Frequently Asked Questions
- General
- Academics
- Internships
- Housing
- Eligibility
- Cost
- Application Process
- Program Specifics for Non-W&M Students
- Other
General
Why has W&M started this Program? 
A "great" educational institution helps expose its students to a wide variety of experiences in a rigorous and structured way.
Two of the goals of the William and Mary 2010 Initiative sought to: "emphasize the practical aspects of learning and knowledge by increasing opportunities for internships in business, social services, government, and other ‘real life' laboratories," and "provide an off-campus experience for each undergraduate to contribute the insight and understanding needed for leadership in the new global environment."
How is the Program managed?
The Program has one W&M professor in Washington appointed on a semester basis by the Dean of Arts and Sciences, plus a full time Program Director and a Program Manager. The Program is also supported by the staff of the W&M Washington Office and Washington area alumni.
Academics
How many credits do students earn?
Students earn 12-14 credits. Participating students receive 6 credits for the academic work they complete in association with their internship, and an additional 6-8 credits, depending on the particular course offerings each semester.
What subjects do students study? 
The overall goal of the W&M in Washington Program is to take advantage of the resources of the Washington, DC area to enrich the educational experience of participating students. The topic of the Program will vary by semester, taking advantage of the academic specialty of the professor selected for that semester.
When do students work and attend class?
The professor selected each semester has a hand in shaping the class schedule. Typically, students work at their internships during the day, and take classes two nights a week and on Friday afternoon.
Who teaches the classes?
A W&M professor teaches both classes.
How do students register for classes?
Students selected for the Program will by flagged by the Registrar's Office and will register for that semester through the regular class registration system. Selected students from other schools register by special arrangements among the Program, the Registar's office, and the students' home school.
How are grades awarded?
Grades are awarded like any course on campus.
Internships
Where do students work? 
Students work in internships at organizations whose missions sync with the semester's topic. The goal is to integrate students into the day to day operations of the organization and to help them leave at the end of the semester with tangible work products.
How do students find internships?
The Program staff, the W&M Washington Office, the W&M Career Center, and Washington area alumni work together to match students in the Program with internships that both synch with the semester topic and meet the student's academic and career interests. Students may also find internships on their own, providing they meet the professor's approval.
Can the internships be paid?
Although paid internships aren't very common in Washington, students can be compensated for their work.
Who supervises the internships?
The Program staff works with each student's workplace supervisor to ensure a successful and productive experience for the student and the employer.
How are the internships evaluated and credit granted?
The Program staff works with students' internship supervisors to assemble a detailed evaluation of the students' work experiences for the semester. Each semester professor creates their own graded assignments, so while the actual coursework varies, students may be asked to write papers, keep journals, and/or complete class presentations reflecting on their internship experiences. The professor takes all of these components into account when he/she assigns final grades.
No matter at what internship students work, everyone enrolls in INTR 499 for 6 credits -- this is the "Washington Program Internship" course and it is pass/fail.
However, students seeking departmental credit for the internship course instead, may request approval from the given department chair and then attain final confirmation with the Registrar. In this case, students may earn an actual grade for the internship and thus have it count toward any departmental requirements
Housing
Where do students live?
Students live in shared apartments located at:
The Buchanan
320 23rd Street South
Arlington, VA 22202
What happens to my spot in the housing lottery?
College policy is that students who will participate in official College "study away" programs in the fall semester are not permitted to participate in the spring lottery process the semester before since they will not be occupying a room in the fall. Students who are participating in study away programs in the spring semesters may pay their $200 deposit and fully participate in the spring lottery process to select rooms for the subsequent fall semester.
Residence Life works closely with W&M in Washington Program participants to make sure they know when to submit the on-line application for housing for the subsequent semester. While there are no guarantees for housing, Residence Life has always been able to accommodate students returning from study away programs.
My parents live in Northern Virginia. Can I live at home and attend the Program?
The residential component is an important part of the Washington experience, so participants are required to live together in the Program residence. Living close to such a vibrant city in Arlington, VA, nearby school and work, is a rare experience that will make the Program far more meaningful for participating students.
Can I specify a student with whom I'd like to live?
The Program staff makes all room assignments and tries to honor any roommate requests.
Eligibility
Who is eligible for the Program?
Juniors, seniors, and exceptional sophomores from William & Mary or any accredited four-year institution may apply for the W&M in Washington Program. There is no minimum GPA needed to apply, but GPA is considered in admission to the Program.
How are students evaluated for admission to the Program?
To be considered, students submit an online application and two-three letters of reference. In addition to a strong academic record and relevant experience, students must distinguish themselves in an interview with faculty and staff. A selections committee will choose finalists for interviews based on a variety of factors, including academic and extracurricular achievement, strength of letters of recommendation, and the quality of the responses in the application. Offers are made for up to 18 spots in the Program.
I'm not a government or public policy major. Can I still participate?
The W&M in Washington Program is open to students in all majors and disciplines. In fact, course and semester themes are designed to reach the largest number of student interests.
If I'm not accepted into the Program for one semester, can I apply for the next semester? 
There is no limit to the number of times a student can apply for the Program.
Cost:
How much does the Program cost?
See a detailed breakdown of costs(pdf). Students pay their regular on-campus tuition and fees, plus an additional program fee of $500. This fee covers costs for programming and many events for the time students are in Washington.
Regarding housing costs, a double room in the apartments costs $4,000 and a single room in the apartments costs $6,000. There is also a standard $75 housing application fee.
Why should I pay for on-campus fees if I won't be on campus to use them?
Like W&M study abroad programs, the W&M in Washington Program will not grant a waiver for student fees. These fees are devoted to supporting institutions, services and activities on campus that will continue to operate throughout the school year. It would be disastrous for these programs to suffer cyclical budget swings depending on the number of students on or off campus in any given semester.
Can I apply my financial aid to the cost of the Program?
Students currently receiving financial aid will likely be able to apply most or all of it to the costs of the Program.
How much does an average student spend during his/her semester in DC?
The average cost per student will vary; however, most students report spending between $50-$100 per week on "groceries and other personal expenses" and about $35 per week on Metro fare. In addition, students who travel to/from Williamsburg will spend about $100 on a roundtrip ticket to/from Williamsburg each visit.
For a more detailed look at what students are spending (pdf), two of the Fall 2007 semester students tracked their expenditures during their time in DC. Please note that during the Fall 2007 semester, students spent less than they do now on Metro fare.
Application Process for W&M Students:
What is the application process?
The application consists of three major parts:
The Online Application: You will be required to create a profile and to complete a personal information section, a personal statement addressing the question: "Why is the W&M in Washington Program suited for your course of study or personal interests and how do you hope to benefit from it?," and a list of potential internships in Washington, DC to which you would consider applying if you are accepted to the program. These internships should sync with the academic topic of the semester.- Two - Three Letters of Recommendation: The strongest letters will be at least a one-page testimony from professors who know your academic skills, as well as qualities such as responsibility, analytic ability, leadership, maturity, and your ability to work well with others. If you are a W&M student, 1-2 of these recommendations MUST come from a W&M professor (2 preferred). A third recommendation is optional and may come from an employer or College administrator.
- Official Academic Transcript (for non-W&M students only): Please mail a copy of your official transcript to our office: The W&M in Washington Program, 1779 Massachusetts Avenue, Suite 810, Washington, DC 20036. (W&M students do not need to send a transcript, since we will be able to view it once you check within your application that you release access to your academic records).
Where can I get an application?
Find more details about the upcoming semester's application schedule.
When is the application due?
Precise upcoming deadlines will always be posted online. In general, applications for Spring semesters open in late August and close in late September. Applications for Fall semesters open in mid-January and close in mid-February.
Program Specifics for Non-W&M Students
What additional paperwork must I fill out if accepted into the program?
Once you have been accepted into W&M in Washington, you must complete two forms to enroll you in The College of William & Mary for the semester -- The Application for Admission: Unclassified Status and The Application for Virginia In-State Tuition Privileges if you are a Virginia resident. We will provide you with each of these forms. You must be in good standing at your current or a prior institution to qualify for unclassified admission to William & Mary.
What will my enrollment status be while I am participating in the W&M in Washington Program?
It is your responsibility to determine what your status will be with your current institution for the semester you will be gone. We recommend that you ask your Registrar to allow you to maintain your status at your current institution as a "Full-time, engaged" student at your current institution, as you will be enrolled at W&M only as a "Non-Degree Seeking, Visiting" student.
How will W&M courses transfer to my institution?
It is your responsibility to determine how the W&M courses will transfer to your current institution. Each college/university has its own process for applying transfer credits. We recommend that you use the course descriptions and fill out any necessary paperwork with your Registrar and/or Academic Advisor to see how the courses and credits may transfer back to your institution before you begin your semester with W&M.
How much will the program cost for non-W&M students?
The W&M in Washington program fee is $500.00. This fee covers costs for programming and events for the time that you are in Washington. You will receive a bill for this fee directly from the W&M in Washington Program. In addition, visiting students pay tuition and fees to The College of William & Mary for the time they are enrolled. (Housing costs are billed separately and paid directly to your housing company in Washington.)
- Virginia Residents: Tuition & Fees = $6,566.00
- Out-of-State Students: Tuition & Fees = $17,981.00
As a non-W&M student, can I receive financial aid for the W&M in Washington Program?
You must work with your current institution to determine if you qualify for financial aid for the program.
- To qualify for financial aid during the semester you are enrolled in W&M in Washington, you must be considered a "degree-seeking student" at your current institution, and your institution must agree to apply your financial aid to the tuition bill and remit payment to W&M.
- Only your current institution may approve you to be "degree-seeking" while you are attending another institution.
- Once your status has been determined, The College of William & Mary will send your institution a bill for your tuition for W&M in Washington.
Other
Why should students participate in this Program over another university's Washington program?
William and Mary is bringing its commitment to academic excellence and dedication to public service to the W&M in Washington Program. Although more than 50 schools run programs for undergraduate students in Washington, the W&M Program is unique. Students take classes with a W&M professor, live in the heart of Washington, and earn credit for working in an internship at an organization whose mission is tied directly to the theme of the semester. And like few other programs, course topics change from semester to semester, allowing professors to teach their expertise and students from a wide range of disciplines to participate.
How do you ensure student safety?
The Office of Student Affairs and the Office of Residence life have been involved in the planning for the Program from its earliest stages and have worked to ensure all the policies and procedures in place on campus will be in place for the Program. In addition to the Program staff, students will be served by a student Resident Assistant to help ensure the application of all policies and procedures.
In terms of external safety, Washington is a far safer place than it was even 10 years ago. The areas in which the students study, live and work are among the safest in the city, heavily frequented by workers, residents, and tourists. However, Washington is a big city, and crime, even violent crime, does happen on a daily basis. Students in the Program need to keep safety top of mind during their stay in Washington. The very first orientation program the Program staff and the Resident Assistant run for students when they arrive in Washington is an extensive discussion of safety.
Can I go back and forth to campus during the semester?
As a student in the Program, your schedule is your own to manage.
Can I work part time during the semester?
Again, as a student in the Program, your schedule is your own to manage, but students are strongly discouraged from working during the semester. With a nearly-full time job, plus two challenging classes that will require significant out of class preparation, students have a difficult schedule to manage during the semester. An additional job would very likely compromise their ability to succeed in the Program.
