When Do Wake Forest Decisions Come Out? Class of 2031 Notification Dates

Wake Forest releases Early Decision I (ED I) results on a rolling basis, Early Decision II (ED II) by January 15, Early Action (EA) by February 15, and Regular Decision (RD) results by April 1. Transfer and waitlist applicants follow different dates.

Below, we break down Wake Forest’s notification dates for the 2026-2027 cycle, the outcomes you can receive, and the steps you can take once you hear back.

• When Does Wake Forest Release Decisions?
• When Do Wake Forest Waitlist Decisions Come Out?
• When Do Wake Forest Transfer Decisions Come Out?
• What to Do After Receiving Your Wake Forest Decision
• Waiting on Wake Forest’s Decision? Get Expert Guidance
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

When Does Wake Forest Release Decisions?

Wake Forest releases first-year decisions on four schedules, each corresponding to its four application plans:

Source: Wake Forest Undergraduate Admissions

For the Class of 2030, the first batch of ED I decisions were released as early as September 27, 2025. ED II results came out last February 13, 2026, and RD last March 20, 2026. EA was released last January 16, which was a day after their projected date.

Wake Forest University notifies applicants via an email notification that prompts them to check their online Application Status Portal.

When do Wake Forest Early Decision results come out?

Wake Forest’s ED I decisions come out on a rolling basis as early as September, and come out by the end of each month for applications completed the preceding month. As for ED II, results are released by February 15.

You can receive one of three outcomes:

• An admit means you have to commit to attending Wake Forest.
• For ED I applicants, a deferral means your application has been moved to the RD pool for a second review. For ED II applicants, a waitlist means you may still get into Wake Forest if enough spots open up after May 1.
• A deny closes your application for the cycle.

When do Wake Forest Early Action decisions come out?

Wake Forest’s EA decisions come out by January 15. This application route is only for first-generation college students.

Three outcomes are possible:

• An admit gives you until May 1 to compare offers and aid packages from other schools before you commit.
• A deferral means your application gets a second look alongside RD applicants.
• A deny closes your application for the cycle.

When do Wake Forest Regular Decision results come out?

Wake Forest RD results come out by April 1.

You’ll get one of three possible outcomes:

• An admit means you’ve been accepted, and you have until May 1 to make your choice.
• A waitlist means you may still be offered a spot later if spaces open after the May 1 deposit deadline.
• A deny closes your application for the cycle.

Haven’t applied yet? See every Wake Forest application deadline

If you haven’t applied wait, the more important dates you should pay attention to first are the deadlines. Take a look at our guide to Wake Forest application deadlines to help you first track the dates you need to know.

When Do Wake Forest Waitlist Decisions Come Out?

Wake Forest decisions come out on a rolling basis starting from early May and continuing into July. To join the waitlist, you must complete the “Decision Reply Form,” which includes the last date that you would like to be considered for admission. Wake Forest also hosts a webinar for waitlisted students.

You can take a look at their Waitlist Archive for an idea of how often they accept waitlisted students.

When Do Wake Forest Transfer Decisions Come Out?

Wake Forest transfer decisions come out in mid-December for Spring applicants and in mid-May for Fall applicants. Admitted transfer students typically have the same residency requirements as first-year students. Transfer admits are usually paired together using a similar housing process as freshmen.

What to Do After Receiving Your Wake Forest Decision

Your next steps depend on which of the outcomes you receive:

If Wake Forest admits you off the waitlist, you can accept that and withdraw from where you originally sent a deposit to. The deposit is non-refundable, but it’s best to still commit to a backup school by May 1 so you don’t risk losing an option.

If you were denied, strengthen your profile and explore transfer opportunities if Wake Forest remains part of your undergraduate journey.

Waiting on Wake Forest’s Decision? Get Expert Guidance

There’s always a way to improve your profile regardless of whether you’ve already submitted your application or not.

If you’re still working on your application, AdmissionSight’s Standard College Counseling program pairs you with an advisor for the full cycle. They’ll help you decide through which route to apply through, how to strategically list your extracurriculars, and make sure you don’t miss your deadline.

If you were deferred or waitlisted, our Ad Hoc Consulting option allows you to book one-off sessions for what you need help with the most, whether it’s writing a letter of continued interest or improving your profile in other ways.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What time of day do Wake Forest decisions come out?

Wake Forest typically releases admissions decisions later in the evening (most commonly between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM EST).

2. When does Wake Forest release Early Action decisions?

Wake Forest releases EA decisions by January 15, 2027.

3. When does Wake Forest release Regular Decision results?

Wake Forest releases RD results by April 1, 2027.

4. Can I appeal if Wake Forest rejects my application?

No, you cannot appeal an undergraduate admissions rejection from Wake Forest.

5. How does Wake Forest notify applicants of their decision?

Wake Forest sends applicants an email instructing them to log in to their Application Status Portal to view their official decision letter.

Takeaways

• Wake Forest releases ED I decisions on a rolling basis as early as the end of September, EA by January 15, ED II by February 15, and RD by April 1.
• Waitlisted decisions are released on a rolling basis starting early May and can extend through July.
• Transfer decisions come out by mid-December for Spring Entry and in mid-May for Fall Entry.
• Want help strategizing your Wake Forest application or need guidance after being waitlisted or deferred? A college admissions expert can help you plan your next step.