Recommended Courses for Prospective Transfer Students
The Admissions Committee looks for well-rounded and rigorous college-level courses when reviewing transfer applications. Competitive transfer applicants typically have completed the following courses:
Mathematics such as Quantitative Reasoning, Statistics, or Calculus
Natural Sciences (with the associated laboratory) such as Biology, Chemistry, Geology or Physics
Social Sciences such as Economics, Psychology, Sociology, and Political Science
World Cultures and History
Literature and History of the Arts
Intensive Writing or Advanced Composition/Rhetoric courses
Creative and Performing Arts
Philosophical, Religious, and Social Thought
Note: Unless students have completed the fourth level in high school of a single foreign language, or demonstrated proficiency through SAT II subject tests by achieving the minimum score required to grant college credit, they must satisfactorily complete a fourth-semester course (202 level) to meet the graduation requirements at William & Mary (however, this is not an admission requirement).
Here are some examples of strong semester curricula. This is not an exhaustive list; however, it will give you an idea as to the type of curriculum or semester schedule the committee considers favorably.
Example A:
Calculus I
General Biology with Lab
Principles of Microeconomics
British Literature
Introduction to Philosophy
Example B:
Calculus II
General Chemistry with Lab
College Composition/Rhetoric
African-American History
Intermediate French I
Example C:
Quantitative Reasoning
General Physics with Lab
Introduction to Psychology
History of Western Civilization
Introduction to Creative Writing
Example D:
Probability and Statistics
Physical Geology with Lab
Principles of Sociology
Ethics (Philosophy)
Intermediate Spanish II
Example E:
Calculus I
Introductory Astronomy with Lab
Introduction to Comparative Politics
Public Speaking
Elementary German I
