went to Campus Day last Friday. At Wake, I love everything about academics: reputation, class size, professor, programs (I’m a political science major). I would join a sorority at Wake and I do like to drink and attend football games. I am just hesitant bc I am more comfortable at Holy Cross because it is Catholic and what I’ve been expecting myself to attend.
Since I have such a Northern mindset, I dont know how well I’ll fit in to Wake. For example, I was thrown off seeing people wear dresses to football games, etc. Please share anything you know about Wake and any experiences of being from the North/being torn between Wake and another school.
Congratulations on your two fine choices! Both really great schools with top notch academics.
As a parent of a kid at WFU (current sophomore), I would tell you not to worry AT ALL about the north / south thing. Yes some sorority girls wear dresses to football games. Others do not. Wake has a large northern draw and is well represented by PA, NY, NY, MA, CT (really well represented). We are from FL. My son has had three roommates so far (soph yr his roommate went on exchange and was replaced by another kid). So far, 1 CA and 2 MA. HIs best friends are from New England, PA, NY, NJ, IL, NC, and GA. There are literally tons of kids from “up north”.
There are other things to base your decision on, especially the religious piece, but don’t let location scare you away as it’s a very welcoming place with kids from all over the world.
If you’re into college sports, there’s really no comparison. HC is fine, but we’re talking ACC sports. Even the soccer team (always nationally ranked) gets about 5k fans per game. Really fun if you’re into that. The whole area supports the teams.
Agree with everything rickle1 said. My S just committed to Wake last week. We’re from CT, and looked at all the NE schools along with all the southern ones. NE ones tend to have the New England arrogance to them (not bad just not super nice). The teachers and students at Wake are the nicest people we’ve ever met. I really believe it to be judgment free, they accept everyone as they are. For instance, we looked at BC vs Wake and it was a slam dunk for Wake. It’s a bit late in the game, but you should try and visit.
Plenty of northerners at Wake! I would not let that be a deciding factor at all. Very similar atmosphere to most NE liberal arts schools and the girls dress similarly to how the girls would dress at those schools.
Both great choices you should feel proud!!
My son is a sophomore at Wake as is @rickle1 son. We are from CA which is represented less than the NE and he doesn’t feel it at all. He has friends from everywhere. The Catholic part is something that Wake can’t compete with but there is a catholic community at Wake. https://wakeforestcatholic.com
Sports is Wake head and shoulders just because of the ACC. Both great schools just very different. I have a friend with a child at HC who is very happy. Does your gut tell you anything? When my son walked onto Wake Campus he knew that was it for him. Good luck on your decision!!
Hard to compare Worcester, Mass (working class, gritty city) to Winston Salem and Wake’s gorgeous campus.
Wake students are as hard-working and as ambitious HC kids, but WF also offers outstanding Medical, Law and other grad programs. Also, consider that by attending a southern school, you will experience living in a different area of the country and be exposed to unique experiences. Both schools are outstanding–Good Luck!
Your situation is yours. Everyone is different and places different value on different things. That said, I connect with @BostonKnows (other than because I’m from Boston - living in FL for the past 25 yrs) words re experiencing a different part of the country.
Wake is great…but one of the reasons my son is loving his experience so much is he had to go away for school. That was a big deal (a little scary I’m sure) as he didn’t know anyone attending. Literally a whole new start with new people (and he loved his HS life - just wanted to grow). Not for everyone but having done it, he would tell you having to build a life, support system, friends, etc is the best thing he’s ever done. Not having HS friends in the dorm next store (or even as a roommate which happens here alot - hate that!!!) was like diving into the deep end. Turns out they can swim pretty well!
@kkhoops11 we are from NJ and daughter committed to Wake ‘23. She had similarities in being rejected from top choices (all in/near major northern cities), northern mindset, dresses for football games, etc. She loves all the same things about Wake as you. We are an interfaith family (Jewish & Catholic), but are not religious so religion not a factor in her decision. While she had reservations and was nervous about going to a southern school at first, she is now very excited. Please know there are students from all over the country, and the northeast specifically. As a parent, I encourage you to consider getting out of your (northern) comfort zone. Hope this helps and good luck on your decision if you haven’t made it already.
My Northeastern daughter will be attending. Lots of kids from NY and New England will be there too. She knows of kids coming from California and Colorado among many other places. Lots of Floridians too. It’s definitely a geographically diverse school. As for the Southerners she has spoke with, they all seem so friendly and welcoming. Good luck with your decision.