Early Decision Questions Answered: Standardized Testing
Admit It! That first college application deadline is fast approaching (likely a little too fast for both your comfort and ours). William & Mary’s first application deadline is our November 1 Early Decision deadline (39 days from today for those of you who like a countdown). This time of year we get a lot of questions pertaining to the Early Decision (ED) process. So for the next several weeks leading up to the ED application deadline, we will do our best to address those most frequently asked questions here.
The question we probably get the most often relates to standardized testing; what test results will make it to us in time to be considered during Early Decision and which won’t. While we make no guarantees, here’s what’s helpful to know.
- Any ACT or SAT taken prior to October 1 should reach us in time to be considered during ED (just ensure you’ve asked for those scores to be officially reported from the testing agency)
- October SAT results generally arrive in time to be considered during Early Decision (assuming the test date is in early October as it generally is)
- October ACT results generally do not arrive in time to be considered during Early Decision as they are usually offered in late October and thus results aren’t available until late November)
- All test results need to be reported to W&M from the testing agency
- Results do not need to arrive prior to the November 1 application deadline but should arrive shortly thereafter in order to be considered
- We do accept rush scores although rushing is generally not necessary as October SATs should arrive in time without rushing and October ACTs, even when rushed, may not arrive in time
What’s most important is that when filling out the Common Application, report any prior and any future test dates (even if results aren’t yet available or you haven’t yet taken the exam). That way we can make a note to look for updated testing when reviewing your materials.
We will address questions about financial aid/merit awards, senior year grades and other Early Decision-related questions in upcoming blogs. If there are any specific ED questions you have, post them as comments below and we’d be happy to address them.
Wendy Livingston ’03, M.Ed. ‘09
Associate Dean of Admission
Comments are closed on posts older than one year, but we still want to hear from you. If you have a comment or question for us, please email admission@wm.edu.
I’ve been reading these blogs religiously since my sophomore year, and now that I’m a senior getting ready to apply early decision, I could not be more thankful for these blogs! Keep it up, you guys rock.
@Megan, so glad the blogs have been helpful. We look forward to reviewing your application in the coming months!
What about the November 2 SAT? Should we rush them to you or will they be too late? Thanks!
@Alison, a November SAT would be very unlikely to arrive in time to be considered during ED. Even if rushed it’s unlikely. We’re not saying it’s impossible, just not highly likely.
When I filled out the common app, I mentioned that I had taken two tests and gave all the scores for my first, but due to some problems with saving the common app I’m not sure if it still says that one of my tests was in October and I am waiting for the score. I had the scores sent to William and Mary, will you still be able to review them? Thanks! And thank you for the blogs, they’ve been really helpful!
@McKenzie, any score we receive will automatically be matched to your record.