The College of William & Mary (W&M), the second-oldest institution of higher education in the United States, is a renowned public research university steeped in over 300 years of history. In this article, we will dive into the W&M ACT scores and requirements. Be sure to check out our other post that discusses W&M’s SAT stats and requirements!
What is the average ACT score at William & Mary?
In keeping with its reputation of academic excellence, William & Mary’s average composite ACT score falls around a 33, out of the maximum possible 36 points. This is significantly higher than the national average of about 21. The 25th percentile score for admitted students is a 32, and the 75th percentile is a composite score of 34.
This means that the lowest 25% of scorers achieved a 32 or below, and the highest 25% of scorers had a 34 or above. These numbers demonstrate the high standards William & Mary holds for its students. However, the range also shows that there is no one number that applicants must achieve for admission.
What is the average ACT English score at William & Mary?
The ACT composite score is the average of the scores a student achieves on each of the four test sections: English, mathematics, reading, and science. Here, we will break down the William & Mary ACT English and Math score statistics.
The average ACT English score at William & Mary is a strong 35. Further, the 25th and 75th percentiles fall at 34 and 35, respectively. As evidenced by these scores, William & Mary students perform very well on the English section of the ACT.
What is the average ACT Math score at William & Mary?
The average ACT Math score among students admitted to W&M falls between the 25th and 75th percentiles of 28 and 34, respectively. Further, an ACT Math score of 31 would place you around the middle 50% of scorers at William & Mary.
While these scores are a bit lower than the English section scores, they are still quite high. However, as with the other sections, there is no one particular benchmark that applicants must meet.
What are William & Mary’s ACT requirements?
William & Mary has extended its test-optional policy indefinitely, allowing applicants to decide whether to include SAT or ACT scores as part of their application. The admissions team will review applications holistically, instead of relying on standardized test scores as a deciding factor.
Applicants may self-report their ACT scores in their application. However, admitted students must submit official scores at the time of enrollment.
Note that W&M does not require the ACT Writing section, as the admissions officers prefer to evaluate students’ writing abilities through their college essays.
What percentage of William & Mary applicants submit the ACT?
Among enrolled students at William & Mary, 18% submitted ACT scores. Meanwhile, 52% submitted SAT scores, and the remaining 30% did not submit either.
From these statistics, it is clear that the SAT remains a popular choice, with almost three times as many students opting to submit the SAT over the ACT. Nevertheless, there is no advantage in choosing one test over the other beyond personal preference and circumstance.
Should I go test-optional?
Submitting high SAT or ACT scores can enhance an applicant’s chances at a competitive school like William & Mary. However, the university’s holistic review process means that strong performance in other areas can also make a significant impact. If your ACT scores fall within or above the 25th to 75th percentile ranges, they might be worth submitting.
In any case, we recommend that all students who are able study for and take the SAT and/or ACT. If you test well, your score can be an asset to your application. If not, you can leave the score off your application without penalty.
For more information, check out William & Mary’s Test-Optional FAQ webpage.
Does William & Mary superscore the ACT?
Yes, William & Mary superscores the ACT. This means that they consider the highest section scores across all test dates. This policy benefits applicants who have taken the ACT more than once.
Applicants are encouraged to submit multiple scores if it reflects their abilities more accurately. That said, students may take advantage of the ACT equivalent for the College Board Score Choice option to submit only their highest ACT scores to W&M.
What’s a good ACT score for William & Mary?
While there are no specific score requirements, aiming for scores at or above the 50th percentile is advisable. For William & Mary, the 50th percentile composite ACT score is a strong 33. If your score exceeds this benchmark, you have a competitive test score. If your score exceeds the 75th percentile for William & Mary, which is an impressive 34, then you’re well-positioned.
Of course, remember that your application is reviewed holistically. If your other application materials aren’t strong, then your W&M ACT scores are less valuable. On the flip-side, application materials like strong essays, recommendation letters, and transcripts can make up for a weaker ACT score.
| Section | 25th | 50th | 75th |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composite | 32 | 33 | 34 |
| English | 34 | 35 | 35 |
| Math | 28 | 31 | 34 |
Can I get into William & Mary with a low ACT?
While a lower ACT score makes admission more challenging, it is still possible. William & Mary evaluates applicants holistically, considering academic and extracurricular performance. Strong leadership, community service, and other achievements can significantly bolster an application.
That said, note that a “low” ACT score for William & Mary would still most likely exceed the national averages. To be specific, the national average composite ACT score is around 21, while the lowest quartile ACT composite scores at W&M go up to 32. Therefore, although 25% of students admitted to W&M scored at or below 32 on their SAT, it is in an applicant’s best interest to strive for a composite score greater than 32.
When should I take the ACT for William & Mary?
For students applying for the fall semester, the ACT should ideally be taken by the junior spring semester. Early Decision I applicants must submit scores by November 1. Early Decision II and Regular Decision applications are due January 5. Transfer applicants must submit by March 1.
In order for your ACT score to be considered by W&M, you must self-report and/or officially report your score by the appropriate deadline. ACT scores generally take 2-4 weeks, so you are encouraged to take your last ACT exam at least a month before the appropriate deadline.
What is William & Mary’s ACT code?
William & Mary’s ACT code for submitting official test scores is 4344.
While William & Mary no longer requires applicants to submit ACT or SAT test scores, the standards for those who do choose to submit scores are still quite high. Choosing not to take the exams or to omit scores from an application will not harm an applicant, but sending a good score can only help. Ultimately, the decision of whether to take and submit exam scores is a personal decision to be evaluated in the context of an applicant’s strengths, goals, and priorities. If you are considering the SAT instead, be sure to check out our William & Mary SAT Breakdown!
