T – 1 Week

Admit It! Those of you who are applying early decision have a deadline looming over your heads as applications are due one week from today.  Scary I know; not only for applicants who are busy compiling rec letters and putting the finishing touches on their essays, but also for admission deans who cannot believe reading season is once again upon us.  Scary sure, but also unbelievably exciting as we the Admission Office embarks on the journey of admitting the Class of 2015 to William & Mary.  Early decision applicants are those who bleed green and gold and it’s good for any institution to admit and enroll students who are head-over-heels in love with the college/university.  Reading early decision applications and making a life-long dream come true for many young students is a very rewarding experience.  Just a few quick ins and outs for those of you who are in the process of submitting your early decision applications.

• Early decision is the binding kind of early application.  Those who are admitted commit themselves to enrolling at W&M the following fall and must withdraw all other college applications.
• You should apply early decision only if all of the following apply to you: 1) William & Mary is your first choice, 2) your family is comfortable foregoing the opportunity to compare financial aid and scholarship packages from other institutions, and 3) you do not believe that providing admission deans access to your first-semester senior grades and/or updated testing will improve the standing of your application (Note: We generally receive the October SAT results in time to consider them during early decision review.  We generally do not receive the October ACT or November SAT results in time).
• A completed early decision application includes the Common Application, W&M Supplement to the Common Application, a high school transcript, SAT or ACT score(s) submitted to W&M from the testing authority, a $60. application fee, and the Common Application Early Decision Agreement signed by the applicant, a parent/guardian, and the applicant’s guidance counselor.  You will receive one email confirming receipt of your Common Application and a second email confirming that we have completed your application.
• Scholarships and financial aid packages are not awarded until the spring.  Early decision applicants are just as eligible for financial aid and scholarships as those who apply regular decision but scholarship decisions are not made until we have a chance to review the entire applicant pool, and financial aid packages are not awarded until April which gives the Financial Aid Office time to review the 2011 FAFSA.
• Admission rates during early decision are higher than they are during regular decision.  The applicant pool during early decision is approximately 1,100 students whereas the regular decision pool is upwards of 12,000 students.  It’s easier to stand out in the smaller pool and therefore admission rates during early decision tend to be higher.
• Those who apply early decision can expect a response from the Admission Office during the first week of December.

Good luck!

Wendy Livingston, ’03, M.Ed ’09
Senior Assistant Dean of Admission