New Freshman Student

Students currently in high school who plan to attend a university after graduation from high school  or students who have graduated from high school but have not attended a college or university since graduating from high school are classified as new freshmen for admission purposes.  The information in this section provides admission guidelines for new freshmen and information on how to apply to University of Wisconsin System institutions.

Admission Policies

The UW System Board of Regents adopted a new freshman admissions policy for freshmen entering University of Wisconsin System institutions for the fall 2008 semester and beyond.  The policy provides for a comprehensive, individualized, review of applicants. It enables each UW System institution to admit students whose academic preparation, background, and personal experience suggest that they will succeed at the institution, benefit from the educational experience, and contribute to the educational environment.

Academic factors (rigor and quality of high school course work, rank in class, grade point average, test scores, and trend in grades) will continue to be the most important consideration.  In addition to academic factors, other factors that will be considered include, but are not limited to, student experiences, work experience, leadership qualities, motivation, community service, special talents, status as a nontraditional or returning adult, status as a veteran of the U.S. military, whether the applicant is socio-economically disadvantaged, and whether the applicant is a member of an historically underrepresented racial or ethnic group.

Guidelines, policies and procedural information below will provide answers to many of the questions concerning admission to University of Wisconsin System institutions. If additional assistance is needed, contact the admissions office at any UW System campus or contact the Higher Education Location Program (UW HELP).

College Preparatory Course Requirements

Rank in Class, ACT/SAT Test Requirements, Priority and Deadline Dates and Waiting List Policies

The Application Process

Links to UW System Campus Admission Information