The William & Mary acceptance rate for the Class of 2028 (entering fall 2024) is 32.8%, reflecting its status as one of the most selective public universities in the United States. This means out of 15,821 applicants, only 5,195 received admission offers, according to official data from the university's admissions office. For novices, an acceptance rate is simply the percentage of total applicants who get accepted—lower rates indicate higher selectivity, meaning fiercer competition. William & Mary, founded in 1693 and located in historic Williamsburg, Virginia, attracts top global talent with its rigorous academics, vibrant campus life, and strong alumni network.
Acceptance rates for William & Mary have trended slightly downward over the past decade. Historical data from the Common Data Set shows: 37% in 2019, 36.5% in 2022, 33% in 2023, and now 32.8% 📊. This shift stems from surging applications—up 10% yearly—driven by the school's reputation for leadership development and outcomes rivaling Ivy League peers. Compare it to similar publics like University of Virginia (18.7%) or UNC Chapel Hill (17.4%); William & Mary holds its own at a more accessible yet elite level. William & Mary Admissions provides full breakdowns.
William & Mary admission statistics reveal key factors: a holistic review prioritizing GPA (average 4.3 weighted), rigorous coursework, essays, and extracurriculars. Test-optional through 2025, but strong SAT/ACT scores (1460-1530 middle 50%) boost chances if submitted. Early Decision (ED) yields higher odds at 53.9% versus Regular Decision (RD) at 30.4%—ED binds you if accepted, ideal for top-choice applicants. Deadlines: ED November 1, ED II January 3, RD January 5 for 2025 cycle.
William & Mary selectivity is amplified by 'hooks' like legacies (children of alumni get a modest boost, per Common Data Set), athletic recruitment (Division I sports like lacrosse and swimming fill ~10% of class), and significant donations, which can influence for ultra-high-net-worth families—though ethically, focus on merit. Diversity admissions emphasize underrepresented groups via programs like the Summer Institutes. International students face similar rates but need TOEFL/IELTS.
Boost your William & Mary application tips: Craft standout essays highlighting 'leadership in action' (school motto), secure recs from teachers who know you well, and pursue unique hooks like research or startups. Check Rate My Professor for William & Mary to align interests with faculty. Odds improve with 3.9+ unweighted GPA and demonstrated impact. Explore scholarships early; average aid package is $25,000, with 55% receiving need-based grants.
Post-admission, leverage clubs like Phi Beta Kappa or Greek life for networking. Career stats shine: 95% employed/grad school within 6 months, median salary $75,000. Connect ethically via higher ed career advice. For jobs in Williamsburg, visit Academic Jobs in Williamsburg or Virginia. Rate My Professor William & Mary helps pick classes. Ready for your future? Browse higher ed jobs to see alumni paths and start planning.
Whether chasing William & Mary enrollment trends or admission odds, this guide equips you. Dive deeper into William & Mary Common Data Set.
The William & Mary acceptance rate stands at approximately 33% for the Class of 2028, based on the most recent data from the university's Common Data Set and official admissions reports. This figure is calculated as the percentage of completed applications that receive an offer of admission, reflecting the total applicants divided by those admitted. For context, William & Mary received over 20,000 applications for the 2023-2024 cycle, admitting around 6,600 students, with an enrollment yield of about 27%—meaning more than a quarter of admits chose to attend. This selectivity positions William & Mary as one of the most competitive public universities in the U.S., often grouped with "Public Ivies" alongside peers like the University of Virginia (acceptance rate ~18%) and University of Michigan (~18%).
Historical acceptance rates for William & Mary have remained stable over the past decade, hovering between 30-35%: 34% in 2019, 32% in 2020, 33% in 2022, and steady at 33% in 2023. Enrollment trends show applications rising by 15% since 2019 due to the university's rising national profile, driven by strong programs in government, business, and law. Unique aspects include its binding Early Decision (ED) options—ED I (deadline November 1) and ED II (January 3)—which boast higher rates of 52-60%, compared to Regular Decision (RD, January 5 deadline) at around 30%. These plans reward demonstrated commitment, as ED applicants are statistically more likely to enroll.
The importance of these William & Mary admission statistics cannot be overstated: a low acceptance rate signals prestige, rigorous academics, and valuable alumni networks, but it also means fierce competition. Implications for applicants include the need for standout GPAs (average 4.3 weighted), rigorous coursework, compelling essays highlighting fit with William & Mary's honor code and collaborative culture, and strong letters of recommendation. Test-optional policies through 2025 further emphasize holistic review, favoring unique extracurriculars, leadership, and research.
Comparatively, William & Mary's selectivity exceeds many liberal arts colleges but trails top privates like Vanderbilt (6%). Actionable insights to improve your William & Mary admission odds: Apply ED if it's your top choice to double your chances; leverage legitimate hooks like National Merit status, QuestBridge, or recruited athletics (which admit ~200 students yearly via 27 Division I sports); pursue ethical development through internships or publications. Be aware of realities—legacies (~10-15% admit rate boost per CDS), significant donor influence, and athletic recruitment provide edges, but merit remains paramount. For transparency, review the Common Data Set or official admissions page.
Parents and students exploring options in Williamsburg can find academic jobs in Williamsburg, Virginia university jobs, or U.S. higher ed opportunities nearby. Before deciding, check Rate My Professor for William & Mary to gauge faculty quality, and explore scholarships or higher ed jobs for post-grad planning.
Understanding historical trends in William & Mary acceptance rates helps applicants gauge the university's growing selectivity. The acceptance rate is calculated as the percentage of admitted students out of total applicants (admits divided by applications multiplied by 100). For novices, this metric signals competition levels: a dropping rate means more applicants chasing fewer spots, often due to rising popularity from high rankings and test-optional policies.
Over the past decade, William & Mary's overall acceptance rate has trended downward from around 40% to the low 30s, reflecting a surge in applications—up over 50% since 2019 amid the COVID-19 admissions shifts. Early Decision (ED), a binding commitment if accepted, consistently offers higher odds (around 50%) versus Regular Decision (RD). This trend implies fiercer competition; applicants should use it to strategize timing and strengthen holistic profiles including essays, extracurriculars, and recommendations.
| Entering Class | Applications | Admits | Overall Rate | ED Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2028 (2024) | 17,012 | 5,457 | 32.5% | 52% |
| 2027 (2023) | 15,850 | 5,195 | 33% | 49% |
| 2026 (2022) | 14,856 | 5,340 | 36% | 51% |
| 2025 (2021) | 12,701 | 5,372 | 42% | 54% |
| 2024 (2020) | 13,917 | 5,372 | 38.6% | 53% |
William & Mary Common Data Set provides raw data for verification. Reasons for the decline include a 20,000+ applicant pool peak in recent cycles, driven by William & Mary's public Ivy reputation and Williamsburg's historic charm. Implications? Top students now face William & Mary admission statistics akin to elite publics like UVA (18%). For applicants, track enrollment trends William & Mary via Rate My Professor for program insights, apply ED if committed, and explore academic jobs in Williamsburg or higher ed jobs for networking edges. Compare odds using SAT scores tools.
Getting into William & Mary (W&M), a prestigious public university known for its rigorous academics and vibrant community, hinges on a holistic admissions process. Admissions officers evaluate applicants through a test-required lens for Fall 2025 cycles onward, weighing multiple factors beyond grades. The overall William & Mary acceptance rate hovers around 33% (Class of 2028), but selectivity spikes for out-of-state applicants at ~25%, per the latest Common Data Set.
Academic Rigor and GPA: W&M prioritizes course load over raw GPA. Average admitted GPA is 4.2-4.3 weighted, with 90%+ in top 10% of class. They value Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), or honors courses. Strengthening step: Enroll in 8-12 AP/IB classes; aim for A averages. Compare to peers like University of Virginia (UVA, ~4.3 GPA) or UNC Chapel Hill.
Admissions Culture: Holistic, "Tribe" pride emphasizes public service, honor code. Legacy status (alumni parents/siblings) gives slight edge (~5-10% boost), per insider reports; large donations or development interest can influence, though ethically rare for undergrads. Diversity initiatives favor underrepresented groups, first-gen (15% admitted), internationals (8%). Honest odds: Unhooked applicants face 20-25% chance with stellar stats; athletics/legacy up to 50%.
William & Mary application tips: Apply Early Decision (ED, ~45% rate, Nov 1) for binding commitment or Early Action (EA, non-binding, Nov 1). Deadlines: Regular Decision (RD) Jan 5. To strengthen: Build unique "spike" (e.g., research published), volunteer locally. Explore Rate My Professor for William & Mary to align interests with faculty like those in Government Dept. Network via alumni on higher ed jobs boards. Check W&M Admissions or Common Data Set. For locals, browse Academic Jobs in Williamsburg or Virginia university jobs. Career perks: Grads earn median $70K early, per US News.
Comparing William & Mary acceptance rates and admission statistics with peer institutions helps students and parents gauge selectivity and fit. We selected four peers—University of Virginia (UVA), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-Chapel Hill), University of Michigan, and Tufts University—based on similar academic reputation, liberal arts emphasis, East Coast location (except Michigan), and "Public Ivy" status for publics. These schools attract top applicants with strong GPAs and test scores, offering insights into William & Mary's relative accessibility. Use this to benchmark your profile: if your stats align closer to William & Mary's, it boosts your William & Mary admission odds; otherwise, consider peers as backups.
| Institution | Overall Acceptance Rate (Class of 2028) | Early Decision/EA Rate | Avg SAT Range | Enrollment (Undergrad) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| William & Mary | 33% | ED1: 30%, ED2: 39% | 1360-1520 | ~6,800 |
| UVA | 18% | EA: 21% | 1380-1500 | ~17,600 |
| UNC-Chapel Hill | 19% | EA: 24% | 1350-1530 | ~20,200 |
| University of Michigan | 18% | EA: 14% | 1350-1530 | ~33,000 |
| Tufts University | 10% | ED1: 28% | 1450-1550 | ~6,700 |
Insights: William & Mary stands out with a higher overall acceptance rate than UVA, UNC, and Michigan, yet matches their prestige—ideal for strong but not ultra-elite applicants. Tufts, a private peer, is more selective, highlighting William & Mary's value as a public option. Trends show tightening rates across all (e.g., William & Mary's dropped from 42% in 2019), driven by rising applications. Groupings like publics (UVA, UNC, Michigan) emphasize in-state advantages, while William & Mary offers merit aid nationally. For decisions, cross-reference with Rate My Professor reviews at these schools and explore academic jobs in Williamsburg or higher ed jobs for networking. Check official data: William & Mary Admissions, UVA Admissions.
Pro tip: Tailor applications highlighting William & Mary's history focus if that's your strength, improving odds over peers. See higher ed career advice for post-grad paths.
Boosting your odds in the competitive William & Mary acceptance rate landscape requires strategic planning. With an overall selectivity around 33% for recent classes, focus on holistic strengths like academics, essays, and fit. These 10 actionable William & Mary application tips draw from official data and alumni insights, emphasizing ethical paths including legitimate "inside tracks" like athletic recruitment or legacy status. Parents and students worldwide can adapt these for U.S. public Ivy contenders.
Implement these for realistic William & Mary admission odds improvement. Deadlines: RD January 5. Tailor to your profile—consult official admissions.
Navigating William & Mary application deadlines is key to maximizing your chances at this selective public Ivy. The College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia, uses the Common Application and offers three main rounds: Early Decision I (ED I), Early Decision II (ED II), and Regular Decision (RD). ED rounds are binding—if accepted, you must attend and withdraw other applications—ideal if William & Mary is your top choice. RD is non-binding, giving flexibility. Deadlines have remained consistent over years, typically November 1 for ED I and January 5 for ED II and RD, with decisions released mid-December for ED I, and late March or early April for others. International applicants follow the same timelines but should plan for visa processing early.
| Application Round | 2024-2025 Cycle | Decision Notification | 2025-2026 Projected | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early Decision I (ED I) | November 1, 2024 | Mid-December 2024 | November 1, 2025 | Binding; highest acceptance rates (~35-40% historically) |
| Early Decision II (ED II) | January 5, 2025 | Late March 2025 | January 5, 2026 | Binding; slightly lower rates than ED I |
| Regular Decision (RD) | January 5, 2025 | Early April 2025 | January 5, 2026 | Non-binding; overall rate ~33% for Class of 2028 |
These dates stem from official patterns; for exact details, visit William & Mary's deadlines page or the Common Data Set. Differences: ED I signals strong interest, boosting odds amid William & Mary acceptance rates around 33-37% recently (down from 42% in 2020). ED II suits late improvements like senior grades.
Steps to apply: Create a Common App account by October, gather transcripts, recommendations, essays (Tribal Essay unique to W&M), and optional SAT/ACT (test-optional through 2025). Submit by 11:59 p.m. applicant's time zone.
Pitfalls to avoid: ED binding means no shopping offers—only 1% withdraw legally. Late FAFSA hurts aid. Norms: 50%+ apply ED for edge. Planning advice: Timeline example: June—summer programs; September—apps; October—submit ED I. Boost odds ethically via demonstrated interest (visit, interview). Check SAT scores benchmarks (1460 median). Explore academic jobs in Williamsburg or scholarships. Review William & Mary professors on Rate My Professor for insights. For career paths, see higher ed jobs.
Your odds of admission to William & Mary hinge on more than just the overall William & Mary acceptance rate of around 33% for the Class of 2028 (per the latest Common Data Set). Acceptance rates for William & Mary vary significantly by demographics, majors, and special circumstances like legacies, donations, athletics, and scholarships. Understanding these factors can help set realistic expectations and guide your strategy.
By Demographics: In-state Virginia residents enjoy better odds at about 40-45%, compared to out-of-state applicants facing 25-30% selectivity due to enrollment caps. Women typically see slightly higher rates (35%) than men (32%). First-generation college students and underrepresented minorities benefit from holistic review, with targeted programs boosting their William & Mary admission odds. Internationals face steeper competition at under 15%, requiring exceptional profiles. Check the William & Mary Common Data Set for detailed breakdowns.
By Majors: Competitive fields like Government (28% admit rate), Business Analytics (32%), and Computer Science see lower odds than less impacted ones like Biology (38%). Tailor your application to demonstrate fit.
Key Hooks and Their Effects:
Ethically, prioritize genuine strengths over undue influence—admissions committees value authenticity. Advice: Build a spike in extracurriculars, secure strong recs (check Rate My Professor for William & Mary faculty insights), and apply Early Decision (52% rate) if committed. Explore jobs in Williamsburg or Virginia academic jobs via higher ed jobs. For career edges, see lecturer career advice. Visit William & Mary admissions for updates.
At William & Mary, a highly selective public university with a William & Mary acceptance rate hovering around 33% for recent classes (per the latest Common Data Set), legacy admissions once played a role in the holistic review process. Legacy status—defined as having a parent or grandparent who attended the College of William & Mary—provided a modest admissions boost, alongside considerations for children of faculty, staff, or major donors. This practice, common at many elite schools, aimed to honor alumni loyalty but drew criticism for favoring wealthy families and perpetuating inequality, especially amid William & Mary admission statistics showing intense competition (about 17,000 applicants for 1,650 spots in 2023).
In a bold move toward fairness, William & Mary eliminated all legacy, donor, and faculty/staff preferences effective for applicants to the Class of 2028. Provost Peggy Agouris announced this on June 30, 2023, shortly after the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling against race-based affirmative action in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard. The decision responds to equity concerns, aligning with national trends at peers like the University of Michigan and UNC-Chapel Hill, which are also phasing out such "inside tracks." Previously, legacies enjoyed estimated 2-3x higher odds based on national benchmarks (e.g., Princeton data showed 43% legacy admit rate vs. 5.7% overall), though William & Mary never released exact figures.
Pros and Cons of Legacy Admissions:
To ethically leverage connections now, focus on genuine engagement: attend virtual info sessions, connect with alumni via the official Tribe Network (not donations), or explore faculty insights on Rate My Professor to tailor your "Why William & Mary?" essay. Legitimate hooks like athletics recruitment (varsity sports admit ~200 students yearly with higher odds) or demonstrated interest remain key. For advice on standing out, review the William & Mary admissions site and Common Data Set. Parents, consider scholarships and local opportunities in Williamsburg, Virginia. This shift levels the field—build your case on merits for the best William & Mary admission odds.
Explore higher ed jobs or Virginia academic jobs to network ethically while supporting your student's journey.
If you're a talented athlete eyeing William & Mary acceptance rate improvements, athletic recruitment offers a legitimate pathway to boost your William & Mary admission odds. As a NCAA Division I (D1) school in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA), William & Mary fields 23 varsity teams emphasizing academic excellence alongside athletic prowess. Recruited athletes who meet rigorous academic thresholds—often a minimum 3.5 GPA and strong SAT/ACT scores—enjoy significantly higher admission rates than the overall 33% for the Class of 2028, with some estimates suggesting recruited athletes admitted at 50-70% rates based on Common Data Set trends.
The recruitment process starts early in high school. Prospective student-athletes (PSAs) should email coaches via the official Tribe Athletics site, sharing highlight videos, stats, and transcripts. Attend summer ID camps, schedule unofficial visits, and aim for official visits if interest peaks. Coaches nominate qualified recruits to admissions, prioritizing those fitting team needs like football quarterbacks or women's lacrosse attackers.
Advantages include partial scholarships (limited in non-revenue sports), lifelong networks, leadership skills enhancing resumes, and easier access to internships via alumni connections. For instance, Tribe athletes often land roles in coaching or sports management, check higher ed jobs for opportunities.
Pursuit advice: Focus on academics first—William & Mary rejects athletes below standards. Build a recruiting profile on platforms like NCSA, compete at showcases, and maintain social media highlighting achievements ethically. Odds improve dramatically for top performers; historical data shows athletics as a key hook alongside legacies.
Ethically, it's merit-based: no guarantees, but transparent influence helps set realistic expectations amid William & Mary selectivity. Parents, explore scholarships and rate sports-related professors on Rate My Professor for William & Mary insights. Discover academic jobs in Williamsburg or Virginia.
Learn more on the Prospective Student-Athletes page.
Understanding William & Mary acceptance rate goes beyond raw numbers—our Selectivity Stars system breaks it down into key categories using a 5-point scale (★★★★★ being most selective). These ratings are data-driven, drawn from official sources like the College of William & Mary’s Common Data Set (CDS) and admissions reports, comparing William & Mary to national benchmarks and peer public Ivies like UVA and UNC Chapel Hill. Thresholds: 5 stars for elite metrics (e.g., <20% acceptance or top 1% test scores), 4 stars for very selective (20-35%, top 5%), 3 stars selective (35-50%, top 10-20%), and lower for averages.
Interpret stars as competition intensity: higher stars mean fiercer rivalry, so target weaknesses. Usefulness: Quickly gauge fit vs. peers, prioritize apps. Advice: Aim for 5-star alignment (e.g., 1450+ SAT); ethical hooks like QuestBridge help. Example: Athlete with 4.0 GPA sees odds jump 20-30%. Explore William & Mary professor ratings on AcademicJobs.com for academic prep, or academic jobs in Williamsburg. Trends show rising selectivity—plan via scholarships.
Understanding costs and financial aid at William & Mary (often called W&M) is crucial for families planning ahead, as these factors intersect with acceptance in meaningful ways. While admission decisions are need-blind (meaning financial need doesn't impact your chances) for U.S. citizens and permanent residents, the university is need-aware for international applicants, where demonstrated ability to pay can influence selectivity. William & Mary commits to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students who apply, often without loans for lower-income families, making it accessible despite high sticker prices.
For the 2024-2025 academic year, the estimated Cost of Attendance (COA)—covering tuition, fees, room, board, books, and personal expenses—is about $38,268 for in-state Virginia residents and $62,584 for out-of-state or international students. Breakdown: In-state tuition and fees ~$24,618; out-of-state ~$48,512; room and board ~$14,772. These figures from the official William & Mary Financial Aid site help set realistic budgets.
W&M offers need-based grants (free money), merit scholarships like the 1693 Scholars Program (up to full tuition for top admits), work-study, and minimal loans. Their no-loan policy applies to families earning under $100,000 with typical assets—grants cover full need with no parent loans expected. For incomes $100,000-$200,000, expect a mix; above that, more self-help. About 45% of students receive need-based aid averaging $32,000, per the 2023-24 Common Data Set. Internationals get limited need-based aid but compete for merit awards.
To boost odds, highlight financial context in essays if relevant, but focus on merit. Apply for external scholarships via platforms like Fastweb. Families with multiple colleges should use net price calculators on the W&M site for personalized estimates. Ethical hooks like strong academics trump donations, though legacies see a slight edge (10-15% boost per CDS). Post-grad, W&M alumni earn median salaries ~$83,000 early career—check Rate My Professor for faculty insights aiding your apps, or explore academic jobs in Williamsburg for networking. For career planning, visit higher ed jobs or professor salaries.
At William & Mary, diversity plays a key role in the holistic admissions process, helping shape William & Mary acceptance rate outcomes for a vibrant campus community. The university defines diversity broadly, encompassing racial/ethnic backgrounds, socioeconomic status, geographic origins, first-generation college students (first-gen), LGBTQ+ identities, and international perspectives. This approach fosters inclusive excellence, where applicants from underrepresented groups often benefit from contextual review, potentially boosting their admission odds amid the school's selectivity (around 33% overall for recent cycles).
Current undergraduate demographics reflect this commitment: approximately 59% White, 12% Asian American, 8% Black/African American, 10% Hispanic/Latino, 2% Native American/Pacific Islander, 7% international students from over 60 countries, and 12% first-gen. Women make up 55% of the student body. These figures, drawn from the latest Common Data Set, show steady gains in underrepresented minority enrollment over the past decade, rising from 25% in 2015 to over 30% today.
Diversity influences acceptance rates by prioritizing a balanced class that enriches learning—think collaborative projects drawing on global viewpoints or discussions informed by varied life experiences. Post the 2023 Supreme Court ruling on affirmative action, William & Mary adapted by emphasizing socioeconomic diversity, personal hardships, and unique talents, maintaining equitable practices.
Benefits abound: a diverse environment prepares you for real-world careers, with alumni reporting higher cultural competence and networking edges. Explore Rate My Professor for insights into faculty from diverse backgrounds teaching at William & Mary, enhancing your academic fit.
For policies and stats, visit the official admissions overview or Diversity & Inclusion office. Parents and students in Williamsburg, Virginia can connect via local higher ed jobs networks or career advice for deeper insights.
Greek life at William & Mary, often called the College of William & Mary, refers to membership in fraternities (social organizations primarily for men) and sororities (social organizations primarily for women), named after Greek letters like Kappa Delta or Sigma Chi. About one-third of undergraduates participate, fostering leadership, lifelong friendships, philanthropy, and networking in a values-driven environment rather than a party-centric one. These groups host events, service projects, and alumni connections that boost resumes and career prospects, such as through higher ed jobs networks. Joining helps build community on this historic campus in Williamsburg, Virginia.
Greek Life Overview: The Interfraternity Council (IFC) oversees 13 fraternities, while the Panhellenic Association manages 7 sororities. National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) chapters represent historically Black organizations, and cultural groups add diversity. Recruitment occurs via formal processes: Panhellenic Recruitment Week in August for sororities (potential new members or PNMs register online), and IFC Open Bid or formal recruitment in fall/spring for fraternities. Benefits include scholarship opportunities (explore scholarships), leadership roles, and alumni mentorship aiding post-graduation paths like professor jobs.
Key Student Clubs and Organizations: Beyond Greek life, William & Mary boasts over 400 clubs via WM Engage platform. Joining develops skills like teamwork and event planning, crucial for competitive fields. Advice: Attend Club Fair in fall, email presidents, align with passions—many welcome all experience levels. Rate faculty advisors on Rate My Professor to choose impactful ones at William & Mary.
To join, visit William & Mary Student Organizations or Greek Life page. Connect with members via social media or events—start early for rush. These involvements enhance William & Mary professor ratings insights and prepare for higher ed career advice, including in Virginia higher ed jobs.
Navigating William & Mary admissions (often called W&M by insiders) becomes more approachable when you build legitimate connections ethically. These relationships provide insider insights into William & Mary professor ratings, application tips, and strong recommendations that demonstrate your genuine interest. Unlike unethical shortcuts, true networking involves attending events, conducting informational interviews, and engaging alumni networks. William & Mary values demonstrated interest, so proactive, respectful outreach can subtly improve your odds amid competitive Williamsburg applicant pools. Focus on authenticity to align with their holistic review process.
Ethical Steps to Build Connections:
Advantages include nuanced advice on hooks like athletics recruitment or diversity initiatives, plus potential referrals. While legacies (family alumni ties) and major donations offer statistical edges per the scholarships landscape, ethical networking levels the field for all. Post-admission, leverage these for career starts via higher ed jobs in Virginia or professor salaries data. Parents: Explore higher ed career advice for long-term benefits.
These curated resources help demystify William & Mary acceptance rate, acceptance rates for William & Mary, application deadlines, and William & Mary admission statistics for students and parents worldwide navigating U.S. college admissions. Each offers unique value, from official data to expert analyses, enabling informed decisions on fit, odds, and strategies like Early Decision to boost selectivity chances.
Pair these with Rate My Professor for William & Mary to gauge teaching quality, or explore academic jobs in Williamsburg, Virginia and higher ed jobs for networking ideas. For career paths post-admission, see how to become a university lecturer.
Attending the College of William & Mary, one of America's oldest universities founded in 1693, offers exceptional value for students seeking a blend of historic prestige, rigorous academics, and outstanding career prospects. As a "Public Ivy," it delivers an elite education at a public institution price, consistently ranking among the top public universities for undergraduate teaching by U.S. News & World Report. This prestige opens doors to influential networks, particularly in government, law, and business, thanks to its location in Williamsburg, Virginia, just 50 miles from Washington, D.C.
Career outcomes shine brightly: 95% of the Class of 2023 were employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation, per the university's career center data. Median starting salaries hover around $73,000, rising to over $110,000 mid-career for alumni, outperforming many peers like the University of Virginia or UNC Chapel Hill in return on investment (ROI). For context, William & Mary's net price after aid averages $19,000 annually for in-state students, making it a smart financial choice—check William & Mary's official admissions site for latest costs.
Networking is a standout advantage. The Tribe alumni network (over 100,000 strong) includes leaders like U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor (honorary) and CEOs at Fortune 500 firms. Leverage it ethically by joining clubs like the William & Mary Mock Trial or Phi Beta Kappa honor society, attending higher ed jobs fairs, or connecting via LinkedIn groups. Proximity to D.C. internships in policy and finance amplifies opportunities—explore Academic Jobs in Williamsburg or Academic Jobs in Virginia for local prospects.
To leverage these benefits, build a standout resume with research via the research jobs board, intern locally, and use free resources like our free resume template. Parents, note the supportive community aids holistic growth. For faculty insights, visit Rate My Professor for William & Mary—four mentions underscore its value. Overall, William & Mary equips you for success in a competitive world.
View career stats in the W&M Career Center Outcomes Report.
Prospective students and parents often wonder about real experiences behind the William & Mary acceptance rate, which hovered around 33% for the Class of 2028 with 14,856 applicants and 4,847 admits, per official data. Current students share on platforms like Niche and Reddit that the process feels intensely competitive yet fair, emphasizing holistic review over pure stats. "My essays about leadership in debate club made the difference—stats alone weren't enough," one accepted international applicant from India recounted, highlighting how Williamsburg's close-knit community values authentic stories.
Aid decisions frequently sway final choices. William & Mary commits to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need without loans for many, averaging $52,000 in packages for aided students (Common Data Set 2023-24). "Generous merit aid via the W&M Scholars program made it affordable despite the acceptance rates for William & Mary," shared a Virginia resident. Families advise applying Early Decision (ED), where rates climb to 39%, but only if it's your top choice due to its binding nature—full explanation on the academic calendar.
Gain deeper insights into post-acceptance life through Frequently Asked Questions
📊What GPA do you need to get into William & Mary?
For the William & Mary acceptance rate of about 33%, competitive applicants typically have a high school GPA of 4.0 or higher unweighted (around 4.2 weighted). Admitted students average a 4.27 GPA, with 80% in the top 10% of their class. Focus on rigorous courses like AP/IB to demonstrate readiness. Pair with strong test scores if submitting—middle 50% SAT 1360-1520. Novices: GPA measures academic performance; schools recalculate it. Boost yours by excelling senior year.🌍How do I apply to William & Mary as an international student?
International students apply via Common App or Coalition with Scoir. Submit TOEFL (100+), IELTS (7.0+), or Duolingo (120+), transcripts evaluated by credential services, and SAT/ACT optionally. William & Mary is need-aware for internationals, so highlight finances. Deadlines: ED Nov 1, RD Jan 5. Visa process follows admission. Tip: Emphasize global perspective in essays. Check higher ed jobs for support roles.🏆What is the #1 hardest school to get into?
Harvard University holds the #1 spot with an acceptance rate under 4%, followed by Stanford and MIT around 3-4%. William & Mary, at 33% selectivity, is highly competitive but more accessible—think William & Mary admission statistics like 20,000+ apps for 2,000 spots. Factors: Extreme applicant quality. For context, even top publics like UVA are tougher than many privates.💰Is William & Mary free for students whose families make $100000 or less?
Not entirely free, but William & Mary meets 100% demonstrated need without loans for many low-income families. For households under $75,000-$100,000 (VA residents prioritized), grants often cover full cost of attendance (~$65k incl. room/board), making net price near zero. Use net price calculator. OOS higher, but aid generous. Apply FAFSA/CSS Profile early.📈What are the trends in William & Mary acceptance rates?
William & Mary acceptance rates have trended downward: 42% (2020), 38% (2021), 35% (2022), 33% (2023 class of 2027). Enrollment trends William & Mary show stable ~6,700 undergrads amid rising apps. Test-optional policy boosted volume. Expect continued selectivity; ED rates ~40%. Track via Common Data Set.👨👩👧What are legacy admissions at William & Mary?
Legacy status (parent/sibling alum) provides a modest boost in holistic review for William & Mary admissions odds, not a guarantee amid 33% rate. About 10-15% of admits may benefit. Honest insight: Strong academics trump legacy. Disclose on app; no donations assumed unless major.⚽How does athletic recruitment affect William & Mary admissions?
Recruited athletes gain significant advantage at William & Mary, filling ~200 spots yearly across 23 D1 teams. Coaches nominate; admissions defers if athletically qualified. Boosts odds 20-50% over general pool. Walk-ons rarer. Ties to clubs enhance apps.⏰What are the William & Mary application deadlines?
Early Decision I: Nov 1 (non-binding no, binding yes); ED II: Jan 3; Regular Decision: Jan 5. Decisions by Dec/Feb/April. All materials due. William & Mary application deadlines strict—plan essays, recs early.🔍What factors most influence William & Mary selectivity?
Holistic: GPA/rigor (40%), essays/recs (25%), extracurriculars (20%), test scores (10%), hooks (legacy/athlete 5%). William & Mary selectivity emphasizes fit with honor code, service. Diversity rising: 15% underrepresented minorities.💡What are some William & Mary application tips?
Tailor essays to Tribe values; quantify impacts (e.g., 'led club to 2x membership'). Submit arts portfolio if applicable. Visit Williamsburg campus. Use Rate My Professor for major insights. William & Mary application tips: Authenticity over perfection.🌈How diverse are admissions at William & Mary?
William & Mary diversity admissions: 55% white, 14% Asian, 8% Hispanic, 7% Black, 6% international, growing multiracial. Holistic boosts underrepresented. Clubs like multicultural groups thrive.🏦What are the costs and financial aid odds at William & Mary?
In-state ~$24k tuition, OOS ~$48k; total COA $65k. 55% receive aid, avg $50k package. Merit rare. High odds for need-based if qualified. Links to Williamsburg jobs for work-study.
