<p>I am currently a first-year at a very prestigious liberal arts college, comparable to William & Mary, but I am considering transferring through the reopen application. Last year, I applied to William & Mary through Early Decision and was deferred. Instead of waiting for the school to review my application again, I thought it would be smarter to apply Early Decision 2 to the school that I currently attend. I am starting to regret that decision because although the school is a great academic fit, I underestimated how negatively the overbearing greek scene at my school would impact my experience and I realize that the school is just not the best fit for me. I also regret the fact that I did not give William & Mary the chance to review my application again, because I honestly have no doubt that it would be a great fit for me. I am considering applying as a freshmen spring-semester transfer, but I have two questions. Is it alright that my school only permits me to take a 12 academic credit load during the first year plus a Physical Education class or would William & Mary not accept this type of course load (I have two scores of "5" on AP exams that could potentially count for credit)? Also, how seriously does William & Mary look at Professor recommendations? I realize a Professor might be reluctant to write a letter of recommendation for a student looking to transfer after only the first semester.</p>
<p>If your school limits you to 12 credits we won’t hold that against you but make sure you explain that in your application so we’re aware of the restriction.</p>
<p>If professor recommendations are included (they are optional) we do review those and consider what faculty have to say.</p>
<p>Do keep in mind that our ability to accept first-semester transfer freshmen is based solely on whether any spaces become available in our residence halls. We require all freshmen to live on campus so if no freshmen leave after the first semester we will have to deny all applicants such as yourself; not because we want to but because we have no housing to make available to you. This is not to say you cannot apply but just be aware of this limitation we have in place. If you do not get admitted for the spring you can reopen again for fall.</p>
<p>Thank you for responding so quickly! I will keep all of that in mind when I apply to transfer. I had a feeling that space would be very limited for first-semester transfer freshmen, but I figured that it would be smart for me to apply now in case there is room for me and I would be able to start at William & Mary as soon as possible.</p>