Wake Forest essay prompts
2026-27verified Wake Forest University admissions
Five Books
List five books you have read that intrigued you. Provide each book's title, author, and indicate whether the selection was required or not required for school.
No limit listed · Required
Intellectual Curiosity
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 · Required
Maya Angelou Quote
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 how do you envision the quote relating to your time at Wake Forest? You may also choose to reflect on how you plan to contribute to the Wake Forest community.
300 words max · Required
Top Ten List
Make a top-ten list. We're purposely keeping the topic vague — show us what you find list-worthy.
No limit listed · Required
About the application
Applies via the Common App.
Make your next draft count.
Common questions
- What are the Wake Forest essay prompts for 2026-27?
- Wake Forest lists Five Books (1 prompt); Intellectual Curiosity (1 prompt); Maya Angelou Quote (1 prompt); Top Ten List (1 prompt) for 2026-27.
- How many essays does Wake Forest require?
- Wake Forest requires 4 essays based on the published group instructions for 2026-27. The page lists 4 required and 0 optional prompts.
- What are the word limits for the Wake Forest supplemental essays?
- The published word and character limits are 150 words max, 300 words max.