Standardized Testing
We care more about your four-year record in high school than your four-hour record on a Saturday morning, but we still want to see both
William & Mary requires either the SAT or the ACT exam for all freshmen applicants. There is no preference among the admission committee for one exam over the other, and if both SAT and ACT scores are submitted with an application we will use the exam that best reflects you as an applicant when conducting our evaluation. Applicants must have official score reports sent to the admission office from the testing agency by the appropriate application deadline.
SAT - When evaluating SAT scores the admission committee places primary emphasis on the Math and Critical Reading sections of the exam. If an applicant submits multiple test scores, we use the best overall combination of the highest scores achieved on each section when reviewing the application. As a participant in the College Board's Score Choice option we will similarly evaluate the best overall score by combining the best scores submitted for each individual testing section. William & Mary does evaluate the Writing section of the SAT, but places less emphasis on this section, and still approaches the SAT on a 1600 point scale.
William & Mary's school code for the SAT is: 5115.
ACT - The admission committee evaluates the ACT by reviewing the composite score of the exam. If an applicant submits multiple test scores, we will use the best composite score achieved when reviewing the application.
William & Mary's school code for the ACT is: 4344.
Middle 50% Ranges - the following score ranges are based on William & Mary's enrolling student population. They represent the middle 50% of scores submitted for each exam.
SAT: 1240-1450 (Math and Critical Reading sections combined)
ACT: 28-32 (overall composite score)
Transfer Applicants- If you have completed less than a full year of college coursework when you apply you must submit an SAT or ACT score. But, if you have been out of high school for more than five years or have completed the equivalent of a full year of college coursework, standardized test scores are an optional component to the application.
SAT II Subject Tests - William & Mary does not require SAT II exams for admission to the College. They are completely optional and are not a primary factor in making an admission decision. However, if you are applying as a Home-Schooled student, William & Mary does strongly encourage you to submit at least two SAT II Subject Test scores in core subject areas. More information about Home-Schooled admission.
TOEFL / IELTS exams -If English is not your native language or if your education during the past five or more years has been in a language other than English, William & Mary strongly encourages you to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language exam (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System academic test (IELTS). Any student who has spoken a language other than English in the home should strongly consider submitting TOEFL or IELTS test scores as they provide the admission committee an additional evaluative measure to use with the Critical Reading and Writing sections of the SAT and/or the ACT. More information about testing requirements for International Students.
AP / IB Exams - William & Mary does reward credit for high scores on Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate exams. More information about AP and IB credit awardance.