For Freshman Applicants:
* High School GPA: A strong GPA is crucial. While there's no official minimum, successful applicants typically have a high GPA, often above a 3.5 on a 4.0 scale, and a rigorous course load.
* High School Courses: UW-Madison looks for a challenging curriculum, including a significant number of college-preparatory courses like:
* Several years of English
* Several years of mathematics (including algebra, geometry, and often pre-calculus or calculus)
* Several years of science (including biology, chemistry, and physics)
* Several years of social studies
* Foreign language (recommended, but not always required)
* ACT/SAT Scores: While UW-Madison is test-optional, submitting strong scores can significantly improve your chances of admission. High scores demonstrate academic readiness. Check the UW-Madison admissions website for current score ranges and whether they are considering test scores for a particular year.
* Application: A completed application through the ApplyYourself portal is required. This includes personal essays and recommendations.
* Essays/Personal Statements: These allow you to showcase your personality, goals, and experiences. Strong essays are vital in differentiating you from other applicants.
* Letters of Recommendation: Typically, you'll need at least one letter of recommendation from a high school counselor or teacher.
* Extracurricular Activities: Participation in extracurricular activities demonstrates your interests, commitment, and well-roundedness. Quality over quantity is important here; showing leadership and dedication in a few activities is better than superficial involvement in many.
* Class Rank (if available): Your class rank can be a factor, but it's less important than GPA and course rigor.
For Transfer Applicants:
* College GPA: A strong GPA from your previous institution(s) is essential. The required GPA varies depending on the program and your previous coursework.
* College Courses: You'll need to have completed a significant amount of college coursework, typically at least 24 semester credits or equivalent. The specific courses required vary by major.
* Official Transcripts: You need to submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities you've attended.
* Application: You'll apply through the same ApplyYourself portal as freshman applicants.
* Essays/Personal Statements: These are important to explain your reasons for transferring and what you hope to achieve at UW-Madison.
Important Considerations for Both Freshman and Transfer Applicants:
* Major: Your intended major can affect admission chances. Some programs are more competitive than others.
* Application Deadlines: Meet all application deadlines. Early action or early decision deadlines often provide an advantage.
* UW-Madison Website: The official UW-Madison admissions website is the best source of up-to-date and accurate information. Check frequently for any changes in requirements.
In short, getting into UW-Madison requires a strong academic record, a challenging high school or college curriculum, compelling essays, and evidence of extracurricular involvement and personal growth. The level of competitiveness makes a strong application absolutely essential.