Wake Forest University’s Signature Scholarships provide full-cost undergraduate funding for exceptional first-year students entering in 2027. International applicants are eligible for major awards including Carswell, Reynolds and Stamps. Most awards require no separate scholarship form: submit a complete Wake Forest admission application by November 15, 2026. Wake Forest states no cutoff time or time zone.
- Level: First-year undergraduate
- Host: Wake Forest University, USA
- Funding: Full cost, with award-specific allowances
- International applicants: Eligible for most merit awards
- Deadline: November 15, 2026
Scholarship benefits
- Guy T. Carswell: up to five awards covering annual tuition, room and board, plus $3,400 for personal expenses. Scholars may seek up to $5,000 for summer research, study or travel in each of three summers.
- Graylyn: one award with tuition, room and board, $3,400 for personal expenses and the same summer-funding opportunity.
- Nancy Susan Reynolds: up to five awards with tuition, room and board, $3,400 for personal expenses and summer-funding eligibility.
- Stamps: about 15 awards covering tuition, fees, room and board, plus $3,400 for books and personal expenses and up to $15,000 total for approved travel or study over four years.
Wake Forest says fewer than 3% of first-year applicants receive merit scholarships. Most recipients must remain enrolled full time and live on campus.
Who is eligible?
Applicants must seek first-year undergraduate admission. Selection considers academic distinction, a challenging curriculum, leadership, character, talent and meaningful contribution beyond the classroom.
International first-year students qualify for most merit scholarships. Wake Forest specifically identifies Carswell, Gordon, Reynolds and Stamps as full-cost awards open to them. International transfer applicants receive no scholarship assistance, and need-based aid is unavailable to foreign nationals. No minimum GPA or test score is published for these Signature Scholarships.
Required documents
- Common Application or Coalition Application and Wake Forest supplement
- Official secondary-school transcript and Secondary School Report
- One teacher recommendation
- English-proficiency result when required
- $85 application fee or need-based fee-waiver request
- Early Decision agreement only for an Early Decision plan
A counselor recommendation, optional video or virtual interview, SAT/ACT results and a midyear report may also apply. Follow the checklist in the applicant portal.
Language tests and SAT/ACT
Wake Forest accepts TOEFL, IELTS and Duolingo English Test. The English requirement is waived after at least three years at an English-medium secondary school. Self-reported English scores are accepted; the TOEFL code is 5885. SAT and ACT are optional.
How to apply
- Complete the Common Application or Coalition Application and Wake Forest supplement.
- Arrange the transcript, school report and teacher recommendation.
- Add an accepted English test unless the waiver applies.
- Submit the complete admission application by November 15, 2026 for most merit awards, even though Regular Decision closes later.
- Monitor the portal and answer requests promptly. Finalists are generally notified by April.
Application fee and financial note
The fee is $85, with fee waivers available based on financial need. International candidates should plan for costs outside the specific award. If they do not win merit funding, foreign nationals cannot rely on Wake Forest need-based aid.
Application tips
- Show sustained leadership and measurable impact.
- Use essays to reveal curiosity, initiative and character rather than repeat the transcript.
- Give your recommender time to describe your academic performance.
- Submit early because no cutoff time or time zone is published.
- Do not wait for a separate scholarship form.
Frequently asked questions
Are the awards fully funded?
They are full-cost awards. Major packages cover tuition, room and board and add personal or book allowances; some include enrichment funding. Exact coverage varies.
Can international students apply?
Yes. International first-year applicants can compete for most awards. International transfer students are excluded from scholarship assistance.
Is there a separate application?
No separate form is required for most awards. Submit the complete admission application by the scholarship deadline.
What is the deadline?
November 15, 2026. Wake Forest states no cutoff time or time zone.
Is SAT or ACT required?
No. Wake Forest is test optional.
Official sources
- Wake Forest scholarship benefits and deadline
- International eligibility and requirements
- First-year application process
Related opportunities
ScholarshipHubNow is not affiliated with Wake Forest University. Requirements can change; rely on official pages and your applicant portal.
