William & Mary

VA · Public · South Atlantic

Acceptance rate: 22% (2,176 applicants)
Median LSAT: 166 (middle 50%: 161–167)
Median GPA: 3.82 (middle 50%: 3.53–3.94)
Tuition: $62,900 (per year, nonresident)
Bar passage: 92.8% (+10.2 pts vs. state average)

Deadlines

Application deadline: April 1, 2027

Essays

Personal statement (500 words, double-spaced, 12-point)

This personal statement is your opportunity to provide the Admissions Committee with information you believe to be relevant to your admission decision. Topics may include academic interests, significant accomplishments, and educational achievements, and/or any way in which your perspective and experience will enrich the William & Mary Law School community.

Why W&M Law statement (500 words, double-spaced, 12-point)

As the nation’s first law school, William & Mary Law School seeks to enroll a class of talented and engaged students committed to advancing our long-standing tradition of achieving and celebrating academic and professional excellence in an inclusive environment. We recognize the challenges of our history and our responsibility to pursue the realization of justice through the rule of law. This statement is your opportunity to share how your experiences, perspectives, values, and future goals align with William & Mary Law School’s vision and mission.

LSAT, GPA or character and fitness addendum (One page each)

Context around an LSAT score, grade point average, or a more detailed explanation of a "yes" answer to the Character & Fitness section is accepted. We ask that you devote an individual page to each within your application where necessary.

Editor's notes

The two essays total 1,000 words, and they have to do different jobs. Let the personal statement show who you are and what you've done. Let the Why W&M statement connect your values and goals to the school's mission. W&M even ran a fall webinar on brainstorming both together, which tells you it reads them as a pair.
Don't rush to apply in September. The FAQ says applying early doesn't raise your chances and every file gets at least two reads. But the April 1 priority deadline matters: after it, June LSAT scores are taken only if space allows.
Use the addenda strategically. W&M says LSAT, GPA and character and fitness addenda may help in merit scholarship review, and the FAQ tells you to keep explanations out of the personal statement. One page each, facts first.
If you're out of state, compare net cost carefully. Non-resident cost of attendance is $99,791 against $72,928 for Virginians, 76% of the Class of 2029 came from outside Virginia, and the school tells you to subtract your scholarship from the full cost when you compare offers.