How hard is it to get into W&M?
With a 33% acceptance rate, William & Mary is very selective — competitive, but within reach for strong applicants. It enrolls roughly 6,800 undergraduates (small town setting) in Williamsburg, VA. Solid grades, a sensible test plan, and thoughtful essays go a long way here.
What it takes to get in
- SAT: admitted students land around 1330–1490 (middle 50%). Aim for the upper end to be competitive.
- ACT: the middle 50% is about 30–34.
- GPA: admitted students average around 3.87. Rigor (APs/IB/honors) matters as much as the number.
- Testing policy: Test-optional. Confirm on the school's site, since policies shift each cycle.
- Essays: at W&M's selectivity, the application essays are often what separates similar applicants. Make them specific and authentically yours.
Cost
Published tuition is about $49,400 out-of-state ($24,100 in-state) per year before aid. Many students pay less after financial aid — check the school's net price calculator.
Notable programs
Government · Marine Science · Business (Mason) · Public Service
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Try Halo freeW&M admissions FAQ
- What is William & Mary's acceptance rate?
- William & Mary's acceptance rate is 33%, which makes it very selective — competitive, but within reach for strong applicants.
- What SAT or ACT score do you need for W&M?
- Admitted students typically score about 1330–1490 on the SAT (middle 50%) and about 30–34 on the ACT. Scores at or above this range strengthen your application, but they are one factor among many.
- Is W&M test-optional?
- William & Mary's current testing policy is: Test-optional. Always confirm on the school's admissions site, as policies change by cycle.
Sources & official links
- W&M official website
- W&M on College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education)
- Admissions figures compiled from the Common Data Set and IPEDS.
Figures are the most recent available from Common Data Set, IPEDS, and public reports, and are approximate. Always confirm details on William & Mary’s official admissions site.