Your Guide to
the College Process

FAQs

  • Why is the UW System temporarily suspending the standardized test score requirements (ACT & SAT)?

    UW System wanted to be flexible given many challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic, such as lack of access to testing.

  • Who does this apply to?

    Freshmen and transfer students applying to will not be required to submit test scores. 

    This is for students applying for the following terms:

    • Fall 2020 through Summer 2021
    • Fall 2021 through Summer 2022

    UPDATE: The University of Wisconsin–Madison received authorization to also include the 2022-23 academic year.

     

  • How are admissions decisions made now without an ACT or SAT?

    UW institutions have always engaged in a holistic review of applicants that considers various factors such as course rigor, GPA, class rank, essay, extracurricular activities, work experience, and community service. 

  • If I took the ACT or SAT, can I still submit my score?

    It is not required but you can submit test scores if you feel it will benefit the strength of your application. If you have additional questions regarding submitting an ACT/SAT test score please contact the campus. 

  • Are international students still required to submit language proficiency test scores?

    Yes, language proficiency test scores (TOEFL & IELTS) are still required for international students. 

  • How do I request an official transcript from a UW System institution?

    You will need to work with the campus directly to request an official transcript. On the Campus Profiles section of our website select a campus and under the Student Services heading of the campus’ page you can find the link to each campuses instructions on how to request a transcript. 

  • When will I receive a decision?

    Each UW campus takes different amounts of time to review application files. You can do your part to speed things along by providing all application materials in a timely fashion.

  • How do I know if the campus I applied to has everything it needs from me?

    After submitting your application for admission, you will receive information from the campus or campuses you applied to informing you of the website you will use to check your application status.

  • I only want to take one class. What do I need to do?

    You will need to apply to the campus as a special (non-degree) student using the application found at apply.wisconsin.edu.

  • How do I know if the classes I have taken will transfer and what they will transfer as?

    You can see how most courses taken at UW campuses and some WTCS campuses will transfer to other UW campuses or WTCS campuses using Transfer Wisconsin. If you are transferring courses from other institutions, send your transcript to the admissions office of the campus you are transferring to, and the course or courses will be evaluated for credit. Note: Prior to taking the course, it is ideal to work with both institutions to understand how your credits will transfer.

  • Do re-entry students need to send high school and/or college transcripts?

    Re-entry students do not need to send official high school transcripts. If college credit was earned while away from the institution to which you are reapplying, official college transcripts for those earned credits do need to be sent.

  • Do transfer applicants need to send official high school and/or college transcripts?

    Some UW campuses may require official high school transcripts from transfer students. Check with the admissions office after submitting your application. Official transcripts will need to be sent from all college campuses previously attended.

  • What makes the transcript official and how do I send an official transcript?

    Most campuses offer an online transcript request tool. Transcripts sent this way are official. If a paper copy of the transcript is mailed from a college or university, the transcript needs to include the college seal and arrive at the receiving institution in a sealed envelope.

  • I am an international student – how high do I have to score on the TOEFL or IELTS?

    Most UW campuses will require the results of a foreign language proficiency exam for international applicants. You can learn about TOEFL and IELTS score requirements at the International Student Admissions Requirements page.

  • Do I need to provide letters of recommendation?

    UW-Madison requires one letter of recommendation from a person who can attest to your academic ability. All other UW System campuses do not require letters of recommendation but you are welcome to send letters of recommendation. If you are applying to UW-Madison, use its online recommendation form. All other UW campuses will accept this Letter of Recommendation form.

  • I haven’t taken any college courses. Why am I being asked for this information on my application?

    Check that you haven’t listed any courses as dual enrollment in the High School Courses in Progress section, or indicated that you are currently or have attended college in the Additional College Information or campus-specific (UW-NAME OF CAMPUS) section. If you continue to encounter this problem, call 1-800-442-6459 or email UW HELP at uwhelp@uwex.edu.

  • I am a high school student currently taking a college-level course. Do I put that class in my currently enrolled high school classes and/or in the college courses I am taking?

    If you are taking the course for both high school and college credit, the course needs to be entered both as a High School Course in Progress and as a College Course in Progress. AP and IB courses should be entered only on the High School Courses in Progress page and NOT the College Courses in Progress page.

  • Does the information I enter on the application automatically save?

    Yes, when exiting the application, it’s always a good idea to click Save and Continue Later, but each time you leave the application, your information is automatically saved.

  • How do I apply to another campus?

    Log in to the application website at apply.wisconsin.edu and enter your login ID and password. Click Create a New Application and once you are into the application, most of your previously entered information will populate.

  • How do I change my submitted application?

    Once you’ve submitted your application, changes to the application can be made via email. All changes should be thoroughly and accurately described, and sent to the admissions office of the campus to which the application was sent.

  • I noticed that the formatting of my essays didn’t stay as I intended. Should I worry about that?

    This is normal behavior with the application and there is no reason to be concerned. Campuses are aware of this behavior.

  • Why do I need to include information about my parents in my application?

    Questions about your parents are asked to determine whether you are eligible for Wisconsin residency status for tuition purposes.

  • How do I cancel a submitted application?

    Once your application has been submitted, contact the admissions office of the campus to which you applied to cancel your application.

  • The email address in my account is no longer in use. What do I do?

    Log in to your application and update your email address under the Applicant’s Personal Email Address  section in the ADDRESS tab. For more assistance please call 1-800-442-6459 or email UW HELP at uwhelp@uwex.edu.

  • What is the application deadline?

    You can view application priority dates and deadlines at each institution’s Campus Profile page.

  • I forgot the username and/or password I use to log in to my account. How do I recover it?

    Go to apply.wisconsin.edu, scroll down to the EXISTING USER box, and click I can’t remember my login ID or I can’t remember my password. If you are still having difficulties, contact UW HELP at 1-800-442-6459 or uwhelp@uwex.edu.

  • Do I have to pay an application fee for my application?

    The $25 application fee ($60 for UW-Madison) is required for all degree-seeking students except for those whose last institution attended was a UW System branch campus. Re-entry students are exempt from paying the application fee as well. The application fee can be paid online at the application website (apply.wisconsin.edu) or by sending a check or money order directly to the admissions office.

  • Where can I see how my students’ credits will transfer?

    Use Transfer-Wisconsin.

  • How do I show my students the electronic application without submitting an application to a campus?

    Visit the Test Application Practice site and create an account to get started.

  • What counts for Project Lead the Way and what does not?

    Information about Project Lead the Way can be found at the College Credits in High School section of our site.

  • Where can students register for the Wisconsin Regional Placement Exam?

    Learn about registering for the Wisconsin Regional Placement Exam.

  • How do I get added to the UW HELP mailing list?

    You can sign up for the UW HELP mailing list by filling out the UW HELP Mailing list form. 

  • Where can I obtain a paper application?

    You can download a paper application at apply.wisconsin.edu.

  • When are the UW System Fall workshops happening?

    Check out our Fall Workshops page to find the most up to date information on the workshops. 

  • Where can I find a particular precollege program?

    Use the UW System Precollege Program directory.

  • What and where is College Goal Wisconsin this year?

    Check out the College Goal Wisconsin website for dates and locations. 

  • Where can I find the nonresident tuition for a particular UW campus?

    You can find nonresident tuition by using the UW HELP Budget Widget.

  • Does Spanish 1 taken in middle school count toward meeting the foreign language admission requirement?

    Yes, if Spanish 2 is taken in high school, it is understood that Spanish 1 was taken in middle school. Please note, middle school credits do not count toward the total number of high school credits a student needs for admission

  • When do I need to fill out the FASFA?

    FAFSA can be completed any time after Oct. 1 for the following fall semester. Observe priority dates and deadlines found at each campus’s profile page.

  • In terms of aid, does it make a difference whether I’m a special or degree-seeking student?

    Typically, special students are not eligible for financial aid. Degree-seeking students are eligible for aid.

  • Where can I find information about scholarship offerings at a particular UW System campus?

    On each campus’s profile page you can find a link to its scholarship website to learn more.

  • What is work-study? What are grants?

    Federal Work-Study (FWS) provides the opportunity to possibly get a part-time job easier for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay education expenses. Grants are free money that doesn’t need to be paid back. Grants for college are typically need-based.

  • Where can I find the tuition for a particular UW System campus?

    You will find that information by using the UW HELP Budget Builder.

  • How can I get a scholarship?

    Each UW campus has a different process to apply for scholarships offered at the campus. Don’t forget to check for community scholarships, and scholarships offered through your high school. Also search the web for businesses and organizations that offer scholarships. 

  • Where do I find the financial aid priority filing date for a specific UW campus?

    The financial aid priority filing date for each campus can be found at each campus’s profile page.

  • What if something happens that changes my family’s FAFSA information based on the most recent tax year, or my family has had unusual expenses in the last year?

    It is important to inform the financial aid office of the campus you are attending of any changes to the information submitted on your FAFSA so that your family’s current financial situation is known at the time your aid package is created.

  • Should I pay a scholarship search company to help me find money?

    No, students and families should never pay for a scholarship search. There are great search tools available online for free.

  • How long do I have to wait before I can expect to receive my Student Aid Report (SAR)?

    Typically, the SAR will arrive within 3 to 5 business days, if an email address has been provided.

  • Do I have to reapply for financial aid every year?

    Yes, the FAFSA needs to be completed each year. It is always available on Oct. 1.

  • Do I have to wait until I am admitted to apply for financial aid?

    No, you can complete the FAFSA beginning Oct. 1 for entrance to your college or university the following fall semester.

  • How can I tell whether my family is eligible for financial aid?

    Every student should complete the FAFSA. This is the only way to know what your financial aid package will be.

  • What classes do I have to take to get into college?

    The UW System Board of Regents requires students to complete minimum course requirements for admission to any UW campus. All UW campuses encourage students to prepare for college-level coursework by taking advantage of rigorous and challenging courses.

  • How good do my grades have to be to get into college?

    UW campuses conduct a comprehensive review of each individual’s application file.  Additional information about admission guidelines can be found in the Admissions section.

  • Do I have to take foreign language to get into college?

    UW-Madison requires a minimum of two years of a single foreign language for admission. Other UW campuses do not require foreign language for admission.

  • How do AP/IB credits transfer to college?

    All UW campuses award credit for scores of 3, 4, or 5 on AP exams and scores of 4, 5, 6, or 7 on higher level (HL) IB exams. For more information visit AP & IB online.

  • Is it possible to take college classes while in high school?

    Yes, there are many opportunities to earn college credit while in high school.  For more information visit the credits section of the UW HELP site. 

  • How do I tour a campus?

    Registering for a campus tour is easy! Check out the Campus Tour section of the our site to learn more. 

  • Where can I learn more about the UW Colleges and UW-Extension restructuring?

    The University of Wisconsin System website provides the latest updates.