U.S. Supreme Court opinion on race-based admissions

The U.S. Supreme Court justices voted 6-3 in both cases involving race-based admission practices at Harvard University and the University of North Carolina. In the majority opinion, the justices said that colleges and universities cannot use an applicant’s race as an independent factor in student admissions.

Moving forward, an applicant’s race will not be included as part of the demographic information available to application reviewers during the admission process. W&M will continue to use a comprehensive admission strategy that includes a review of many components, including strength of high school curriculum, GPA, an essay and extracurricular activities. There are also several optional elements, such as standardized test scores, teacher recommendations and interviews.

Yes. The majority opinion, written by Chief Justice John Roberts, states “As all parties agree, nothing in this opinion should be construed as prohibiting universities from considering an applicant’s discussion of how race affected his or her life, be it through discrimination, inspiration, or otherwise.” Roberts added “ … A benefit to a student who overcame racial discrimination, for example, must be tied to that student’s courage and determination. Or a benefit to a student whose heritage or culture motivated him or her to assume a leadership role or attain a particular goal must be tied to that student’s unique ability to contribute to the university. In other words, the student must be treated based on his or her experiences as an individual—not on the basis of race.”

Yes. This year we transitioned our optional essay component within the Common Application. Previously, we had a singular, long-answer prompt. This year, we moved to giving students the opportunity to answer up to two short-answer prompts from six different options. Our hope is this new format, and multiple options, will provide all applicants with better opportunities to share about their interests, experiences, talents and communities.

William & Mary’s next review of undergraduate applications will begin Nov. 1, 2023, for the early decision admission cycle. In advance of that date, the university will have implemented all changes necessary to ensure our admission process aligns with the new legal guidance.

Yes. The Supreme Court opinion covers admission processes for all students.

No. The opinion only addressed race-based admissions practices.

William & Mary will continue to use a comprehensive process for admission. As stated by President Rowe, “Within the law, William & Mary will remain intentional about recruiting the best and brightest students from a broad spectrum of backgrounds and experiences. We will strive to ensure that William & Mary continues to be a place where great minds and hearts find great opportunities to learn, grow and contribute. This has been true for every student admitted to William & Mary in the past. It will continue to be true for every student we admit in the future.”