Short answer: the middle 50% of first-year students who enrolled at William & Mary scored about 1400 to 1530 on the SAT, with an average of 1473. That means a quarter of enrolled first-years scored 1400 or lower and a quarter scored 1530 or higher. These numbers come from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
William & Mary at a glance
SAT middle 50%: 1400 to 1530 | Average: 1473
Reading and Writing: 710 to 760 | Math: 690 to 770
ACT middle 50%: 32 to 34
Admission rate: 34.1%
William & Mary SAT scores by section
| Section | 25th percentile | 75th percentile |
|---|---|---|
| Reading and Writing | 710 | 760 |
| Math | 690 | 770 |
| Total (sum of sections) | 1400 | 1530 |
The total row adds the two section numbers, so treat it as a close estimate, not an exact percentile of total scores. For comparison, the average SAT score for the class of 2026 was 1045 (528 Reading and Writing, 517 Math), according to College Board.
Does William & Mary require the SAT?
No. After a three-year pilot, William & Mary made its test-optional policy permanent and calls it “indefinitely test-optional (with no strings attached).”
- Choose on the Common App: if you select test-optional, W&M hides any self-reported scores and any scores it received earlier.
- How to send: official reports or self-reported scores.
- W&M’s advice: if your scores reflect your ability well, send them. If you did well in hard courses but your scores do not show it, you can leave them out.
- Who applies without scores: 39% of the Class of 2030 applied test-optional, down from 45% of the Class of 2028.
W&M’s own middle 50% for the Class of 2028 was 710 to 760 in Reading and Writing and 690 to 770 in Math, matching the College Scorecard numbers above.
What SAT score should you aim for?
W&M’s middle 50% is about 1400 to 1530. Send your score if it is 1400 or higher. With 61% of the Class of 2030 applying with scores, a score inside the range is the normal path. At 1530 or higher, it is in the top quarter.
W&M students score a little higher in Reading and Writing at the bottom of the range (710 vs. 690 in Math), while Math has the higher ceiling (770). Whichever section is further below those numbers is where your next points are.
Where do you stand against William & Mary’s range?
Take a free full-length practice test and compare your section scores to 760 (Reading and Writing) and 770 (Math).
How to close the gap
- Find your weaker section by comparing each score to William & Mary’s 75th percentile above.
- Practice at the top difficulty level. Scores in this range come from getting the hardest questions right. Try these hard SAT math questions and this hard SAT English practice test.
- Drill your weak skills in Targeted Practice.
- Compare schools with similar ranges in the College Finder.
Frequently asked questions
What SAT score do you need for William & Mary?
There is no cutoff, but the middle 50% of enrolled first-year students scored about 1400 to 1530.
What is the average SAT score at William & Mary?
College Scorecard lists an average of 1473.
Does William & Mary require the SAT?
No. William & Mary is test-optional indefinitely, and 39% of the Class of 2030 applied without scores.
Sources
- U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard: William & Mary (latest admissions data, accessed October 2026).
- William & Mary Admission, Standardized Testing.
- William & Mary Admission, Test-Optional Admission Policy.
- College Board Newsroom, Class of 2026 SAT results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What SAT score do you need for William & Mary?
There is no cutoff, but the middle 50% of enrolled first-year students scored about 1400 to 1530.
What is the average SAT score at William & Mary?
College Scorecard lists an average of 1473.
Does William & Mary require the SAT?
No. William & Mary is test-optional indefinitely, and 39% of the Class of 2030 applied without scores.