Nestled in the historic town of Williamsburg, Virginia, the College of William & Mary stands as a beacon of academic excellence and tradition. With a student body of approximately 6,500 undergraduates, this prestigious institution, founded in 1693, holds the distinction of being the second oldest in the United States. Renowned for its commitment to scholarship and innovation, William & Mary consistently earns recognition as one of the top 10 public universities nationwide.
As a highly selective college, William & Mary attracts students who exemplify academic prowess and exceptional achievements. With average standardized test scores in the 95th percentile, and a penchant for academic excellence, many applicants boast impressive academic records, reflecting a dedication to learning and achievement throughout their high school years.
What is The William & Mary Early Decision Acceptance Rate?
At the College of William & Mary, prospective students have the unique opportunity to apply through a binding early decision option. This strategic approach to admissions provides a significant advantage, as evidenced by the impressive acceptance rates for early decision applicants. In the Class of 2025, the early decision admit rate stood at an impressive 49%, showcasing the benefits of this proactive application route. Notably, the previous year saw an even higher ED acceptance rate of 51%, a noteworthy ten points above the acceptance rate for the regular decision round.
What is The William & Mary Acceptance Rate?
For the Class of 2025 at the College of William & Mary, the overall acceptance rate was 37%, marking a slight decrease from the previous year’s rate of 42%. Among the 17,475 total applicants, 6,386 received offers of acceptance. Notably, William & Mary prioritizes Virginia residents in its admissions process, reflecting its commitment to serving the local community. In-state applicants enjoyed a higher acceptance rate of 44%, compared to 37% for out-of-state candidates, highlighting the university’s emphasis on supporting its home state students.
What is William & Mary SAT and ACT Scores, GPA, and Class Rank?
In the College of William & Mary’s Class of 2025, incoming freshmen showcased exceptional academic credentials. On average, they boasted a weighted GPA of 4.3. Their standardized test scores fell within a robust mid-50% range, with SAT scores ranging from 1360 to 1520 and ACT scores from 31 to 34. Demonstrating their academic prowess, a remarkable 82% of the class ranked in the top decile of their high school class, underlining the caliber of students admitted to William & Mary.
What is The Admission Insights at William & Mary?
In the realm of admissions trends and insights at William & Mary:
- Continuing its test-optional policy, nearly 39% of applicants for the Class of 2025 chose not to submit ACT or SAT scores.
- The applicant pool for the Class of 2025 witnessed a notable surge, marking a 23% increase compared to the previous cycle.
- A commendable 11% of incoming freshmen in the 2021-22 academic year were first-generation college students, reflecting William & Mary’s commitment to diversity and accessibility.
- Notably, 197 members of the freshman cohort in 2021-22 were Pell Grant recipients, representing a record high for the institution and underscoring its dedication to supporting students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds.
- International students accounted for just 4% of the Class of 2025, reflecting the university’s focus on domestic recruitment while maintaining a global perspective.
What is The Admission Criteria at William & Mary?
William & Mary takes a comprehensive approach to admissions, considering a wide range of factors to evaluate candidates thoroughly. Currently, the university emphasizes 12 key aspects in its evaluation process:
- Rigor of secondary school record
- Class rank
- GPA
- Standardized test scores (though the university is test-optional)
- Essays
- Recommendations
- Extracurricular activities
- Talent/ability (with samples provided in the Demographics section below)
- Character/personal qualities
- State residency
- Volunteer work
- Work experience
According to the William & Mary admissions office, each application undergoes a meticulous review process, with every application read at least twice, including once by the regional dean. The goal is to assemble a dynamic, diverse, and academically engaged student body. The university’s admission review process is founded on a comprehensive, holistic approach that takes into account multiple factors when making decisions.
What is The William & Mary Demographics?
Now, let’s delve into the demographics of the Class of 2025 at William & Mary:
Geographically, the distribution of students is as follows:
- Virginia: 64%
- Non-Virginia Residents: 36%
Competition is stiffest among applicants from states with abundant qualified candidates, particularly the Northeast and the West Coast. Conversely, students from less populated states like South Dakota, Wyoming, or Idaho may have a better chance of admission. The states with the highest representation, excluding Virginia, are:
- Maryland: 66
- New Jersey: 65
- Pennsylvania: 58
- New York: 58
- Massachusetts: 48
- California: 36
- Connecticut: 26
- North Carolina: 24
- Florida: 21
- Illinois: 20
Examining ethnic diversity, the composition of the Class of 2025 is as follows:
- White: 60%
- Asian: 12%
- Hispanic: 9%
- African American: 6%
- Two or more races: 6%
- International: 4%
The countries contributing the most students to the undergraduate body at W&M are:
- China
- Canada
- South Korea
- El Salvador
- United Kingdom
In terms of gender distribution:
- Male: 42%
- Female: 45%
With fewer male students entering the university, male applicants have a notable advantage over their female counterparts. Male applicants for the Class of 2025 had a 42% acceptance rate, compared to 33% for female applicants.
What is The William & Mary Yield Rate?
William & Mary’s yield rate, which reflects the proportion of accepted students who choose to enroll, stands at 26%. In comparison, other prominent public universities report the following yield rates:
- UVA (University of Virginia): 40%
- UNC Chapel Hill (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill): 43%
- Virginia Tech: 33%
The William & Mary Application Process Key Tips
If you’re considering applying to William & Mary among the 18,000+ hopefuls for the next admissions cycle, here’s what you need to know:
- Early Decision Rounds: William & Mary offers two rounds of Early Decision. The ED I deadline is November 1, and the ED II deadline is January 3.
- Interview Opportunities: High school seniors may have the opportunity for interviews, conducted by current W&M seniors, though availability is limited.
- Demonstrated Interest: The university does take into account demonstrated interest, so engaging with the school through activities like campus visits (when possible), contacting admissions officers, attending virtual sessions, or interacting on social media could positively impact your application.
- Supplemental Essay: Allocate ample time and effort to the supplemental essay, which has a 500-word limit, to ensure it reflects your best qualities and aspirations.
Conclusion
William & Mary stands as a beacon of academic excellence and tradition, attracting thousands of applicants each year with its rich history and prestigious reputation. As you navigate the admissions process, keep in mind the unique opportunities and considerations offered by W&M, from its Early Decision options to its emphasis on demonstrated interest. With careful preparation and dedication, you can present a compelling application that showcases your potential to thrive within the vibrant community of scholars at William & Mary.