<p>I’ll try here to answer numerous questions that have arisen.</p>
<p>1) W&M admits about 25% of the out-of-state students who apply but because we have no minimum criteria, every student is considered thoroughly and no one is automatically put into one decision category merely because of scores. You should certainly highlight your unique qualities (your Eastern European background, language abilities, and first-generation status) so that they can be considered (and subjective qualities carry equal weight for us as the objective ones). We would also encourage you to try the ACT or take the SAT again just to see if it makes a difference allowing you to put your best foot forward</p>
<p>2) W&M is need blind. We do not have any financial info on a student who is applying. The Gateway question we used to pose on the Supplement (which we no longer do) was to help us put students in context of their upbringing.</p>
<p>3) Students should not apply early decision of they need to compare financial aid or scholarship packages. You should apply early decision to any school only if you’re certain you can commit to going if admitted. Certainly no school will drag you to its campus if you release yourself from the agreement but keep in mind if you’re admitted early decision and then back out you’ve taken a spot from another student who says W&M is their first choice school. We encourage you to contact Financial Aid prior to applying early and to complete some on-line worksheets to get a sense of what your expected family contribution will be and what you can expect as far as aid.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>