The College of William and Mary

“Well, my path was different then mostSep 02 2003Political Science
Well, my path was different then most. I was actually homeschooled (note: W&M likes homeschoolers and will actually work with you and welcome you...many other schools, like Clermont McKenna, looked at me like I was from another planet), and did two years of local community college before I applied to W&M. So, other than varsity golf, my Eagle Scout award and some forensics and student government involvement at my community college, I did not have the "extracurricular package" that most applicants possessed. My ACTs were very high, which helped, and my college GPA at that point was 3.85. Personally, I think that I gained somewhat from quotas because I am from Washington state, and less than 5 percent of W&M students are from the far west. I was also a transfer student, though technically a freshman. I think they just saw that I had the grades to get in, but moreover, would bring diversity. Those out of state students living in Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and New Jersey, especially, will have a much harder time. W&M caps its out of state level at 35%...so considering that its total acceptance rate is about the same level or lower, it makes it extremely competitive for other students from the Middle Atlantic states. To beat the curve then, you MUST have college credit coming in, the more the better. AP and IB is essential. Take other college classes locally if you can, and be involved in activities totally unrelated to school. Take on a non-traditional job. Remember, everyone at this school is either a salutatorian or validictorian, and you have to have something that really stands out. This school prizes quirkiness and detests cookie-cutter high achievers. If you don't have a prized athletic talent, don't despair...at W&M jocks are pretty much outcasts or nearly so, though no one wants to admit it. Excellence in the arts will really help you out. I know some people who had their parents write their admissions essays, but please, please, don't be that guy. Another thing: for your best chance at getting into W&M, really be sure that this is the place above all others that you want to go to. I'm not saying do early admission, but your enthusiasm for the school will reflect on your application. And you do not want to get here with regrets or disappointment for not getting in elsewhere. To really benefit from the William and Mary experience, you have to want it from the beginning. As enthusiastic as I was about going there in the beginning, there were times where I was very discouraged and became very jaded (beware sophomore year), and this kept me from really appreciating it. Having that knowledge that you always loved the school will keep you going, regrets will just make you even more bitter.
ACT: 33 Male

“Take the most challenging schedule of coursework available atAug 06 2003English
Take the most challenging schedule of coursework available at your high school (true to W&M's philosophy, they insist that enrolling students take full advantage of academic opportunities offered to them.) Do well in those classes. Get high test scores. Have significant extracurricular involvement (but hold dedicated leadership roles..don't just be a "joiner")
SAT: 1450 Female

“High standardized test scores, pretty decent grades and aJul 29 2003Philosophy
High standardized test scores, pretty decent grades and a solid essay. I actually wasn't that involved in extra-curricular activities.
SAT: 1530 Male

“Be honestJul 12 2003Language - French/Spanish/etc.
Be honest. If you have what it takes and the admissions committee can tell (from your superb academic record, outstanding recommendations, and clear, honest application), you won't be disappointed.
SAT: 1510 Female

“If you really want to get in to thisApr 18 2003Math
If you really want to get in to this school, be well-rounded, creative on your application, and check the physics box on the "Major Selection" portion. Good luck to those crazy enough to apply.
SAT: 1210 Female