A Ring doorbell camera recently captured the excitement one prospective student felt after learning they were admitted to William & Mary.

That level of excitement is expected to permeate the university’s Day for Admitted Students on April 15, during which the admitted members of the Class of 2027 and their families can experience a broad selection of what William & Mary has to offer.

About 3,400 people are registered to participate in the event, which includes academic presentations, performances by student groups and opportunities to explore the entire campus, among dozens of additional offerings and the chance to create a custom schedule.

“We are delighted to finally be able to meet some of our admitted students in person after spending months learning about them through their applications,” said Tim Wolfe, associate vice president for enrollment and dean of admission. “We realize we’re fortunate to see so many outstanding applications, and now we want to give our admitted students a chance during the Day for Admitted Students to see why W&M is such a special place.

“This group is incredibly talented and impressive on many levels, and I know they will add much to our campus community when they enroll this fall.”

Impressive applicant pool

In total, the university received about 17,500 applications for the Class of 2027, up nearly 25% from 2020, the last admissions cycle prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. This included a record-breaking number of early decision applications from students who have determined William & Mary to be their top-choice school and are willing to commit to enrolling if offered admission.

As a result of the increase in early decision applicants, and an increase in the overall percentage of admitted students choosing William & Mary in recent years, Undergraduate Admission made 8% fewer admission offers this year.

Overall, the university offered admission to about 5,600 applicants – an admission rate of 32%. When it begins in the fall of 2023, the Class of 2027 is expected to comprise about 1,650 students.

This year’s admitted students are an accomplished and diverse group. About 40% are students of color, and 6% are international students. They represent 65 countries along with 49 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and Guam. 

The group is academically talented, boasting a middle 50% SAT score range of 1410-1530 and middle 50% ACT score range of 33-35. For students from schools providing a class rank, 87% ranked in the top 10% of their class. About 30% of the admitted students applied without standardized test scores. Earlier this year, the university indefinitely extended its test-optional process based on data showing the success of students who have used it.

Opportunities to experience W&M

The Day for Admitted Students is one of several events the university is hosting in coming weeks for admitted students to experience William & Mary. On April 14, Undergraduate Admission will hold its You Belong event, which is open to all admitted students but intended to provide those from underrepresented groups a chance to “find community here,” said LaToya Lawson, associate dean of admission.

The event, which culminates in a block party in the Wren Courtyard, will provide participants an opportunity to observe inclusive excellence in action during talks with faculty and staff, classroom visits and opportunities to meet with current students.

Admitted students who are unable to attend the Day for Admitted Students will find four more chances to participate in similar experiences through the university’s Green & Gold Days, April 17, 21, 24 and 28.

Additionally, four regional You Belong events will be offered later in April. Undergraduate Admission has partnered with the W&M Alumni Association for those offerings, along with the Center for Student Diversity and current students. 

While planning events for admitted students, the Office of Undergraduate Admission is also experiencing its busiest time of year for visits by prospective students. In total, Wolfe expects the university to see around 6,000-8,000 campus visitors tour W&M during the first two weeks of April, when many high schools are on spring break.

During this time of year, the admission office is running two – sometimes three – sessions per day to meet demand.

“We are delighted to be this busy because it means that word is out about the exceptional academic offerings and community that William & Mary has to offer,” said Wolfe. “There’s no place quite like William & Mary, and we want to make sure that all students who would excel here have the opportunity to visit, apply and enroll.”

, Senior Associate Director of University News