Scholarship Awarding University:
College of William and MaryType of degree:
Bachelor’s
Scholarship Deadline:
Applications for this scholarship will end on the
Scholarship Summary:
The 1693 Scholars Program is William & Mary's most selective scholarship and is awarded to the very best and brightest of William & Mary's entire applicant pool (domestic). Through the 1693 Scholars Program, William & Mary will honor not only academic achievement, but also character, leadership, vision and commitment to service.
Scholarship Applicant Criteria:
The dynamic type of students selected as potential finalists typically achieve the following:
i. Successfully pursue the most demanding curriculum available to them
ii. Rank in the top 1% of their graduating high school class
iii. Score above 1500 combined on the Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing sections of the SAT and/or score above a 33 on the ACT
- (Note: William & Mary is test-optional; therefore, applicants will still be reviewed for the 1693 Scholars Program even if they do not submit an SAT or ACT score.)
Value of Scholarship:
The selected 1693 Scholars receive the following benefits;
i. A four-year scholarship that includes Virginia tuition, fees, room and board annually for in-state residents (full scholarship) and Virginia tuition, fees, room and board annually for out-of-state residents (partial scholarship)
ii. Priority in course registration every semester
iii. $5,000 research/project stipend
iv. Special first-year class with just 1693 Scholars
v. Use of the Murray House, the on-campus home of the 1693 Scholars Program, for work and play
vi. Weekly lunches to connect as a cohort and meet faculty and staff from different disciplines
vii. Trips and programs (Examples: first-year canoe trip, FroYo Fridays, pumpkin picking, escape rooms, trip to the VA Museum of Fine Arts, Homecoming, and Family Weekend)
viii. Take a faculty member to lunch once a semester at the Blue Talon Bistro, a wonderful, walkable restaurant near campus
ix. Four years of (mostly) solid advice from the program director
x. Become a member of the 1693 Scholar cohort, a group of smart, fun, interesting, and talented students!
Scholarship Application Guide:
To apply;
i. Application deadline for applying to the College of William & Mary for freshman admission. Students should apply to the College using the .
ii. February - Approximately 200 semi-finalists will be notified and asked to submit one additional essay and one short video for consideration as a finalist.
- Potential 1693 Scholars (semi-finalists) are asked to submit one additional essay (200-300 words) and one short video submission (3 minutes maximum). You will be notified by email if you have been selected, and you will have approximately two weeks to respond. Only these applicants will be considered when selecting finalists for the 1693 Scholars Program.
2026 Prompts
- Prompt #1 (Video Submission): Graduating 1693 Scholars often leave things like books, trinkets, and art at the Murray House (our on-campus home base). What is something you’d leave behind at the Murray House?
- Prompt #2 (Essay): Apologize.
iii. March 12-21: Virtual Finalist Interviews
iv. March 18-21: Virtual Finalist Presentations
v. Friday, April 10 - Saturday, April 11: 1693 Scholars Finalist Weekend (on-campus)
vi. April 13-20: Nine 1693 Scholars will be selected and notified.
Scholarship Website:
Find further information on this scholarship opportunity at the College of William & Mary 1693 Scholarship Page.