| Location: | Mid-Atlantic |
| Setting: | Large Town Setting |
| Type: | Public |
| Size: | Large (5,000 to 10,000 Undergrad) |
| Mascot: | Tribe |
| Nickname: | The College |
The College of William and Mary is a public university located in Williamsburg, Virginia, United States. It is the second-oldest institution of higher education in the United States and is one of the original eight Public Ivies. It is also considered a Southern Ivy.
William & Mary was founded in 1693 by a Royal Charter issued by King William III and Queen Mary II, joint sovereigns of England, Scotland and Ireland. The school hosted the seat of government of the Colony of Virginia beginning in 1698 as a new capitol building was constructed nearby. In modern times, the College's landmark Wren Building stands at at the western head of Duke of Gloucester Street opposite the reconstructed Capitol of Colonial Williamsburg.
William & Mary educated U.S. Presidents Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe, and John Tyler and other key figures important to the development of the nation, including U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Marshall, Speaker of the House Henry Clay, and 16 signers of the Declaration of Independence. U.S. President George Washington received his surveyor's certificate there and noted legal scholar George Wythe was both an early student and, later, the first head of W&M's law school.
W&M is notable in higher education for the founding of the Phi Beta Kappa academic honor society and the first to have an honor code of conduct for students.
While it became a university in 1779 (it is among several institutions claiming the be the First university in the United States), the school retains the traditional "College" in its name as was specified in its Royal Charter of 1693. The institution's official name is The College of William and Mary in Virginia.
When the first permanent settlement in the British Colony of Virginia was established at Jamestown beginning in 1607, the role of the Church of England and its relationship to the government had been established by King Henry VIII some years earlier. The same relationship was established in the new colony.
|
Full-Time vs. Part-Time
|
Men vs. Women
|
||||
|
Race/Ethnicity
|
|
In State vs. Out-of-State
|
Top States for Incoming Freshman
|
| Percent of Students International: | 4% |
| On-Campus Housing Available: | Yes |
| Percent of Students Living On-Campus: | 62% |
| Freshman Students Required to Live on Campus: | No |
| Member of: | NAA, NCAA |
| Sports Include: |
Football (Atlantic 10 Conference) Basketball (Colonial Athletic Association) Baseball (Colonial Athletic Association) Track (Colonial Athletic Association) |
| Tuition & Fees (undergraduate) | In-State | Out-of-State | |
Published Tuition and Fees: |
$ 7,778 | $ 23,186 | |
Average Tuition for Full-Time Undergrads: |
$ 4,730 | $ 20,000 | |
Required Fees for Full-Time Undergrads: |
$ 3,048 | $ 3,186 | |
| Financial Aid | Avg. Amount Received | % of Students Receiving Aid | |
Federal Grants: |
$ 3,611 | 7% | |
State and Local Grants: |
$ 4,187 | 14% | |
Institutional Grants: |
$ 6,521 | 15% | |
Student Loans: |
$ 3,372 | 32% | |
Any Aid: |
45% |
| Acceptance Rate: | 31% (Highly Selective) |
| Test Scores | |
| SAT Scores: | |
| % of Students Submitting SAT Scores: | 97% |
| Bottom 25th Percentile: | Verbal: 630, Math: 630 |
| Top 75th Percentile: | Verbal: 730, Math: 710 |
| ACT Scores: | |
| % of Students Submitting ACT Scores: | 1% |
| Bottom 25th Percentile: | Composite: 28, Verbal: 27, Math: 27 |
| Top 75th Percentile: | Composite: 31, Verbal: 33, Math: 29 |
| Application Fee: | $ 60.00 |
| Formal Demonstration of Competencies: | Not Required |
| High School Diploma or Equivalent: | Recommended |
| High School GPA: | Recommended |
| High School Rank: | Recommended |
| High School Record: | Required |
| Recommendations: | Recommended |
| TOEFL: | Recommended |
| Test Scores: | Required |
College Advice
|
 |
|
|
I live in Virginia, Main SAT score is 1280, took 3 SAT II Subject Tests (Math 1: 690, Math 2: 690 US History: 660), my gpa is pretty low because i slacked off my freshmen year, only a 3.5. However, ive taken all honors and AP classes throughout highschool with an increasing gpa each year (9th: 3.1 10th: 3.6 11th: 4.1). AP chem and calc senior year. I'm hoping to compensate for my low gpa with a bunch of extracurriculars. Ive been playing 2 sports, lacrosse and track, both for 3 years now and made varsity lacrosse in 10th and lettered in track in 11th. Im also on my schools competitive science team that won states last year. I went to Harvard Summer School for the past two summers to take some intense classes (first summer I took a math course, second summer i took computer programming course). I have about 80 volunteer hours at my local YMCA and just came back from a week long mission trip fixing houses in WV. Ive been in various clubs, as well as helped to establish/run one. Going ED.
12 months ago
Best Answer
Those grades should be good enough to get pass the automatic DQ's in admissions. You are on the bubble and it will depend on your reference letters. You are lacking leadership extracurriculars. The 80 hours of volunteer work is not impressive unless you specify what you are doing. If you presented the information in a more impressive manner, your application would not be noticed.
You should give the impression that you are going to their school and ask what information do they need to facilitate the maticulation process.
|
|
|
|
Question:
College of William and Mary?
Can you tell me how you like the college, I would like to go there when I graduate to study Political Science. Also, how did you get in? I have a 4.0, am at/near the top of my class, and am taking all the AP/GT classes possible and I', in-state. Also, I have good extracurriculars. (haven't taken the SATs yet) Will this be good enough to get me in if I keep up this pace throughout high school? I want to apply early decision so I will have a better chance of getting in. (I'm a sophomore)
Any information on the college whether negative or positive would also be appreciated. Thanks!
12 months ago
Best Answer
I didn't go to W&M, but have had friends that went there and I've been to campus several times. It's a beautiful university with history just all around you; it's in Williamsburg afterall. Williamsburg is becoming a booming area, too, with lots of residential and commercial development going on. Academics are definitely excellent.
Judging from your GPA, as long as you have great extracurricular activities, a great SAT score, and submit a great application (I believe you have to write essays), you have a good chance of getting in as you long as keep up the good work. A letter of recommendation from teacher or guidance counselor would definitely help (it may be required but I don't remember).
Keep in mind, you're sophomore, so don't aspire to only W&M yet. Take a look at University of Virginia or Virginia Tech. Take tours of all the schools and find opportunities to interact with the students. Here's what I remember with my interactions with UVA, W&M, and VT students:
UVA: Tend to be cliques, many snobs, but most tend to be friendly. Love to have fun.
VT: Pretty laid back, love to have fun. Days and nights of home football games are nuts.
W&M: Most I came across seemed socially awkward, but were nice.
|
|
|
|
Question:
Transferring to Columbia University???
I'm currently a rising sophomore at the College of William and Mary in Virginia. I like the school and I did well there my first year but I'm from New York, and Columbia, and to a lesser degree, UPenn were always my two top dream schools. My GPA is a 3.6 right now, but I'm expecting by the end of the year to have it in the 3.7-3.8 range. I'm an English/History major and have taken a rigorous course schedule thus far. EC's may be a little weak, have worked though throughout my time in school and am involved with a number of clubs but have no leadership positions as of yet.
Not positive I want to transfer, I like the history and campus environment at WM but since I'm doing pretty well I figured i'd explore my options and get some feedback, thanks! If you feel you need more information from me just ask..
12 months ago
Best Answer
I'm from the city also, and am taking one more semester at W&M. I transferred into W&M (from Tulane) after my freshman year. I would say that W&M is definitely geared toward those who have a full four years. Acclimating myself as a transfer student was quite difficult, and it was a major reason why I went Greek. Columbia is an entirely different feel, I would imagine. And being in the city, not living in a freshman dorm, and not having the same social hubs (i.e. the library, caf, marketplace, rec, etc.) may be difficult in really integrating yourself into the university. While I know Columbia is not quite as "impersonal" and spread out as NYU, I would not recommend attempting your final two years at a new, especially urban, school...unless you have many friends still in town. William & Mary is far more of a community than most universities (I would imagine that it is in greatest contrast to city schools) can offer. I attended a boarding school of 230 total students, so community is a major pull factor for me. Plus, if you're anything like me, I have always intended to work in New York after college, so there is no reason to not use my college years to escape and experience something new. Anyhow, the decision is obviously up to you. Important employers and influential people have W&M and Columbia pretty much on a par, so I would certainly discourage transferring based on the prestige factor (this is far more important for graduate programs). I would recommend that you seek upward mobility in your social clubs and pursue your interests, as W&M will likely be one of the final environments that fosters them. This will give you further exposure to other leadership and network opportunities that Tribe members will likely be excited to extend to you. (The genuine relationships you create with profs and peers at W&M will be more valuable than with high-demand profs at huge schools like Columbia, where everybody is trying to work the same gig). Just some food for thought.
Good luck.
|
|
|
|
Question:
College of William and mary????
Did any one attend the college of william and mary?? What is the campus/dorms like and what kind of grades are they looking for?
12 months ago
Best Answer
I'm a sophomore at william and mary, so hopefully I can help you out. 'Ancient Campus' (the Wren Building, Wren courtyard, Brafferton, sunken gardens area), is amazing!! Very historic, and quite beautiful, especially in the fall/spring. 'New' Campus, eh not so much in my opinion. Some people like it but it's way too cookie cutter for me. If you're a humanities/liberal arts major chances are most of your classes will be in Ancient Campus, if you're a science/math major most classes will be in New Campus, and I'm the former, so I spend most of my time there.
Dorms- Well freshman dorms for the most part are pretty good. I was stuck in the Botetourt Complex which is far and away the worst freshman dorm aesthetically speaking, but too be honest it's really not THAT bad, i didn't mind it much--but that being said- You'd want to get barret, dupont, hunt, brown, monroe, yates (in that order IMO).
Grades- It really depends whether you're in-state or not. I was out of state, and it's supposedly a lot harder to get in without Virginia residency..
any questions feel free to PM me
|
|
|
|
Question:
College of William and Mary?
Can you tell me how you like the college, I would like to go there when I graduate to study Political Science. Also, how did you get in? I have a 4.0, am at/near the top of my class, and am taking all the AP/GT classes possible. Also, I have good extracurriculars. (haven't taken the SATs yet) Will this be good enough to get me in if I keep up this pace throughout high school? I want to apply early decision so I will have a better chance of getting in. (I'm a sophomore)
Any information on the college whether negative or positive would also be appreciated. Thanks!
I am in-state
13 months ago
Best Answer
Are you in-state? That makes a big difference, as will your SATs.
|
|
|
|
Of course im going to apply to both schools, but i was just wondering about my chances of getting in. Here are some details about me: I live in Virginia, SAT 1 score is 1280, took 3 SAT II Subject Tests (Math 1: 690, im still waiting for the Math 2 and US History scores, but im sure i got above a 600 on both), i have a low 3.5 gpa but ive taken all honors and AP classes throughout highschool with an increasing gpa each year (9th: 3.1 10th: 3.6 11th: 4.1). Even with my "less than perfect" academic record, I have a bunch of extracurriculars that may tip the balance. Ive been playing 2 sports, lacrosse and track, both for 3 years now and made varsity lacrosse in 10th and lettered in track in 11th. Im also on my schools competitive science team that won states this year. I went to Harvard Summer School last summer to take a class and am going again this year. I volunteer at our local YMCA and helped establish/run a club at my highschool. Just from these facts, what do you guys think?
14 months ago
Best Answer
I was involved in only a few things in high school, and I scored the same as you on the SAT I. I also took the ACT but no other SAT tests. I was consistent with at least a 3.8 GPA in a couple AP classes, mainly Scholarship classes (they were rid of after I graduated, though).
When I applied for the fall of 2005 to both UVA and William & Mary (I'm in VA now but was living in Ohio at the time), I was accepted to both. I'm not going to either now, though. I'm going to George Mason instead. (I wonder if it was the right choice? I think I'm happier at Mason, even if it is much, much, much less exclusive) I was surprised they accepted me, though, especially W & M. The work you do in high school can help, of course, but sometimes the essay can make or break your chance (I think that is what happened in my case).
You seem to have a much more intense app on your hands. I can't imagine you not being accepted to UVA, and you've probably a pretty good chance of getting into W & M.
Good luck!
|
|
|
|
My sister is a high school senior(lives in NJ). She is wondering if she should apply to her reach schools. She's very smart(in the gifted program), currently taking 5 AP courses(has ~ an A- average in all of them), SAT score of 1410, overall GPA of 3.9. Her class ranking isn't the best, since she goes to a rather competitive small school(85 students in her class), so she's not in the top 10% but she is in the top 12%.
The thing is, my parents are discouraging her because they're afraid that she won't get in and will just be wasting money on app fees, or that she'll get in but have no scholarships or grants given to her. They also claim that she doesn't have a "chance" if she didn't do sports in high school.
What do you think? Does she have a chance? Should she apply, or continue to look at "safety schools"?
My sister lives in NJ though, and I heard that prestigious state schools(Penn State, UVA, UNC Chapel Hill, etc) are VERY hard to get into if you live out-of-state. Does that affect anything with my sister's chances at getting in? And thanks, by the way, to all of you that have responded so far.
16 months ago
Best Answer
She has a good shot at all three. William and Mary will be the most likely to accept her. She should definitely apply at all three and then apply at a local university that has a decent reputation. If she can't afford the application fee, some schools have an application fee waiver form that can be completed. I know for a fact that UVA has this.
Good luck
|
|
|
|
I really like the city life and I've visited NYC a few times and love it. Also, I live in Virginia right now and would prefer to go out of state (though my parents would love for me to stay here). I'm also not a very school-spirited person (I don't really get into football games, pep rallys). Just let me know if you need any more info. Thanks!
17 months ago
Best Answer
Wow - they are such different schools - really different environments. What are you looking for? W&M isn't a big rah-rah pep rally school. It has an amazing location and the smaller city charm is nice - or was, for me. I liked being able to walk in the evenings alone and not really have to worry. It felt very, very safe. I loved being a student there because I really felt like a part of the college and I have often wondered how you could match that feeling on a campus in a big city where the school wasn't the biggest draw. My parents lived in Richmond, so they were only an hour away, but it felt like much further. They gave me my space - but it was really handy if I needed to get home for something.
Other than the school environments, the other big questions is where you want to be after graduation. Bear in mind - this often changes a lot during the college years. Many W&M grads end up in the DC area. I imagine most NYU grads stay in NYC. You really aren't truly limited, but it's much easier to job search through your college's career services dept in your local area.
As far as rankings, I'm not sure of the source of the previous poster's information, but the US News & World Report annual rankings has W&M at 31 and NYU at 34, so it's really pretty much a draw.
Go visit both (again, if you've already been) and go with your gut. Also, try to be kind to your parents' wallet...
Good luck!
|
|
|
|
I have a 3.5-3.7 GPA. I am on the school golf team, I'm in chorus, an advanced A Capella music class, I'll be taking two advanced (college credit) classes my senior year, and I've done the school musical. However, I've never been involved in school government, and my SATs aren't going to be great (probably 1100-1300, based on my PSATs). If you don't have any clue, please don't answer. Thanks for the help!
Jessica R, I'm in high school, (hence the college admission question) are you a moron? Maybe you just enjoy endangerment of minors as a hobby or something like that. No more innapropriate or BS answers, PLEASE!
17 months ago
Best Answer
Well, you probably know the answer. . . and it's maybe.
The median SAT score is 1280-1430--so about 25% of all students get below 1280. And those students need to compensate for their lower scores by being phenomenal elsewhere--very high GPA, great essays and recommendations, and solid extra curriculars. But you haven't even TAKEN your SAT yet--you never know what you're going to get. And even if your scores are not what you'd like, you can take them again. You have a whole summer to prepare, eh? No, don't spend your whole vacation studying for the SATs, but can you take a class a few evenings a week, or buy a prep book to practice with?
You do not have to have participated in school government. There are other ways to show leadership. Are you a captain of the golf team, or have you organized any kind of sale for any of the clubs you're in? Schools want to see a high level of involvement in a core group of activities--they don't want to see that you've gotten your feet wet in a few. That being said, maybe become more involved in the drama club?
Also, you don't want to bog yourself down with APs, but is two a typical number for students at your school? If the number is usually higher, and you have tons of options on AP classes to take, you may want to try to add one more. . . if not, see to it that you have honor's classes. Good luck.
|
|
|
|
Question:
The College of William and Mary?
does anybody have any tips about how to be a good student at W&M? social tips, academic advice,,,,gripes,,,whatev? or does anybody go there and have something important to say that i should know?
17 months ago
Best Answer
First - go to class! My freshman year I skipped classes just because I could and it felt "cool" to do so - it was a big mistake. W&M is a tough school, but if you were accepted, you can handle it if you put in the work. Go to class, take good notes, and study. Take advantage of your professor's office hours to stop in and ask questions. It never hurts to get to know your professors (especially if you think you may want to go on to graduate school - you'll need letters of recommendation).
As for social advice - W&M has a pretty high percentage of students who join fraternities or sororities. If you want to be involved in a lot of social activities, it can be great. Williamsburg doesn't have a whole lot going on in the town itself, so students tend to make their own social events. I rushed a sorority my freshman year and loved it - I met a lot of people (both in my sorority and outside of it). We had study halls and old tests to study from as well as tutors, so it wasn't a solely social outlet. If you're doubtful, just wait and see - a lot of people rush their sophomore year.
If the social scene hasn't changed too much since I graduated, it's easy for girls to go to fraternity parties - but more difficult for guys to get in unless they're part of a fraternity. W&M is still a small school, though, so it's easy to get (and keep) a bad reputation. Don't be one of the many freshman girls who gets super drunk and embarrasses herself at parties. People rarely forget. Also, try to refrain from hooking up a lot - your reputation will stick with you...
Williamsburg is a gorgeous and historic town. Take advantage of the free admission to the colonial area with your student ID. You'll be glad you did.
Good luck - hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Post again if you have any more questions!
|
|
|
|
Question:
William and Mary?
does anyone know anything about this college. please don't just suggest the website. i've been there. im just curious about their general requirements etc.
18 months ago
Best Answer
This is a highly respected school, and in a lovely area, but because it is a part of the Virginia state university system, it is hard for anyone who is not a Virginia resident to be admitted. If you don't live in VA then I'd say, probably forget about it.
|
|
|
|
Question:
is it difficult to be accepted into the college of william and mary? what are some requirements?
19 months ago
Best Answer
William and MAry is a prestigious college, but it is not quite as difficult to get into as some of the other elite schools. You should look at the website for W &M. They explain what the average GPA and SAT are for their typical Freshman class. Also, you can go to the Princeton Review web site and compare W&M to other similar schools.
|
|
|
|
It looks like a good school to me, but I can't find any information on it. If you've gone there or know anything about it, let me know!
19 months ago
Best Answer
It's a great school - small enough to know many people, big enough to offer a lot of things. It's in Williamsburg, VA which is a beautiful and historic town. Some people say it's an academic pressure cooker, but the stress level is probably similar to other top schools. It was ranked #37 in the US News and World Report's 2007 rankings -
http://www.usnews.com/usnews/edu/college/rankings/brief/t1natudoc_brief.php
Here is the website for the College of William and Mary -
www.wm.edu
It is a public school which surprises some people.
Let me know if you have any more specific questions. I'm a graduate.
|
|
|
|
This is a program that I got accepted into as an undergraduate, and I was wondering if anyone knew anything about it. The W & M website doesn't give many details...
20 months ago
Best Answer
The reconfigured program—called Preparation for Life as a University Student (PLUS)—is designed to help prepare entering students who have faced unusual adversities, who exhibit disparate academic predictors, who are first-generation college students, or who come from disadvantaged geographical regions, underrepresented racial or ethnic backgrounds or low-income families.
Entering students from these groups will be invited to participate in a six-week summer session enabling them to hone study skills and to take an academic course before they enter their first full semester in the fall.
|
|
|
|
These are two of the colleges I'm thinking about applying to. Which one do you think is better in terms of financial aid, reputation (academic, job placement), campus life, etc.?
If you need to know, I don't live in Virginia and I'll probably major in anthropology, international relations, or something environmental-related.
Which should I apply to? Or do you think they're both really good?
24 months ago
Best Answer
Apply to both if you can. It's worth it to make a special trip and visit the campuses, too. There is no better school than UVA. I went to both Simmons College in Boston and the U of Kansas and I know that UVA's reputation is stellar. What I've heard about the College of W&M is that it's kinda snooty. But that was just one person's opinion. Check out "The Insider's Guide to the Colleges." It gives good overviews of actual campus life at both places and might help in your decision. Good luck!
|
|
|
|
I just visited Williamsburg, VA on vacation. I have wanted to go to W&M for some time, and I thought it was a great opportunity for me to see my hopfully future college. What did you like and not like about it? Only people who have gone to school there respond, please.
25 months ago
Best Answer
It's a state school and fairly difficult to get into. Beyond the setting, it's just like a lot of other very good colleges.
And it gets hot there.
|
|
|
|
I am from Southern California, and would kind of like to get out of town. But Pomona does have better academics. But i am also looking for the school with good name recognition. So any advice you could give that would give me any guidence would be greatly apreciated.
By the way don't be one of those jerks that says something along the lines of you should make the decision for yourself or some other self riches bull.
28 months ago
Best Answer
Dear Young Brit, academically William and Mary is a famous well known school. Pomona College, PLEASE when you go for a job interview with a fortune 500 company they will say "where"! Besides college is a utopia and an invaluable growing experience away from home. I truly believe every kid should experience college for the fact that it is the first step to leaving the nest. Trust me, your parents will be so proud of you. Oh yes, and you will hear "it's so far away" that's the point kid. Being away from Mom and Dad with tons of other college kids is the beginning of your fun adult life. Any one who went to college will tell you it is the best time of your life.
|
