Here's why that number alone isn't sufficient and what Wake Forest looks for:
* Rigor of Coursework: While you mention a rigorous boarding school, the *lack* of weighted grades is a factor. Wake Forest wants to see you challenging yourself with the most demanding courses available. They'll look at the difficulty of your courses, even without weighting, and compare it to the courses taken by other applicants. Taking AP, IB, or college-level courses is crucial.
* GPA Trajectory: A 3.5 GPA in 10th grade is a snapshot in time. Colleges want to see upward trends. You need to aim for a significantly higher GPA by the time you apply (likely a 3.8 or higher, ideally closer to a 4.0).
* SAT/ACT Score: Your SAT or ACT score is extremely important. Wake Forest looks for very strong scores. A high score can compensate for a GPA slightly below their average.
* Extracurricular Activities: You mention being involved in a lot of activities. This is excellent! But quantity isn't everything. Colleges want to see *quality* involvement—leadership roles, significant contributions, demonstrated passion and commitment. They're interested in the impact you made, not just the number of clubs you joined.
* Essays and Recommendations: Your essays are your opportunity to show your personality, goals, and experiences in a way that numbers can't. Strong letters of recommendation from teachers and counselors who know you well are also vital.
In short, a 3.5 GPA in 10th grade is not a guarantee of admission to Wake Forest. You need to focus on significantly improving your GPA throughout high school, achieving a very high SAT/ACT score, engaging in meaningful extracurricular activities, and crafting compelling application materials. Research the average GPA and test scores of admitted students on sites like PrepScholar or CollegeData to get a better understanding of Wake Forest's typical applicant profile. Consider talking to your school counselor about your chances and how to best strengthen your application.