Carleton vs Wake Forest
How Carleton and Wake Forest stack up on the numbers that decide where you apply: selectivity, cost after aid, testing, and essays.
| Carleton | Wake Forest | |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 21.8% | 20% |
| SAT (middle 50%) | 1450-1560 | 1410-1520 |
| Testing policy | Test-optional | Test-optional |
| Type | Private | Private |
| Location | MN | NC |
| Sticker price (per year) | $82,167 | $84,054 |
| Average cost after aid | $29,434 | $39,200 |
| Supplemental essays | 1 | 4 |
- Wake Forest is harder to get into than Carleton (20% versus 21.8%), so treat it as the bigger reach.
- After aid, Carleton is usually the cheaper option ($29,434 versus $39,200 per year on average).
- Both are test-optional, so you can apply without submitting SAT or ACT scores.
- Wake Forest asks for more supplemental writing (4 essays versus 1), so budget more time for its application.
- Run the free chances calculator to see your real odds at both, then get a free read on each school's essays.
Carleton vs Wake Forest FAQ
Is Carleton or Wake Forest harder to get into?
Wake Forest is harder to get into, admitting about 20% of applicants versus 21.8% at Carleton.
Is Carleton or Wake Forest cheaper?
After financial aid, Carleton is usually cheaper, about $29,434 per year on average versus $39,200 at Wake Forest.
See your real chances at Carleton and Wake Forest.
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