Frequently Asked Questions

Public Health Guidelines

• What COVID-related protocols will be in place for Summer 2023?

  Wake Forest University remains committed to safeguarding the health and wellness of our students and providing an enlightening academic experience. In close consultation with local health experts, we continue to monitor public health conditions locally and around the world. The Summer Immersion Program will host students on campus, pending future public health guidelines. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test 24 hours prior to check-in will be required in order to participate in on-campus programming.

• Will we be required to wear masks?

  Masks are a personal choice based on a personal assessment of risks. In certain circumstances, participants may be asked to wear a mask.

• Can I request a roommate?

  Yes, once both students have been accepted into the Summer Immersion Program, email summerimmersion@wfu.edu to request a specific roommate. Please note, that all requests are not guaranteed. The last day to request a roommate is April 28, 2023.

• Can I request a refund if I registered, but cannot attend the Summer Immersion Program?

  Any tuition paid towards the Summer Immersion Program, minus the non-refundable $550 deposit, will be returned if you cannot attend the Summer Immersion Program, within a two-week notice. We are happy to defer your acceptance and deposit to Summer 2024.
  

  Within two weeks of the start of a program, all payments made towards tuition are non-refundable.

• How can I find out more information about Public Health Guidance during the Summer Immersion Program?

  For additional information regarding steps the University is taking to minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission on campus, we encourage you to review the University’s COVID-19 Policies Website.

• The institute I want to apply for is full and has a waitlist. What should I do?

  You are more than welcome to apply and be put on the waitlist, or register for another Institute. Putting your name on the waitlist does include a $550 deposit, which can be transferred to another Institute if you are not admitted into your first choice. You can find the full list of our Institutes here.

• Who is eligible to apply to the Wake Forest Summer Immersion Program?

  Current 9th to 12th grade students who are in good academic standing and have no school suspensions are invited to apply.

• Can international students apply to the Wake Forest Summer Immersion Program?

  Yes, international students are encouraged to apply. Students are not required to submit a TOEFL score. However, students classified as international students are not eligible to receive need-based aid or scholarships.

• Can home-schooled students apply to the Wake Forest Summer Immersion Program?

  Yes, home-schooled students are encouraged to apply.

• Do students who completed the program last year need to reapply if they want to participate again?

  Yes, both new and returning students must complete a new application with updated materials. If you deferred your Summer 2022 registration/deposit to Summer 2023, you do NOT need to reapply.

• What are the application requirements?

  To be considered for the Summer Immersion Program each student must submit an online application, as well as receive one recommendation from a school counselor, teacher or administrator (principal, dean, head of school).
  
  Within the online application, students will list the name, phone number and email address of a reference who can speak to the student’s academic abilities and capacity to thrive in a college environment (the online recommendation cannot be requested from a family member, coach, religious leader or paid tutor). References will receive an automated email with a link to a form that asks questions about the student. High school transcripts and test scores are not required to apply to the Summer Immersion Program.

• When is the application deadline?

  We accept students on a rolling basis until all programs are filled. There is no hard deadline to apply. Typically, we begin to implement waitlists in January, so students are encouraged to apply early.

• Is it frowned upon to show interest in more than one program?

  Students are encouraged to show interest in as many Institutes as they desire and find interesting. The admissions decision is not based upon the number of institutes to which you check on your application.

• How are students notified if accepted into a program?

  Once a student’s application and recommendation have been received a decision will be made and the student will be contacted by email. Students will receive the message “An update has been posted to your application status page. You may access your status page here.” Students will be able to see their decision letter on their student status page which can be found here: slate.summer.wfu.edu/apply/status.
  
  Students are encouraged to show interest in as many Institutes as they desire and find interesting. The admissions decision is not based upon the number of institutes to which you check on your application.
  
  We also accept checks which can be mailed to Wake Forest University, Campus Financial Services, Attention: Karen Hunter, P.O. Box 7201, Winston-Salem, NC 27109. Please note “Summer Immersion Program – Name of Student” in the memo field of the check.

Registration and Payment

• How much does the Summer Immersion Program cost?

  All Non-STEM Institutes are $2,800 for Overnight campers. This includes:

  Business

  Debate and Public Advocacy

  Filmmaking

  Entrepreneurship

  Finance and Investing

  Health and Wellbeing

  Law

  Leadership

  Policy and Politics

  Screenwriting

  Sports Business

  Writing for Life

  All STEM Institutes are $3,000 for Overnight campers. This includes:

  Bioscience

  Engineering

  Health and Exercise Science

  Medicine

  Neuroscience

  Psychology

  Sports Medicine

  Technology

  Virtual Reality

• Is scholarship support available? How do I apply for a scholarship?

  Need-based scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. We review applications and award scholarship dollars on a rolling basis (starting on November 1), so the sooner students apply, the better. Within the general online application, there is a question that asks if the applicant is interested in applying for a scholarship. If one selects “Yes”, the scholarship application will generate and can be filled out and submitted when you submit the general Summer Immersion application. The scholarship portion of the application requires an uploaded W-2 from the previous year’s tax return. Students must apply by April 28, 2023 in order to be considered for a scholarship award.

• What are the dates for the Summer Immersion Program?

  Please check the 2023 Dates page for our Summer 2023 dates.

• How do I register and secure a seat after I’ve been accepted?

  We review applications and award scholarship dollars on a rolling basis (starting After a student receives an acceptance letter via email, they can click the “Register” link in the email to access our registration form. Students can also visit their Student Status Page to register. On the registration form, students will need to select the institute(s) and week(s) they would like to attend. After a week is selected, the $550 initial deposit due will generate.
  
  A deposit of $550.00 must be received in order to secure a seat in an institute. All remaining tuition is due by April 28, 2023. Payments are accepted online or via telephone at 980-224-9297.
  
  Students and parents can make payments with a credit card (in the United States the card types are Visa, MasterCard, American Express, JCB, Discover, and Diners Club) or a prepaid Visa or MasterCard gift card. Users in the United States can also use checking account payments through ACH transfers. Paper checks can be mailed to Wake Forest University, Campus Financial Services, Attention: Karen Hunter, P.O. Box 7201, Winston-Salem, NC 27109. Please note “Summer Immersion Program – Name of Student” in the memo field of any paper check sent.

• When is tuition due?

  Upon acceptance to the Summer Immersion Program, students are encouraged to register by submitting the enrollment deposit of $550 to hold their space in the program and the week of their choice. The remaining tuition will be due no later than April 28, 2023. For students who register after April 28th, full tuition is due upon registration.

• Will there be a waitlist for students who want to attend programs that have been filled?

  Yes, students who are unable to reserve a seat in the institute of their choice can be added to a waitlist. In order to be added to the waitlist, students must submit a deposit of $550.00 to hold their space should an opening become available. Students who don’t move off of the waitlist can transfer to another available institute or have the initial deposit refunded. Students will be notified via email regarding their waitlist status.

Preparing for On-Campus Programing

• What are the hours of operation for the Summer Immersion Program?

  If you are participating in an institute taking place on our main campus in Winston-Salem, NC:

  Overnight participants will check-in on Sunday between 3:00 – 5:00 pm EST and dismiss at noon on Friday.

  If you are participating in the Law Institute taking place at the Wake Forest University Charlotte Center in Charlotte, NC:

  Day camp participants will arrive each day (Monday – Friday) at 8:45 am EST. Students will be dismissed at 4:30 pm EST Monday – Thursday and at noon on Friday.

• I live in the Winston-Salem area. Am I required to stay on campus during the program?

  We are not offering a day-camp option in Winston-Salem. Students are required to participate in our overnight institutes.

• Is parking included in tuition?

  If a student is planning on driving to Winston-Salem and parking his/her car for the week, they must request a parking pass on the Travel and Transportation Survey. Students who drive to campus will have their keys collected, as students are not allowed to leave campus during their time at Wake Forest.

• Is transportation to field trips included in tuition?

  Transportation to and from all off-site field trips is included in student tuition.

• Should I list my child as an unaccompanied minor when they fly to travel for the Summer Immersion Program?

  No, the Summer Immersion Program will not be able to provide staff members to retrieve and drop off students to/from the airline gate.

• Does Wake Forest University provide transportation to campus from the airport?

  Wake Forest University will provide shuttle buses to/from the Piedmont-Triad International Airport (GSO) at the beginning/conclusion of the week. The fee for reserving a space on the airport shuttle is $50 per trip ($100 round trip).
  
  On Sunday, our Program Staff will meet students in baggage claim at 2:15 pm EST in front of the American/Allegiant Door with a Wake Forest Summer Immersion sign. Students should NOT be listed as unaccompanied minors when booking air travel. The Summer Immersion Program will not provide staff members to retrieve and drop students off at the airline gate. The Wake Forest shuttle service will depart from the Greensboro airport at 2:30 pm EST to bring students to campus. We will not offer airport shuttle service to or from the Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT).
  
  Upon the conclusion of the institute on Friday, shuttle buses will depart for the airport at 12:30 pm EST. Students are encouraged to book flights that take off after 2:30 pm EST to ensure smooth travel. If flying, students are expected to complete the Travel and Transportation Survey prior to traveling to campus.

• Who will be supervising students throughout the week?

  High school students will be in the presence of Summer Immersion Program staff at all times, including recreational and evening activities. Students are supported by a team of carefully selected Program Ambassadors, Resident Assistants (RAs), and professional staff members. This team oversees the safety of all students and serves in an on-call rotation 24 hours a day, throughout the week while the program is in session. Professional staff and RAs will live in the residence hall with students to provide overnight supervision throughout all weeks of summer programming. In case of an emergency on campus, the Wake Forest University Police Department is available 24/7.

• Am I required to attend all five days of the program?

  Students are encouraged to attend all five days of the institute to receive a Certificate of Completion. Many programs also include a group project in which all students will participate.
  Students check-in Sunday afternoon between 3:00 and 5:00 pm EST. Academic content begins Monday and ends at noon on Friday.

• If I am participating in two programs, where should I stay over the weekend?

  Unfortunately, students are unable to stay in the residence halls over the weekend due to a lack of staff supervision. There are many hotels in the area, near the University.

• Will I be able to use the Wake Forest gym to workout during the Summer Immersion Program?

  Wake Forest University policy states that minors under the age of 16 are not allowed to use the facility and those over the age of 16 must-have 1:1 adult supervision and be accompanied by a staff member. The Wake Forest Summer Immersion Program staff is not able to provide 1:1 supervision for every student and therefore students will not be able to use the gym during their time on campus. In addition, a parent/guardian is not allowed to sign a waiver to relinquish supervision requirements.
  
  Throughout the week, students will have access to volleyball and basketball courts, as well as an outdoor track. Students will be supervised by Wake Forest undergraduate Program Ambassadors during these activities.

• What should I pack in preparation for staying on campus?

  Our 2023 Summer Immersion Program Packing List will be available on each student’s student status page once registered for an Institute.

• Is there a dress code?

  Dress is casual. Please bring a jacket or sweatshirt, as the classrooms can be chilly during the summer. Our 2023 Summer Immersion Program Packing List will be available on each student’s student status page after registering for an Institute.

Online Immersion Program

• Who is eligible to apply to the Online Immersion Program?

  These courses are designed especially for high school or U.S.-high-school equivalent students, including those who are taking a “gap year” between high school and college. Students should be between 13 and 19 years old, not yet enrolled in college, and no more than 1-year post-high school graduation (“gap year”).

• Do students who completed the program last year need to reapply if they want to participate again?

  Returning online immersion students can either complete a new application to participate in a new program or reach out to support@onlineimmersion.wfu.edu and indicate interest in completing a new course.

• What are the application requirements?

  We are looking for basic information and why you’re interested. You can complete your statement with a short essay, video, and/or other media files that tell your story. You must report your GPA (academic average), however, there is no minimum GPA requirement to be considered. The most important part of your application is your personal statement.
  
  While we welcome students whose native languages are not English, note that the course is taught in English and application submissions must also be provided in English. Applications submitted in languages other than English will not be accepted.
  
  Students must be at least 13 years old; no more than 19 years old; and no more than one year removed from high school graduation.

• When is the application deadline?

  For application deadlines, please look at specific program websites.

• Is it frowned upon to show interest in more than one program?

  Students are encouraged to show interest in as many institutes as they desire and find interesting. The admissions decision is not based upon the number of institutes to which you check on your application.

• How much do the Online Immersion Programs cost?

  The Online Immersion Program is $995.

• Is scholarship support available?

  We offer need-based scholarships in each cohort to students exhibiting high potential who need assistance affording the associated cost. If you would like to be considered for a scholarship but you:
  
  Haven’t applied to the program, complete your application now. The scholarship application is included.
  
  Applied to the program and didn’t fill out a scholarship request, reach out to us at support@onlineimmersion.wfu.edu for assistance.
  
  Are unsure about whether or not you applied for a scholarship, reach out to us at support@onlineimmersion.wfu.edu for assistance.

• How are students notified if accepted to a program?

  You’ll usually be notified via email within 5 business days. At peak times or if we have questions about the information you’ve provided, it may take a few additional days to review your application and send you a decision.

• Will participating in the Online Immersion Program help me get into Wake Forest?

  Like all summer enrichment programs, participating in the Online Immersion Program will make students more interesting and experienced college applicants. Improved skills and understanding of interdisciplinary thinking will prove beneficial as students apply to college. Although participation in the Online Immersion Program will not afford any preferential treatment in the Wake Forest admissions process, participating in the program is an example of demonstrated interest in Wake Forest.

• Which programs are non-credit?

  All programs are non-credit. The Summer Immersion Program Online is designed to enrich the student’s understanding of a particular career path or field of study.

• I have additional questions, who do I contact?

  For more information about the Online Immersion Program, please visit our website or reach out to support@onlineimmersion.wfu.edu.

General Questions

• Will participating in the Summer Immersion Program help me get into Wake Forest?

  Like all summer enrichment programs, participating in the Summer Immersion Program will make students more interesting and experienced college applicants. Improved skills and understanding of interdisciplinary thinking will prove beneficial as students apply to college. Although participation in the Summer Immersion Program will not afford any preferential treatment in the Wake Forest admissions process, participating in the Summer Immersion Program is an example of demonstrated interest in Wake Forest.

• Are your programs for credit?

  The Wake Forest Summer Immersion Program is designed to enrich the student’s understanding of a particular career path or field of study. Students will select an area of focus for their respective Institute. All Institutes are non-credit.

• Do you offer any programming for middle school students?

  The Summer Exploration Program is currently on hold for Summer 2023. We look forward to inviting middle school students to campus in the future!

• If I have additional questions, who do I contact?

  Please contact the Summer Immersion Program team at summerimmersion@wfu.edu or by phone:

  • Executive Director, Kyla Hollingsworth, at phone (704) 365-1921
  • Director, Betsy Schneider, via phone at (980) 224-9298
  • Manger, Lizzy Randolph, via phone at (980) 224-9281
  • Administrative Assistant, Valeria Torres, via phone at (980) 224-9297