Transferring to William & Mary
Understanding Transfer Admissions
Who Can Transfer?
If you've graduated from high school and have since enrolled in a degree program at another college or university, you're considered a transfer student. To be eligible for admission to William & Mary, you generally need to have completed at least one full-time semester of college coursework. While there's no strict maximum, keep in mind that you must complete at least 60 credit hours at William & Mary to earn a degree.
Competitive applicants typically have a B average or better and have completed a well-rounded program of study, including courses in English, history, foreign language, mathematics, and lab sciences.
How to Apply
The application process is straightforward. William & Mary uses the Common Application for Transfer, which simplifies submitting your materials. You’ll need to provide:
- The completed Common Application for Transfer
- An official transcript from all colleges or universities you've attended
- An official final high school transcript
- A $75 application fee or fee waiver
Pay close attention to the deadlines. They differ depending on whether you plan to start in the fall or spring semester.
| Semester Start | Application Deadline |
|---|---|
| Fall | March 1 |
| Spring | November 1 |
Guaranteed Admission
For students attending a community college in Virginia, there's a special pathway to admission. William & Mary has a Guaranteed Admission Agreement (GAA) with the Virginia Community College System (VCCS) and Richard Bland College (RBC). This agreement provides a direct route for students who meet specific academic criteria.
The GAA is designed to make the transition seamless for high-achieving students. If you fulfill all the requirements of the agreement, your admission to William & Mary is assured. To qualify, you must have earned an associate's degree from a VCCS institution or RBC in a university-parallel program.
The key requirements for guaranteed admission are rigorous and focus on strong academic performance and a solid foundation in general education. You'll need:
- A cumulative GPA of at least 3.6 in transferable courses.
- A minimum of 45 transferable credit hours from the VCCS or RBC.
- Successful completion of specific general education courses, such as English composition, mathematics, and sciences.
It's critical to meet every single requirement of the GAA to be eligible. Be sure to work closely with your community college advisor to ensure you're on the right track.
To take advantage of the GAA, you must submit a Letter of Intent to transfer to William & Mary after you've earned at least 15 credit hours at your community college.
What is the minimum cumulative GPA required in transferable courses to qualify for the Guaranteed Admission Agreement (GAA) with the Virginia Community College System?
To earn a degree from William & Mary, a transfer student must complete a minimum of how many credit hours at the university?
Navigating the transfer process requires careful planning, but understanding these key pathways is the first step toward joining the William & Mary community.
