Waitlisted

What happens next? If you still remain interested in W&M, you are welcome to email your regional counselor with any updates, as well as a note of continued interest, starting in early-to-mid Apr. This note of continued interest does not have to be an extensive essay (you’ve already written enough of those for your actual applications) but should convey why you are interested in W&M and why you see yourself thriving as a member of our community.

Should we determine that we are able to admit additional students from the waitlist, we will consider any new information that you have sent us since your waitlist decision, along with your original application materials. If you are no longer interested in W&M, you can simply complete the online form linked in your portal in order to withdraw your name from our waitlist.

Waitlist Updates

Generally, we can determine whether or not we will be admitting students from the waitlist by early May. If we are able to admit additional students, we will automatically consider those students who elected to remain on the waitlist.

All students remaining on the waitlist will get an update from us via email by mid-Jun.

Waitlist FAQs

How is the waitlist determined?

Knowing that some admitted students will decline our offer and elect to attend other institutions, we offer admission to more applicants than can be accommodated. The waitlist provides a means through which other capable applicants may be selected for admission if fewer students than anticipated accept our offer of admission. Typically, between 1,200 and 1,500 students elect to remain on the waitlist.

Now that I have the option of being on the waitlist, what do I do next?

Complete the Waitlist Response Form as soon as possible by following the link provided in your application portal.

When will I hear about admission?

Usually, any offers of admission from the waitlist will not be until around May 1, and all offers of admission will be made prior to Aug. 1. You will receive an update about the status of the waitlist by mid-Jun.

If I am admitted, how will I be notified?

By phone and written confirmation will follow immediately. If we are unable to reach you by phone, we will email you at the address you provided on your application.

How many students are admitted from the waitlist in a typical year?

The number has varied tremendously in previous years and is difficult to predict. Below are the numbers of students we’ve offered admission to from the waitlist for each of the past four years:

2022: 4 students
2021: 38 students
2020: 145 students
2019: 184 students

If I do go to the waitlist, am I ranked?

No. If we determine that we will use the waitlist, we will re-evaluate all applicants who have accepted a place on the waitlist.

Will a campus interview enhance my chances?

No. We do not offer interviews for students on the waitlist. A student's academic record is the major criterion for admission. Although we welcome any additional academic information (third quarter or second trimester grades), none is required.

I am a candidate for financial aid. Will the waitlist affect my financial award?

Unfortunately, we are not able to guarantee that we can meet the full need of any student admitted from the waitlist. We will make every effort to provide you with the best possible package from the funds available at the time of your admission, and you will not be required to make a commitment before receiving your financial aid package.

If I am offered admission, will I receive housing?

Yes. All entering first-year students are guaranteed on-campus housing unless they are eligible to live at home and have petitioned Residence Life to do so.

What if I don’t get off the waitlist but William & Mary remains my top choice?

William & Mary offers two spring term guaranteed admission programs for waitlisted students; a community or junior college pathway, and an academic semester abroad program through Verto Education.

Community College Option

For the community or junior college pathway, waitlisted students simply need to fulfill the following requirements:

Complete at least 12 transferable credits in the fall from an accredited community or junior college.
Earn a 3.0 GPA.
Finish the semester with no individual grade below a C-.
Continue to meet high standards of personal conduct.

Learn more about the fall semester Spring Pathways option.

Study Abroad Option

William & Mary is also pleased to be a partner institution with Verto Education, which offers credit-bearing, travel-based, gap-semester experiences abroad. Requirements for the Verto option include:

Be 18 years of age by Jun. 1 for the Italy and Spain locations, and the first day of classes for the England location.
Complete at least 12-16 transferable credits for the fall semester through the Verto program in either England, Italy or Spain.
Earn at least a 3.0 GPA.
Finish the semester with no individual grade below a C-.
Continue to meet high standards of personal conduct.

For each program, waitlisted students will need to complete a streamlined application process. All students remaining on the waitlist pursuing the pathway will need to submit the William & Mary Spring Pathways Intent Form located on the Waitlist Tab of the Application Status Portal by Jun. 15. The form is available starting in mid-May to students who have responded to our general waitlist) and submit their official high school transcript (with graduation date) by Jul. 15.

For both pathways, students will be required to complete a simple form to reactivate their first-year student applications (available in Aug. and due by Sept. 15). All students on the pathway will also need to submit mid-semester grade estimates by Oct. 28.

While acceptances will be made quickly upon receipt of mid-semester grades in mid-Nov., they will be conditional pending final grades. An official fall semester transcript and College Report are due by Jan. 5.

Should you have any questions regarding the community or junior college pathway program, please contact your regional counselor. Questions regarding the academic semester abroad program may be directed to globalstudyprogram@vertoeducation.org. Learn more about how the Verto courses transfer to William & Mary.

While on-campus housing will be guaranteed for all spring term guaranteed admission students, it is unlikely to be in first-year student housing. International students are welcome to participate in this program, however, due to the quick turnaround time from official offers of admission to the start of the spring semester, it may be difficult or simply not feasible to complete the requirements for certain visas (such as an F-1) in time for spring orientation and enrollment.

Keep in mind that William & Mary also offers a standard transfer admission process for students who have completed a semester or more of college elsewhere.

Waitlist Updates

Waitlist FAQs

ExpandAll Expand