William & Mary SAT & ACT scores.
William & Mary is one of the most prestigious public universities in the United States and the second-oldest institution of higher education in the country. In the latest admission cycle (for the Class of 2028), William & Mary received roughly 17,500 applications and offered admission to about 6,500 students—an acceptance rate near 37%. While more accessible than many elite privates, William & Mary's strong academic reputation makes it a highly competitive choice.
About 51% of applicants submit an SAT score and 19% an ACT score.
William & Mary offers a binding Early Decision plan. Applying Early Decision signals that William & Mary is your top choice and can boost your admission chances. Because ED is binding, students should only apply this way if William & Mary is absolutely their first choice. William & Mary does not offer an Early Action option.
Testing policy has evolved. William & Mary was test-optional in recent years, but for the 2025–26 admissions cycle (for fall 2026 entry), William & Mary will require SAT or ACT scores again (with hardship exceptions). In other words, applicants next year must submit test results. Even before this change, nearly all successful applicants who reported scores performed well above national averages, reflecting William & Mary's rigorous academic profile.
SAT scores
For William & Mary's average SAT scores, admitted students' middle-50% composite SAT range is roughly 1360–1520. This strong band mirrors William & Mary's high academic expectations and means admitted students typically score well above the national average.
For section detail: the SAT Reading and Writing component (formerly called Evidence-Based Reading & Writing) for William & Mary's admitted students falls around 690–750 for the middle 50%. These scores reflect the critical reading, writing, and analytical skills William & Mary expects across all majors.
On the Math portion, William & Mary's middle-50% range is about 670–770. This strong performance signals comfort with advanced algebra, data analysis, and precalculus—skills that William & Mary seeks in both STEM and quantitatively rigorous social science applicants.
If you're wondering about a William & Mary average SAT, aim for the mid-1400s. William & Mary evaluates applications holistically, so scores below 1360 don't automatically disqualify you. But in a competitive pool, you'll need compensating strengths (like outstanding coursework, unique talents, or leadership impact) to remain viable.
Policy note: William & Mary superscores the SAT. They consider your highest Reading and Writing and Math section scores from all test dates. In practice, this means a weak section can be improved with a retake, boosting how your William & Mary SAT scores are evaluated.
ACT scores
Looking at William & Mary's ACT range, the middle 50% of composite scores is about 31–34. This implies most admitted students are scoring at or near the top percentile nationally. In other words, William & Mary ACT results cluster in the low-to-mid 30s, reflecting the school's competitive applicant pool.
By section, admitted students tend to excel in English (ACT Reading and Writing). The middle 50% for ACT English is approximately 32–35, meaning the average admitted student often scores a 32 or above on this section. These scores demonstrate the strong critical reading and communication skills William & Mary expects.
ACT Math scores at William & Mary are similarly strong: the middle 50% falls around 28–33. While there's a bit more spread than English, competitive applicants still show solid quantitative fluency. Students targeting business or STEM programs often aim for the upper end of this range.
William & Mary superscores the ACT just as it does the SAT, taking the highest section scores across multiple test dates. The optional writing section is not required, but applicants may submit it if it strengthens their profile. Using superscoring, you can focus on improving any weaker sections in additional attempts.
If you're estimating a William & Mary average ACT, plan around 33. Given William & Mary's reputation and selectivity, strong test scores paired with rigorous coursework, standout essays, and meaningful extracurriculars will maximize your chances.
Admission numbers
Here's the reality: William & Mary's admit rate is about 37%, with roughly 17,500 applications for about 6,500 spots (around 1,600 students actually enroll). That's why understanding the William & Mary average SAT and William & Mary average ACT benchmarks matters—they align with the profile of those admitted. If your scores fall near or above William & Mary's 75th percentile (around a 1520 SAT or 34 ACT), you're in stronger territory.
That said, William & Mary emphasizes holistic review. Admissions officers weigh coursework rigor, grades, essays, recommendations, and personal qualities. In a pool of strong students, top-tier SAT/ACT scores help confirm to William & Mary that you're ready for the academic rigor. In short, scores aren't everything, but they remain a key part of the competitive signal.
Strategy snapshot: If William & Mary is your clear first choice, applying Early Decision could improve your odds by signaling commitment. Take advantage of superscoring by retaking tests to shore up any weak section. Also balance test prep with maintaining strong senior-year classes and crafting compelling essays. Meet William & Mary's testing bar (target near the top of the William & Mary SAT and ACT ranges) and then win the admissions read with the rest of your profile.
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