Short answer: the middle 50% of first-year students who enrolled at Wake Forest University scored about 1410 to 1520 on the SAT, with an average of 1475. That means a quarter of enrolled first-years scored 1410 or lower and a quarter scored 1520 or higher. These numbers come from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
Wake Forest at a glance
SAT middle 50%: 1410 to 1520 | Average: 1475
Reading and Writing: 700 to 750 | Math: 710 to 770
ACT middle 50%: 32 to 34
Admission rate: 21.7%
Wake Forest SAT scores by section
| Section | 25th percentile | 75th percentile |
|---|---|---|
| Reading and Writing | 700 | 750 |
| Math | 710 | 770 |
| Total (sum of sections) | 1410 | 1520 |
The total row adds the two section numbers, so treat it as a close estimate, not an exact percentile of total scores. For comparison, the average SAT score for the class of 2026 was 1045 (528 Reading and Writing, 517 Math), according to College Board.
Does Wake Forest require the SAT?
No. Wake Forest has been test-optional since 2008, years before the pandemic, starting with the class that entered in fall 2009. It was the first top-30 national university to make that change. Wake Forest says it has seen no difference in academic achievement between students who sent scores and students who did not.
- Wake Forest’s advice: send scores if they accurately reflect your ability. If they do not, do not send them. You will not be penalized.
- Report every sitting: if you send scores, report all of them and Wake Forest will superscore.
- Self-report: allowed. Enrolling students send official scores the summer before they arrive.
- No minimums: no minimum SAT score and no minimum GPA.
- SAT code: 5885.
Because Wake Forest is test-optional, the ranges above only include students who sent scores.
What SAT score should you aim for?
Wake Forest’s middle 50% is about 1410 to 1520 among students who sent scores. Send your score if it is 1410 or higher. Wake Forest has used this policy for more than 15 years and says it has seen no difference in academic achievement between students who sent scores and students who did not. So if your score is below that range, applying without it is a normal choice.
If you do submit, remember that Wake Forest asks for every sitting. With superscoring, a weaker first attempt does not hurt you, so it is fine to take the SAT more than once.
Where do you stand against Wake Forest’s range?
Take a free full-length practice test and compare your section scores to 750 (Reading and Writing) and 770 (Math).
How to close the gap
- Find your weaker section by comparing each score to Wake Forest’s 75th percentile above.
- Practice at the top difficulty level. Scores in this range come from getting the hardest questions right. Try these hard SAT math questions and this hard SAT English practice test.
- Drill your weak skills in Targeted Practice.
- Compare schools with similar ranges in the College Finder.
Frequently asked questions
What SAT score do you need for Wake Forest?
There is no cutoff, but the middle 50% of enrolled first-year students scored about 1410 to 1520.
What is the average SAT score at Wake Forest?
College Scorecard lists an average of 1475.
Does Wake Forest require the SAT?
No. Wake Forest has been test-optional since 2008, superscores, and asks you to report every sitting if you submit.
Sources
- U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard: Wake Forest University (latest admissions data, accessed October 2026).
- Wake Forest Admissions, Test Optional.
- Wake Forest News, Wake Forest makes standardized tests optional in admissions (2008).
- College Board Newsroom, Class of 2026 SAT results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What SAT score do you need for Wake Forest?
There is no cutoff, but the middle 50% of enrolled first-year students scored about 1410 to 1520.
What is the average SAT score at Wake Forest?
College Scorecard lists an average of 1475.
Does Wake Forest require the SAT?
No. Wake Forest has been test-optional since 2008, superscores, and asks you to report every sitting if you submit.