William & Mary / How to get in
How to Get Into William & Mary
William & Mary admits roughly 37% of applicants overall, with the binding Early Decision pool admitted at close to 49%. Admitted students cluster near the top of their class, with a middle 50% SAT of 1390-1520 and ACT of 32-34, though the school is genuinely test-optional and a large share of a recent class applied without scores. Here is the academic profile that keeps you in the running, what William & Mary weighs most, and where to put your energy.
- 3.9-4.0
- GPA (middle 50%)
- 1390-1520
- SAT (middle 50%)
Every college publishes how heavily it weighs each part of your application in its Common Data Set. Here is how William & Mary reads applicants, most important first.
- Course rigor
- Grades (GPA)
- Class rank
- Test scores
- The application essay
- Recommendation letters
- Extracurricular activities
- Talent or ability
- Character and personal qualities
- State residency
- First-generation status
- Legacy relation
- Demonstrated interest
William & Mary is test-optional, so you can apply without SAT or ACT scores, though a strong score can still help.
Early Decision I November 1 · Early Decision II January 5 · Regular Decision January 5 · ED I / RD notification Early December / By April 1. Applying early (Early Action or Early Decision, where offered) can modestly improve your odds and signals commitment.
Your grades and course rigor are mostly set by now. The highest-leverage things left are your essays and how you frame your activities. William & Mary reads holistically, so a specific, well-told essay is where you separate yourself from other qualified applicants.
How to get into William & Mary: FAQ
Is William & Mary hard to get into?
William & Mary admits roughly 37% of applicants overall, with the binding Early Decision pool admitted at close to 49%. Admitted students cluster near the top of their class, with a middle 50% SAT of 1390-1520 and ACT of 32-34, though the school is genuinely test-optional and a large share of a recent class applied without scores. At William & Mary, applicants clear a high academic bar first, then stand out through essays, activities, and character.
What GPA do you need to get into William & Mary?
Admitted students at William & Mary typically have a GPA around 3.9-4.0 (middle 50 percent). A strong GPA in demanding courses is the foundation, though it never guarantees admission.
What SAT score do you need for William & Mary?
The middle 50 percent of admitted students at William & Mary score about 1390-1520 on the SAT. Scores in or above that range keep you competitive.
What does William & Mary look for in applicants?
William & Mary weighs course rigor and grades (gpa) most heavily, alongside a strong academic record. The parts you most control late in the process are your essays and how you present your activities.
See your real chances at William & Mary and every school.
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