What’s the social and political climate like? I’m from so cal and have lived in a diverse bubble my whole life.
I’m not a student at Wake but I toured recently and was very surprised at how liberal it seemed, especially considering its more conservative reputation. There were lots of messages in chalk protesting recent political events on the sidewalks, books about HRC and Elizabeth Warren showcased in the library, lots of events for black history month advertised around campus, some sort of political rally going on later that day, CNN on the televisions in the library, etc. I’m sure the conservatives there are probably active as well, but visiting made me laugh because of how many people don’t consider the school because it’s too conservative for them. I definitely got the feel that there were plenty of opportunities for political activism no matter what your beliefs are. I can’t say much for the social aspect of the question, but it was uncomfortably cold outside (around 35-40°) when I toured and there were still lots of students hanging out outdoors and participating in various activities. Again, not an expert here, but I hope this was helpful!
1 Like
" have lived in a diverse bubble"
have you lived in a diverse bubble or just a bubble?
are you saying you have been exposed to all types of ideas, thoughts etc etc…
or you have lived in a bubble where only “progressive” ideas are heard? and the term “diverse” is a loaded word and not used in it’s literal meaning? that is a big difference.
wake forest is full of social justice warriors from the administration all the way down to the students. I can not tell you if in the 1950’s people actually wore pearl necklaces and preppy sweaters and were “conservative” but schools like wake,dartmouth and vanderbilt in the 21st century (often referred to as conservative schools ) in my time are pretty much the same as all the other schools out there when it comes to the “atmosphere” on campus.
I transferred out of Wake in part because it was too liberal.
@Sam998 if You don’t mind me asking how was Wake too liberal?
1 Like
@Alexandrasmom the students there are so far left that mainstream, conservative views are taboo
@Sam998 That’s such a shame. Good for you for searching and hopefully finding a better match. Best wishes!
@Alexandrasmom thanks! Unfortunately I think the overwhelming majority of colleges in the US have disproportionately left-leaning student bodies, but the political climate at UVA has been a definite improvement over Wake.
@Sam998 UVA is an amazing school and the girls are rated best looking in the country so I’m sure that helped as well!!!
@Alexandrasmom oh boy it really did 
@Sam998 @Alexandrasmom
I am shocked that Wake would be more liberal than UVA. I would imagine it the other way around. Thanks so much for sharing your experience on this.
That seems at odds with reputation. Niche rates college by student sentiment and Wake is rated much more conservative than UVA. https://www.niche.com/colleges/rankings/most-liberal-colleges/ You can also see it in the self identification surveys on Niche.
Wake faculty, at least, seem to be doing their best to make sure that Wake takes its place among the overwhelmingly liberal academic “mainstream”, not only by rejecting conservative funding but by trying to silence their own peers.
https://www.wsj.com/articles/an-anti-koch-meltdown-at-wake-forest-1491521075
@IzzoOne I’m just going off my own experiences here. I understand others may have had different experiences with the political climate at the two schools.