Social Class
What is Social Class?
A student’s social class signifies the year of anticipated graduation, based on a standard 4-year enrollment. All students admitted as freshmen are assigned a social class, which is equal to four years after their entry to the college.
Example: A freshman admitted in Fall 2020 has a social class of 2024.
Transfer Students
Defined as students who have enrolled as degree-seeking students at another college after high school graduation. Social class will be determined after transfer credit is awarded (college credits earned after high school graduation). Social class will be a projection of the earliest year the student can graduate, based on credits awarded.
Example: A transfer student admitted in Fall 2022 with 50 credit hours has a social class of 2024.
Re-admitted Students
The social class is reviewed and adjusted to reflect time spent away from the campus.
Example: A member of the Social Class of 2024 withdraws from the College and returns after an absence of one year. The student’s new social class is 2025.
How Social Class Affects Registration
Effective for the Social Class of 2008, registration priorities are based on social class, not by earned hours or academic class. This policy was approved by the William & Mary Board of Visitors. Other university services are now based on social class, as well. Credits earned during high school or through AP or IB testing do not affect social class and do not enhance registration priorities.
