A Message To High School Juniors…

Dear Juniors,

While much of our focus recently has been on assisting the high school Class of 2020, we’re very aware of the impact the COVID-19 crisis has and will continue to have on the Class of 2021 as you continue your college search. We don’t have all of the answers right now or pretend to know what may yet unfold. However, as you begin this journey, I want to assure you that we’re committed to working with you and your schools throughout the next year as you explore and apply to colleges. I’m thrilled that as you start this exploration, William & Mary has emerged on your list of potential college options.

At William & Mary we remain committed to a holistic admissions process. This means that when we read your application we learn about you as a person through your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, recommendations, essays, and personal experiences. The information provided in your application illustrates your story and the context that shapes it. This will not change next year, and becomes even more important as we recognize the very real impact on your academic and personal lives resulting from this unprecedented time. From travel restrictions to cancelled seasons, productions and events; from rapid transitions to remote learning and changes in school grading policies; and from changes in standardized-test availability and cancellations — our lens of supporting you in exploring William & Mary and in learning about you through your application begins with this contextual understanding.

For those of you taking AP or IB courses this year, you can be reassured that William & Mary will continue to grant credit for scores in accordance with our existing requirements. We also recognize that SAT and ACT opportunities have been significantly impacted and limited for you. This is something we are monitoring closely, and will work to ensure that our use of standardized testing in the coming cycle properly reflects and considers these limitations. [Update: W&M announces SAT, ACT test-optional admission pilot]

Above all, we wish for you to stay safe and healthy. Unfortunately, right now, that means not being able to visit William & Mary in person. This saddens us, as it is a powerful experience to walk our campus and interact with our vibrant community. It’s an experience I hope you’ll have an opportunity to take part in — for the first time or again — sometime in the not too distant future. At the same time, our commitment to supporting and engaging with you right now is as strong as ever. I invite you to take advantage of the many opportunities we currently have to explore William & Mary from your home, including our virtual video tour and information session. Likewise, if you have any questions or there is anything we can assist you with, feel free to email us, or reach out to your Regional Dean.

Please know that during this period we are thinking of you and your family. While we miss the opportunities to engage with you in person this spring, we are honored to be a part of your college search, and we are excited to begin this journey with you.

Take care,

Dean Wolfe and the rest of the Office of Undergraduate Admission