<p>If you apply via the Common App, you would apply to William and Mary, and then on the supplement, you would have to upload a 1500-2000 word essay response to this question:
As a candidate for the Joint Degree Programme, please provide an additional 1500-2000 word essay outlining why you are pursuing this Joint Degree option in the following academic area
You choose either history, economics, international relations, or English as your area of study, which you are then restricted to I think. You have the option of applying ED to William and Mary and being considered for the Joint Degree Programme during the RD round like everyone else, which obliges you to attend regardless of whether or not you get into the Joint Degree Programme, applying JUST to the Joint Degree Programme, which means if you aren’t admitted, then you do not have the option of attending William and Mary, or applying to both in the regular decision round (and then of course there’s the option of not applying at all!).
It notes that when you apply to the Joint Degree Programme, your information may be shared with St. Andrews, which is only fair, seeing as they’re accepting you too, albeit in a round about way.
The program works both ways, you can apply to St. Andrews and go through a similar process (I can’t speak personally as to what you have to do if you apply for their Joint Degree Programme, but I’d assume the application process would be the same, seeing as its the same program, just the other way around) to become part of their Joint Degree Programme. </p>
<p>Sorry about the length here, I’m assuming you’re pretty interested! The essay for this is rather long, so I wouldn’t advise starting your application two days before the deadline like I did! If you have any more questions, feel free to ask!</p>