Prepare for College

Every UW has a minimum set of requirements for admission. Find out what you need to apply. But remember, what’s listed are the minimum requirements. If you’re applying to a competitive school, you’ll want to make sure you meet their specific requirements (and maybe even do a little more).

We made handy checklists for high school students to help prepare for college. We have step-by-step guides for each year — freshman through senior. Thousands of students have used the checklists to keep themselves on track!

UW campuses participate in Federal TRIO programs, offering guidance and inspiration for low-income, first-generation, and disabled Americans to succeed in college. Programs start as early as middle school and continue through your college career.

One of the best ways to save time and money is to take college credits in high school. If you’re still in high school, you can earn credits that transfer directly to all UW campuses by taking Advanced Placement (AP) classes, International Baccalaureate (IB) exams, or enrolling in courses through Wisconsin’s Early College Credit Program (ECCP). Contact your UWs to find out how your credits will transfer.

How ready are you for college math courses? Which math class should you take during your senior year of high school? To answer these questions, use Wisconsin’s Early Math Placement Tool (EMPT) with a teacher or counselor.

Offered through a partnership of the University of Wisconsin System, the Wisconsin Technical College System, the Department of Public Instruction, and Wisconsin high schools, the EMPT is free to use. It includes a placement test and a resource guide that shows how many math courses are required for each major on each UW System campus.