The Application Process

The Application
The best method to apply for admission to any UW System campus is online! It’s easy, it’s fast and over 80% of all applications received by University of Wisconsin System campuses are received electronically. The online University of Wisconsin System Application for Undergraduate Admission is just a click away at apply.wisconisn.edu. The application is also accessible from any UW System campus admissions page.

Paper applications for admission can be obtained in Wisconsin high school guidance offices, individual University of Wisconsin System admission offices or choose the "Request Materials" button to request one from the Higher Education Location Program (UW HELP).

UW System institutions begin processing applications for admission on September 15 for the following fall semester. New freshmen applying for admission should meet priority or deadline dates in order to assure full consideration for admission. All new freshmen are required to submit a nonrefundable $35 application fee with each application for admission. The application fee is good for one year (two semesters and a summer session).

University of Wisconsin System institutions begin processing applications for admission September 15 for the following fall semester. New freshmen applying for admission should meet priority or deadline dates in order to assure full consideration for admission. All new freshmen are required to submit a nonrefundable $35 application fee with each application for admission. The application fee is good for one year (two semesters and a summer session).

Transcripts
An official transcript of the complete high school record (beginning with grade 9) is required. Students in high school should submit the "Counselor Form" from the online application or the paper application form to the high school counselor and ask that an official transcript be attached and forwarded to the UW System institution(s) to which the student is applying. If already graduated, the student should contact the high school to have an official transcript sent directly to each UW System institution to which the student is applying. If the student has earned a GED or HSED, an official score report should be sent in addition to an official high school transcript.

If any course work has been completed through a college or university while enrolled in high school, the student should contact the college or university in order to request an official transcript be sent directly to the UW System institution(s) to which the student is applying.

Procedures and policies for requesting a transcript from a college or university vary by campus. Students must request a transcript, in person or in writing, from the registrar’s office. A transcript submitted in the admissions process must be "official." An official transcript will usually be sent directly form the sending institution to the receiving institution without going through the student and will include the official school seal. Information for requesting a transcript from a UW System institution provides contact information and instructions.

Test Scores
The University of Wisconsin System requires new freshmen to submit the results of the ACT or SAT. It is recommended that students complete the ACT or SAT in the spring of their junior year and have the results sent to the appropriate UW System institution(s). This requirement may be waived for older and/or nontraditional applicants and for those who require special and unique exemptions.

Both the SAT and ACT include a Writing Test; however, the ACT Writing Test is optional while the SAT Writing Test is a part of the SAT assessment and is not optional. UW-Madison is the only UW System campus that is requiring the ACT with the Writing Test and/or the SAT.

ACT/SAT Frequently Asked Questions provides more information for each UW System institution.