<p>At my school like 8 girls and 1 guy got in...the rest (all guys including me) were waitlisted. At my roomates school all guys were waitlisted and only one girl got in. Now, I got into my #1 pick (UVA) but like...two of the girls who got into W&M werent valedictorians (I was) and one of those two was rejected by UVA. Also the guys who I was waitlisted along with had much lower stats than me. Not that I'm angry it all just seemed odd. I find it hard to believe that girls and guys there are about even considering the apparent admissions...</p>
<p>Stories like yours have aren't that uncommon; I can't say I know the "truth" of it, but have heard complaints (mostly from disappointed applicants) that admissions has gotten much less predictable, with some averring there's an increased emphasis on 'diversity' of the admissions pool. Statements and comments from the administration would seem to support this notion. </p>
<p>To put it another way, being valedictorian or ISEC prize-winner doesn't guarantee anything, but if you're a one-legged, mixed-race, lesbian dwarf, well, "Welcome to William and Mary" ... ;)</p>
<p>I always thought that the traditional feeling was that guys had a bit easier time gaining admission to W & M...because mainly of the larger pool of gal applicants...</p>
<p>Yea, W&M in-state definitely has way more unpredictable admissions than UVA in-state. At my high school, just about everyone who applied to UVA and had a 1950+ SAT score and top 10% class rank was accepted to UVA. I have friends who go to two different high schools, and it was the same way at their schools as well. This has lead me to believe that UVA in-state admissions is extremely stats based.</p>
<p>I can't say the same thing about W&M, because not as many kids from my high school applied to W&M for me to make this type of generalization-- pretty much everyone in the top 10% at my school applied to UVA (and most of them are going). At my school, no where near as many kids applied to W&M - I actually only know of 8 kids that applied, 6 boys and 2 girls. 5 boys and 2 girls were accepted.</p>
<p>I'm guessing that W&M places more emphasis on your essay, especially the optional one. I'd say that it's much harder to get accepted off of stats alone for W&M in-state (unless you do ED).</p>
<p>A lot of people I know got into both. And on either side I know some that got into one but not the other. In those cases, if you look at it, it is maybe not as odd as it seems. Someone who got into W&M that seemed weaker may have applied early/done more because they really liked it. Maybe they had contact with a professor, or did something of interest to the school. Same goes for getting into UVA but not W&M. And whatever it was that pushed them over the border at the one, didn't do it for the other. It could just be the general "feel" the admissions committee gets, that the applicant will or won't fit. </p>
<p>I applied RD to both and got into both. I got a likely letter from UVa but not from W&M. I didn't get Monroe or Echols. A lot of my friends only applied to UVA (as their match) but about 5 of us in the top 10 applied to W&M and we all got in. Same for UVA. The rest of them all got Monroe, apparently my SATs were about 20 points off based on that, which is annoying but what can you do? At this point it wouldn't make a difference anyway but it was a little annoying then. All of the other ones are going to UVa, except one who applied RD and one who applied ED. And then we have one more who was a very good student but fell a little short of a "honor grad" fairfax standards, but has a good hook in theatre experience. I'm honestly not surprised by most of the decisions. One person I know who didn't get into WM and got into UVA, aspires to be an engineer. Well, WM doesn't HAVE that. Obviously they didn't put it on their app, but still, people need to understand that's probably going to come across somehow. They aren't going to accept someone like that who is basically sure to turn them down for UVA/Tech, over someone who clearly has more of a liberal arts focus.</p>
<p>In general, if a student has taken the most challenging courses (i.e., AP/IB) available in his/her school, has excellent grades/rank/decent scores and essay - and follows the directions on the common application - the student, especially in state, stands a very good chance of being accepted, IMO. (More students from my D's VA hs opted for W&M over UVA this year.)</p>
<p>My opinion, but admissions around the country are whacky. Grades, SAT scores alone, won't guarantee admissions at any school, any more. Students have to "sell" themselves in their essays, recommendations, and possibly more important, in their interest in schools. Daughter was accepted to W&M and UVA. UVA was ranked higher on her list of choices but she chose W&M after admitted students day. UVA's Day on the Lawn was so disorganized, crowded, unfriendly event. W&M, from the moment we pulled into parking and had smiling students directing traffic, sold her on this school. Wacky admissions? Who knows, but thank you! Looking forward to the next four years.</p>
<p>I agree that it's about diversity. The new president is a big supporter of the policy. Along, with removing the cross from the Wren building and bringing the "sex show" to campus. Hopefully, he won't completely ruin the school before my daughter graduates.</p>
<p>Ha ha JEHudson, I'd like to let you know that almost all of the students absolutely love President Nichol minus a few vocal ones. Please explain to me how you believe he is ruining the school. The Sex Worker's Art Show was actually a really big hit on campus and the cross is remaining in the Wren. The whole cross situation was blown way out of proportion anyway.</p>
<p>
[quote]
I agree that it's about diversity. The new president is a big supporter of the policy.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Nichol seems to be remaking W&M in the image of UNC. The new vice provost for enrollment, Earl Granger came from UNC in early 2006. This may account for some of the perceived wackiness.</p>
<p>
[quote]
Granger said one of the main goals in his new role is to make William and Mary more accessible to a broader segment of the population and to make sure all students, including minority groups, are exposed to the opportunities here.</p>
<p>There is a certain segment of the population for which William and Mary is not on their radar screen. Even when I worked here before, that was definitely a focus of mine, Granger said. That was part of my passion and that still is my passionproviding access.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>source: <a href="http://www.wm.edu/news/?id=5532%5B/url%5D">http://www.wm.edu/news/?id=5532</a></p>
<p>UNCW, thought the W stood for Wilmington. I guess it stands for Williamsburg.</p>
<p>Just kidding. Just be thankful the two guys aren't from University of Oklahoma, or WVU, then the standards would really drop! </p>
<p>lol</p>
<p>University of Oklahoma? That was kind of out of the blue.</p>
<p>That said, our child is attending William and Mary, thrilled to be attending. During the process we looked at the University of Oklahoma - they have actually increased their standards over the past few years, and have a nice honors program. They have a fabulous program for NMSF's - virtually a free ride - even for out of state students. Distance - however - was an issue for us.</p>
<p>As for the friedlieness at William and Mary - everyone we have come in contact with has gone out of his or her way to make our child feel welcome!</p>
<p>All for diversity. Worst thing, in my opinion, is a homogenized school, everyone similar. The real world is full of diversity. Best get used to it now. Wonder how many students have only attended private schools, without any real differences.</p>
<p>My dad was from Oklahoma, I actually thought about going there in the late 70s. It was cheaper OOS there than instate here!</p>
<p>I have no problem with diversity. But, when it's forced and kids who are qualified aren't accepted and someone who isn't qualified is accepted to fill a quota I feel that is wrong. I also wouldn't want to be accepted because of the color of my skin, my religion, my income, etc..</p>
<p>I don't think this generation has any problems with people who are different than they are. I think our generation makes it an issue with forced diversity and "diversity days" at schools.</p>
<p>I think we will really achieve equality when it's not an issue any longer and people are truly treated the same.</p>
<p>
Along, with removing the cross from the Wren building and bringing the "sex show" to campus.
</p>
<p>President Nichol didn't bring the show to campus. Students organized to bring the show to campus.</p>
<p>
Just be thankful the two guys aren't from University of Oklahoma, or WVU, then the standards would really drop!
</p>
<p>Their hasn't been a drop in admission standards, the average admitted student SAT score was actually higher this year than the last couple of years.</p>
<p>That's what I meant, be thankful they are UNC guys, at least the standards are still really high. I wasn't putting them down at all.</p>
<p>"someone who isn't qualified is accepted to fill a quota "</p>
<p>One has to wonder are truly unqualified persons accepted to fill a quota. What makes one qualified/unqualified. Clearly, top test scores alone isn't proper qualification. I doubt seriously, anyone, regardless of race, religon, economic status is accepted unless that fit into a range of acceptable scores. Research, EC's, overcoming enormous problems give some students an edge that grades alone, will never lend.</p>
<p>Well said, momray. </p>
<p>Also, I forgot to mention that the "sex show" did not appear on just the campus of W&M, but numerous college campuses - and at least one Ivy League campus.</p>
<p>Wow, I remember when The Opening of Misty Beethoven played at the W&M film series in 1982 or so. It was supposedly supposed to be the R rated version, but when they rolled it, it was super hardcore. W&M Hall was packed pretty full too, as I recall. So we had our own sex show way back when! lol</p>