It’s time to get UW READY
The University of Wisconsin System wants to make the application process a quick and hassle-free experience for you. While there’s a lot to work through, the following lets you know how to get ready and what to expect, right from the start.
Pre-application Resources:
- Admission guidelines: Read through the guidelines so you’re not surprised.
- Applicant essay(s): Each campus will ask you to answer one or two questions as part of your application.
- Glossary of higher education terminology: Familiarize yourself with the terms and concepts you might come across.
- UW System letter of recommendation form: A letter of recommendation is not required for admission to a UW campus except UW-Madison, which requires a single letter from an academic source.
Application Must-haves:
- Your Social Security number
- Name of your high school
- List of current courses in progress
- Name(s) of higher education institution(s) attended
- List of extracurricular activities
- High school transcripts
- College transcripts, if you previously attended college
- Credit card, if paying the application fee online
More on Your Applicant Essay
This is an essential part of your application, and we want to help you write the best possible essay. Here are some quick tips:
- Keep your essay between 250 to 650 words. Clear, concise writing matters more than length.
- This is your chance to explain any life events that might have impacted your academic performance.
- Read the question/prompts closely and answer accordingly. That act alone is a positive statement.
- Imagine responding to questions during an in-person interview. Use your own voice, tell your story, and don’t ramble.
- Proofread. Proofread. And proofread. Ask a friend or teacher to read your essay to help point out inconsistencies, grammar mistakes, etc. Then, proofread it again.
- You should hear within a few business days from the campus via email once you have successfully completed your application. There will be additional instructions, so please follow them carefully.