Art of Writing the Wake Forest University Supplemental Essays '23-'24

With its holistic approach to education and emphasis on character, Wake Forest University seeks students with intellectual curiosity and personal integrity. The Wake Forest supplemental essays are a critical aspect of your application, providing you the opportunity to showcase your personality, passions, and commitment. Let's dive into each of the prompts.

Wake Forest University Supplemental Essay Prompts

1. List five books you have read that intrigued you. (No word limit)

This prompt aims to understand your intellectual interests and how you engage with ideas. Choose books from different genres that you have found intriguing, and be ready to discuss why they captivated you if asked in an interview.

Example

1. "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee
2. "A Brief History of Time" by Stephen Hawking
3. "1984" by George Orwell
4. "Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind" by Yuval Noah Harari
5. "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho

2. Talk about a work of art that significantly influenced you. (300 words)

Consider an artwork that had a profound effect on you. It could be a painting, sculpture, film, song, or novel. Discuss why it affected you and what you learned or experienced from it.

Example

Van Gogh's "Starry Night" has had a profound impact on me. I was struck by its enchanting yet turbulent portrayal of the night sky. The swirling blues and yellows, the haunting cypress tree, and the serene village illuminated under the celestial spectacle made me realize that beauty and turmoil often coexist.

This painting taught me that the perception of reality varies greatly among individuals. Van Gogh captured the night not as he saw it, but as he felt it. This perspective changed the way I interpret the world around me, encouraging me to seek and value subjective experiences over objective facts.

The influence of "Starry Night" extends to my passion for psychology. The painting's intensity reflects Van Gogh's internal strife, underscoring the intimate link between our psychological state and our interpretation of reality. I aspire to delve deeper into this fascinating interplay at Wake Forest through a major in Psychology.

3. Who or what has influenced you in the pursuit of knowledge? (300 words)

This prompt wants to know about a significant influence on your intellectual curiosity. Reflect on individuals, experiences, or books that have inspired your love for learning.

Example

My grandfather, a World War II veteran, significantly influenced my pursuit of knowledge. His vivid stories of the war were filled with valor, horror, loss, and resilience. I was enthralled and deeply moved, leading me to explore historical accounts and documentaries to understand the war's complex socio-political context.

His stories ignited in me a passion for history, particularly the intricate ways in which events of the past shape the present. His personal narrative made me realize that history is not just a series of dates and events but a profound study of human nature and societal evolution.

This passion for history continues to drive my intellectual curiosity. At Wake Forest, I look forward to engaging in rigorous historical analysis, understanding how past societies inform contemporary issues and future trajectories.

4. What piques your curiosity? (150 words)

Here, you have an opportunity to showcase your inquisitive nature. Talk about an idea, a topic, or a question that stokes your curiosity, and explain why.

Example

The paradoxes in quantum mechanics pique my curiosity. The dual nature of light as both particle and wave, Schrödinger's Cat's simultaneous state of being dead and alive until observed—these fascinating concepts challenge our traditional understanding of reality.

This enigmatic field urges me to question, explore, and continually expand my intellectual boundaries. At Wake Forest, I hope to dive deeper into quantum mechanics, unraveling its paradoxes and contributing to its exciting advancements.

5. Describe an experience that transformed the way you view the world and how this perspective prepares you for Wake Forest. (300 words)

Reflect on a significant experience that reshaped your perspective. Discuss how this transformed view aligns with Wake Forest’s values and prepares you for your time at the university.

Example

My volunteer experience at a local homeless shelter profoundly transformed my perspective. Interacting with individuals from diverse backgrounds facing severe adversity made me recognize my privileges and instilled in me a deep sense of social responsibility.

One encounter that left an indelible mark was with a young girl named Lucy. Despite her circumstances, she was full of hope, eagerly talking about her dream to become a teacher. Her resilient spirit in the face of hardship altered my worldview, fostering in me a desire to actively contribute to societal betterment.

This experience aligns with Wake Forest's Pro Humanitate motto, embodying service for humanity. It has prepared me to participate meaningfully in the university's service-oriented initiatives. I hope to leverage Wake Forest's resources to tackle social issues, particularly homelessness, and strive for a more equitable society.

Conclusion

In answering these prompts, be authentic and personal. The admissions committee wants to understand you better — your interests, inspirations, and viewpoints. Show them the individual beyond the grades and test scores.

Remember to stay within the word limit. Write concise and precise responses. Don’t attempt to impress with big words or grand gestures. Instead, communicate your truth in your unique voice.

Reflect on your experiences, and make sure each essay complements the others and your overall application. Through your responses, provide a holistic picture of who you are and how you align with Wake Forest's ethos.

Proofread your essays for grammatical errors and typos. Ensure your ideas are clear and well-articulated.

Lastly, express your enthusiasm for Wake Forest. Research the university thoroughly. Understand its mission, values, academic programs, campus culture, and communities. Show them why you believe Wake Forest is the right place for you.

There you have it, aspiring Demon Deacons! With these strategies, you're well on your way to crafting compelling essays for Wake Forest University.