UC Irvine vs Wake Forest University

UC Irvine is the more selective of the two at 21%, versus 21% at Wake Forest University. Here is how they compare on selectivity, test scores, and what they weigh, plus a free way to estimate your odds at each.

UC Irvine
Highly selective
21%
acceptance rate
SAT 75th pct: 1420
Public · California
Wake Forest University
Highly selective
21%
acceptance rate
SAT 75th pct: 1490
Private · North Carolina

UC Irvine vs Wake Forest University: the differences that matter

How UC Irvine and Wake Forest University stack up on selectivity, scores, and what they value.

UC Irvine and Wake Forest University are almost equally selective (21% vs 21%), so neither is a clear safety relative to the other. Your odds at each come down to fit, not headline difficulty.

The two also read applications a little differently. UC Irvine leans more on state residency, while Wake Forest University puts more weight on application essay, recommendations, interview. The same profile can land differently at each, which is why a per-school estimate matters more than a single GPA.

On test scores, UC Irvine's admitted 75th-percentile SAT is around 1420 and Wake Forest University's is around 1490. Admitted students at Wake Forest University post somewhat higher scores. Run your own numbers below to see where you stand at each.

What each school weighs

Factors either school weighs heavily, side by side.

FactorUC IrvineWake Forest University
Rigor of secondary school recordvery importantvery important
Academic GPAvery importantvery important
Standardized test scoresimportantimportant
Application essayconsideredvery important
Recommendationsconsideredimportant
Extracurricular activitiesconsideredvery important
Talent / abilityconsideredvery important
Character / personal qualitiesconsideredvery important
Calculate your chances at both →

Frequently asked questions

Is UC Irvine or Wake Forest University harder to get into?

UC Irvine is harder to get into, with a 21% acceptance rate versus 21% at Wake Forest University.

What's the difference in SAT scores between UC Irvine and Wake Forest University?

UC Irvine's admitted 75th-percentile SAT is around 1420, and Wake Forest University's is around 1490.

What are my chances at UC Irvine and Wake Forest University?

That depends on your full profile. CollegeCalcAI gives a free, personalized estimate for each school in a few minutes.