Hello
Deciding between these two schools want strong academics without grade deflation and school with a lot of sports, school spirit. Possible premed major. Which is best?
Idk about wake forest but I’m also deciding between Villanova! It clearly has a ton of school spirit whether it be the b-ball games or how willing everyone is to help out the community. Just look up NOVAdance videos on YouTube and you’ll get a feel for their community spirit! I’ve heard from my friend who goes there that it’s really competitive to get into the service things and clubs because everyone’s interested, but apparently there are tons of mixers and parties held by the clubs or club sports and stuff like that! I got into the honors program which definitely is great academics wise but I’m sure the classes are just as fulfilling without that element! Hope that was a little helpful at least! Good luck on your decision!
Thank you! Good luck to you too!!
Congratulations on your options. Both are really terrific. S attends Wake Forest so I can speak to that a bit. Full disclosure, he visited Villanova and chose not to apply as he thought there might be too much of a religious bent on campus. Funny thing about that is he was all in on BC but felt religion was a bigger part of everyday life at Villanova.
So Wake - Classes, school spirit / sports, volunteerism:
Classes - you ask about grade deflation. That is a big subject and I guess it depends on what you count as deflation. Are classes fare and you get what you get vs. artificially handing out As? Or are profs handing out low grades based on some arbitrary curve? I can’t really answer that but I can say, from what S tells me, courses across the board are quite rigorous. You will work to get As (and Bs). This isn’t HS (including AP classes). But, with the proper work ethic and organizational skills, all quite doable as he’s made honor roll each semester while maintaining a very active life. You’ll find most kids are very serious about their studies but also very active in a wide range of ECs.
School spirit / sports - What can I say other that ACC sports. The school and entire Winston-Salem community gets behind the Deacs. Very proud traditions. Beyond sports, there’s a sense of community that happens on smaller campuses. The kids are just proud to be there and you can tell (not in an obnoxious way at all). There is a three yr on campus residence requirement which I feel brings and keeps the student body together. Personally I like that as you see kids in the dining halls, in class, around campus on a regular basis. It makes it easier to be involved in things as you’re right there. Lots of clubs which serve as both areas of interest and social network. Most of them have parties and functions so a very fun outlet. (That sounds quite similar to the previous post re Nova)
Volunteerism - This is a major component of Wake’s culture. Perhaps a carryover from it’s religious founding (not a religious organization today), it’s just part of the ethos. Their motto is Pro Humanitate and they mean it. Not only do most organizations get quite involved in community service activities, there are major fundraising events that unite the whole campus. Hit the Bricks (sort of a relay for life) is the marquee fall fundraiser and literally attracts every organization on campus. Frats, clubs, independent students, professors, administration, staff all form teams and raise money for cancer. As a student, you’re either running, walking, or helping hand out water, etc. It’s amazing. Similar scenario in the spring with a dance marathon called Wake N Shake. Beyond those two massive events, they regularly have heavy participation in community outreach programs (painting desks for elementary schools, Project Pumpkin where they bring in underprivileged kids for a Halloween carnival - again most of the clubs get very involved in this - , etc.) They make it part of the educational experience as they want to build both successful AND good humans.
Comparing the two is tough as they are probably more similar than different - rigorous academics with great outcomes, school spirit / sports, volunteerism. The difference likely lies in the religious aspects and location. Philly suburb with access to the big city or an eclectic artsy southern city local. Lots of kids from PA, NJ, NY, CT, MA, MD at Wake so it’s not “southern” just in the south which makes for great weather.
Best of luck in your decision. Both outstanding!
You provide a lot of valuable insight about WF - tough choice as it’s a bit further but seems to present great options!
Wake sports and school spirit is a full notch above.
Nova is a occasional national hoops power but Wake is an ACC level power in all sports. Football is a big deal.
And sports on the tight knit and smaller campus. There are also the traditions around dressing for games etc. the southern charm aspect also adds a bit of school spirit to the punch.
They have an active service culture as well.
Academically they are both top notch.
But I do know that Wake makes you work. Really work. But I don’t know that they deflate grades. But great grades require effort at both schools for sure.
Wake is a more charming and laid back environment to live and work. But you don’t have the vibrancy of a major city either.