William and Mary Early Action details

I'm considering applying Early Action to William and Mary. Can anyone explain what the process entails? What are the benefits? And is it binding or non-binding?

William & Mary's Early Decision (ED) application process is a bit unique! They offer two rounds of ED - ED I and ED II - alongside Regular Decision (RD). Unfortunately, they do not offer an Early Action (EA) option.

Early Decision plans are binding, which means if William & Mary accepts you, you are obligated to enroll, provided that they meet your financial needs. This can significantly impact your college search, so you'll want to be confident that William & Mary is your top choice before applying to ED.

ED I applications are typically due in early November, with decisions released in mid-December. ED II is for students who may have identified William & Mary as their first choice later in the application process. The deadline for ED II is typically in early January with decisions being released in mid-February.

A benefit of ED is that you receive your admission decision earlier, which may alleviate some stress. Additionally, at many institutions, ED applicants usually have a higher acceptance rate compared to RD applicants. Keep in mind, however, that the applicant pool for ED can be more competitive, as these students have also demonstrated a high level of commitment to the college.

In terms of financial aid, you should use William & Mary’s net price calculator beforehand to get a sense of what your financial aid package might look like. The ED agreement can be broken for financial reasons, but it’s best to have a clear idea of the financial feasibility before applying.

As always, it's best to check the most up-to-date information on William & Mary’s Admission’s website or by contacting their admissions office directly.