Economics

Economics is a social science. It is "social" because it deals with norms and incentives that define the economic behavior of individuals and groups. It is a "science" because it uses models to study choices in the production and distribution of wealth. Economists try to understand how existing resources are allocated and how new resources are created. Our research focuses on such factors as productivity, markets, employment, income distribution, and growth.

Because people make economic decisions on global and personal scales, the tools of economic analysis have many powerful, real-world applications. You'll know that economics is your cup of tea if you seek answers to questions like these:

• What effects does the "three-strikes law" have on criminal behavior?
• How do star athletes affect NBA gate revenues?
• What policies help the poor secure better livelihoods?
• What is the role of technology and trade in inequality between and within nations?
• Which factors drive the gender and racial wage gaps?

William & Mary was among the first in the nation to provide instruction in economics going as far back as 1784. Today, our 30-plus faculty members offer one of the premier undergraduate programs in the major or in the minor. We participate in the St Andrews Joint Degree Program, and we teach many of the courses in the Master's in Public Policy Program.

Our undergraduate alumni go on to attend the best Ph.D. programs in Economics or in other fields, work for consulting companies and multinationals, join government agencies, or enjoy rewarding careers in the non-profit sector.

Secondary School Report Form including official records of your courses and grades from all secondary schools and universities you have attended. Please note that in order to have complete secondary school records, we need to have records from your ninth grade year (last year of middle or junior high school) as well as your complete senior high school records. These records must be sent directly to us from your school. Certified non-English transcripts or grade reports should be accompanied by official (literal, not interpretive) translations.

*Students applying as international transfer students need to complete the transfer student application requirements.

Optional Application Materials include:

1. Teacher Evaluation Form and Letter of Recommendation - you may submit one letter of recommendation with your application. Please do not submit more than two.
2. Results of optional standardized tests a) SAT or ACT; and b) TOEFL or IELTS. Results may be sent directly to William & Mary by the testing organization or self-reported in the application. Admitted students who self-reported standardized test scores in the application will be asked to have official scores sent by the testing organization at the time of enrollment.
3. Creative and Performing Arts Submission
4. InitialView - William & Mary is a welcoming community that offers endless opportunities to discuss big ideas both inside and outside the classroom. Applicants who are non-native English speakers are welcome to participate in a third-party, unscripted interview through InitialView. If you have interviewed with InitialView, we encourage you to consider adding William & Mary to your list of school as an optional way to supplement your application.

Tell us your story. We want to learn more about who you’ve been, who you are and who you’ll become in college. Numbers will inevitably be part of your story, but we’re also interested in your ambition, your drive and your hidden talents.

William & Mary practices holistic review; decisions are not based solely on one aspect of your application. Rather, we review your essays, letters of recommendation, extracurricular involvements, and yes, those numbers like GPAs and standardized test scores. Each application is read at least twice, including once by your regional counselor. At the end of this process, our goal is to bring together a class of dynamic, diverse and academically engaged students.

Our Applications & Instructions

William & Mary currently accepts:

• The Common Application