The First-Year Class
The entering class profile is intended to provide a general picture of the students admitted and enrolled by UMW in the Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science degree program for the fall of 2024. Any statistical portrait is limited in describing the full range of individual differences among students who the University enrolls. UMW does not admit students by any rigid formula, and we seek to enroll a diverse and well-rounded student body.
The Admissions Committee reviews each candidate’s file individually, giving careful consideration to all aspects of the record. The committee places a strong emphasis on the quality of the student’s secondary school curriculum. Successful candidates present records of sound preparation for study in the liberal arts and sciences. Advanced, honors-level, and Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate course work is highly encouraged.
The committee reviewed 5,110 first-year applications for the fall of 2024. The University offered admission to 4,072 candidates, and 724 students enrolled as first-time students.
Multicultural Diversity
The University of Mary Washington strives to enroll a student body that is culturally and ethnically diverse. In 2024, over 32% of the entering students identified themselves as racially or ethnically diverse.
Secondary School Performance
The University of Mary Washington views each candidate’s academic achievement in the context of his or her particular high school. When evaluating high-school performance, we consider the course offerings and academic character of each secondary school. Applicants admitted to UMW have excelled in strong study programs, typically including Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, or similar honors-level and advanced classes. Although there is much variation among high schools, the grade-point average is one important descriptor of the freshman class’s academic quality.
| FIRST-YEAR STUDENT PROFILE (AVERAGE) | ADMITTED | ENROLLED |
|---|---|---|
| High School Weighted GPA | 3.84 | 3.75 |
| SAT Combined | 1286 | 1255 |
| ACT Composite | 29.0 | 28.1 |
UMW is test-optional, and applicants are not required to provide standardized test scores for admission consideration. Among our enrolling students in 2024, 71% enrolled without SAT or ACT scores. Additionally, UMW automatically considers students admitted under the test-optional policy for renewable Curriculum Scholarships.
Geographic Distribution
The 2024 first-years came from 8 countries and 21 states and the District of Columbia, with the majority coming from Virginia, Connecticut, Florida, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina.
Have questions about the Entering Class Profile?
Please contact UMW Admissions at (540) 654-2000 or (800) 468-5614 or e-mail us at admit@umw.edu, or you can fill out our Request for More Information Form.
