How Important is GPA for Admission to William and Mary?

Hey guys, I'm a pretty decent student with good EC and test scores but my GPA isn't exactly stellar. I want to know how much weight William and Mary give to GPA as an admission factor.

At most selective colleges including William and Mary, GPA does carry significant weight. It's one of the primary factors that admissions officers evaluate when making decisions, as it provides a snapshot of your academic performance over four years of high school.

Though William and Mary doesn't publicly disclose the exact weight they give to GPA, we can tell from the profile of their admitted students that they typically admit students with very strong GPAs. For example, within the Fall 2023 freshman class, the middle-50% GPA ranged from 4.18-4.5.

Without specific details about your GPA, it's hard to provide personalized advice, but remember this: your GPA is just one part of your application. If it's not as high as you would like it to be, you can compensate in other areas. For instance, strong standardized test scores and a compelling essay can still make you a competitive applicant.

Also, admissions officers are aware that GPAs can be affected by extenuating circumstances. If your GPA was impacted by such circumstances, you might consider explaining this in the "additional information" section of your application or in your essay (if appropriate).

While a higher GPA generally increases your chances of getting in, a lower GPA doesn't automatically disqualify you. So, don't be discouraged! Put your best foot forward in all areas of your application. If you've demonstrated significant achievements or shown considerable growth over the course of your high school career, those aspects will not be overlooked.