Chances of Getting Into William & Mary
Williamsburg, Virginia • Public University • #41 National • Founded 1693
William & Mary Admissions Statistics 2025–2026
William & Mary SAT & ACT Scores
SAT Scores (Middle 50%)
ACT Scores (Middle 50%)
About William & Mary
William & Mary is the second-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States, founded in 1693. Located in historic Williamsburg, Virginia, William & Mary is a prestigious public university known for its strong liberal arts tradition, intimate class sizes, and notable alumni including three U.S. presidents.
Top Programs
What Makes William & Mary Unique
- Second-oldest college in America (founded 1693)
- Three U.S. presidents among its alumni (Jefferson, Monroe, Tyler)
- Public ivy — elite education at public university cost
- Unusually small for a public university with a 11:1 student-faculty ratio
- Located in Colonial Williamsburg — immersive history experience
William & Mary Cost & Financial Aid
Cost of Attendance
Financial Aid
William & Mary Application Deadlines
How to Get Into William & Mary: Admission Tips
Early Decision significantly boosts acceptance odds — ~45% vs ~34% overall
Strong writing in supplemental essays is critical — W&M values intellectual curiosity
Virginia residents have an advantage — about 65% of students are in-state
Demonstrated interest through campus visits and engagement helps
Show depth in your extracurriculars rather than breadth
The Brutal Truth About William & Mary Admissions
The numbers are brutal. With a 34% acceptance rate, William & Mary rejected over 11,550 applicants in the most recent cycle. Many of those rejected students had perfect GPAs and 1550+ SATs.
Stats are table stakes, not differentiators. At William & Mary, having a 3.88 GPA and 1460 SAT puts you at average — not above average. What separates admitted students from rejected ones is everything else: essays, activities, recommendations, and authentic passion.
The biggest mistake applicants make: Treating their application like a résumé. William & Mary doesn't want a list of accomplishments — they want to understand who you are as a person and what you'll contribute to their community.
Bottom line: Apply if William & Mary genuinely excites you — but build a balanced college list. Don't put all your eggs in one 34%-acceptance-rate basket.
William & Mary Admissions FAQ
What is the acceptance rate at William & Mary?
William & Mary has an acceptance rate of 34% as of the most recent admissions cycle. Out of 17,500 applicants, approximately 1,600 students were admitted to the incoming class.
What GPA do I need to get into William & Mary?
The average GPA of admitted students at William & Mary is 3.88. Most successful applicants have GPAs above 3.73, with many in the top 5-10% of their high school class.
What SAT score do I need for William & Mary?
The middle 50% SAT range for admitted William & Mary students is 1400–1530. The average SAT score is 1460. For ACT, the range is 32–34 with an average of 33.
Is William & Mary hard to get into?
Yes, William & Mary is selective with an acceptance rate of just 34%. Even students with perfect GPAs and test scores are not guaranteed admission. Holistic review means essays, extracurriculars, and recommendations all play critical roles.
How much does William & Mary cost?
Tuition at William & Mary is $24,591 (in-state) / $51,260 (out-of-state) per year, with total cost of attendance at $41,818 (in-state) / $68,487 (out-of-state). However, 35% of students receive financial aid, with the average aid package exceeding $22,000+.
What are my chances of getting into William & Mary?
Your chances of getting into William & Mary depend on your GPA, test scores, extracurricular activities, essays, and more. With a 34% overall acceptance rate, admissions are highly competitive. Use AdmitOdds to get a personalized assessment of your chances based on your actual profile.
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