uw madison essay prompt 2022

Apply as a First-Year Student

A first-year student includes anyone who is currently a student in high school or who has not taken college coursework since graduating from high school.

Starting on August 1 every year, you can begin applying to the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

As a first-year applicant, you can apply using either the Common Application or the  Universities of Wisconsin Application . There is no preference between applications.

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First-Year Application and Materials Deadline

Applications and all required application materials must arrive in our office by 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time on the noted deadline dates.

Please note that it may take up to 72 hours for our system to reflect that you have submitted an application; you will receive an email the next business day acknowledging its receipt.

Students who submit their application within 5 days of the deadline will not receive a reminder of materials that are missing from their application.

Early Action is non-binding. You’ll receive your admissions decision earlier but will not be required to commit until the national deadline of May 15.

Required First-Year Application Materials

We cannot begin to review your application until all required materials are received. These deadlines and requirements pertain to both domestic and international applicants.

Application requirements for admission to the university are the same for all students, regardless of the academic major/area of interest.*

*Students who wish to be considered for direct entry to a program in the areas of dance or music, will also need to complete an additional application and an audition. Learn more about our Direct Entry  process.

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1. Admissions Application

First-year applicants can apply using either the Common Application  or the Universities of Wisconsin Application

UW–Madison does not prefer one application over the other. Please choose only one application and use only that application all the way through to submission.

We strongly recommend that you apply with an email that is not affiliated with your high school and that you check often.

Please note that we do not start processing fall term applications until September 1.

Applicants will be asked to identify both a first and second choice major when completing the application for admission. If we are unable to offer you admission to your first choice major, your second choice will be considered in our application review to assess interest and preparation. Due to the competitive nature of some of our programs, admissions expectations may be different for students pursuing majors in business, engineering, dance, and music. We encourage you to visit our direct entry page to learn more.

2. Application Fee

The application fee is $70.00 US and is non-refundable.

Electronic payment is preferred. If you apply using the Universities of Wisconsin Application, the fee can be paid by check or money order, drawn on a bank located in the United States and payable to the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Send the check or money order to the Office of Admissions and Recruitment . Please include the applicant’s name with payment. Do not send cash.

Application fee waivers are available for applicants with financial hardship. Eligible students can request a fee waiver as part of their application. If you did not request an application fee waiver at the time of application, but are eligible to have your fee waived, you may print the Application Fee Waiver Request Form and have your counselor/advisor submit it to the Office of Admissions and Recruitment. If the College Board or ACT grant you a fee waiver, we will also accept it.

3. Two Essays

As part of our holistic review, we refer to the essays you submit to understand more about you. What you choose to share gives us an idea of who you are and what you want to accomplish as part of our community. Tell us about you and your unique story to help us know you beyond your GPA and test scores. Your essays might also be used for campus program and scholarship review.

If you apply using the Common Application, you will be asked to respond to one of the  first-year Common Application essays . If you apply with the Universities of Wisconsin Application, you will need to answer the following prompt:

• This part is all about you. Tell us about something you’ve done—academically or personally—and what you’ve learned from it. Was it a success or a challenge? Did it represent a turning point in your life? How did this particular moment in your life influence you, and how will it continue to influence you as you pursue your college education?

All applicants will also need to respond to this prompt:

• Tell us why you would like to attend the University of Wisconsin–Madison. In addition, please include why you are interested in studying the major(s) you have selected. If you selected undecided, please describe your areas of possible academic interest.

Keep these tips in mind as you work on your writing:

• Develop your thoughts before you begin the writing process, and create an outline.
• The maximum word count for each essay is 650, but we recommend planning for 300–500 words.
• Do not type directly into the web form. Instead, work on your draft in word processing software.
• Allow time to develop and revisit your writing.
• Check for spelling mistakes and ask someone to proofread your final version.
• Be genuine and honest in your writing.

4. Course and Grade Information

We require course and grade information from all schools you attended for grades 9–12.

If you apply via the Common Application, you may meet this requirement one of two ways*:

• Self-report your coursework within the application to meet the course and grade information requirement to complete your application for admission

– OR – 

• Have your school submit an official transcript from your school(s).

If you apply via the Universities of Wisconsin Application, you may meet this requirement one of two ways*:

• Submit an unofficial transcript within the Universities of Wisconsin Application at the time you complete it

       – OR – 

*If you have already graduated from high school, an official final transcript with your graduation date is needed to meet this requirement.

How to Send Official Transcripts

Students applying from outside the United States can find country-specific official transcript requirements here .

If you were or are homeschooled, we will need additional documentation to complete a full, holistic review of your application. Learn more about specific application policies and requirements and how to send your official materials.

If you earned your General Educational Development (GED) certificate or a High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED) , submit your official score report in addition to all high school or home school transcripts.

Note: official transcripts from all schools and colleges attended (including dual credit) will be required prior to enrollment. Incorrect reporting of courses and/or grades may result in your admission offer being revoked and scholarship awards being forfeited. Official college transcripts are also required to award college credit. Official transcripts should be sent directly from each school attended.

GPA and Class Rank:  Applicants are expected to achieve a high level of performance in the course work they pursue and an increasingly strong academic record. We ask for your GPA and class rank. We also realize that many schools consider GPA on different scales and some do not report GPA or class rank at all. We consider both GPA and rank in the context of your school. We typically see unweighted, academic GPAs between a 3.8 and a 4.0, and a class rank in the 85–97 percentile.

5. One Required Letter of Recommendation

We require you to submit one letter of recommendation written by someone who can attest to your academic ability, such as a teacher, school counselor, or faculty member. If you choose, you can also submit another letter of recommendation from an additional source, such as an employer, coach, research mentor, community leader, or clergy. Students with an interest in engineering are encouraged to obtain a letter of recommendation from a math or science teacher. Remember to have a discussion with your chosen recommender first to see if they are willing and able to provide a letter.

We encourage applicants who have been away from formal classroom teaching for an extended period to request a letter of recommendation from someone who can speak to their academic potential, such as an employer (preferably a supervisor or manager), a program or departmental trainer, or some other individual in an official instructional capacity.

Those who apply using the Common Application should request a recommendation through that system.

If you apply using the Universities of Wisconsin Application, select the link that best describes your situation:

• Invite someone to submit a recommendation  (I have my NetID)
• Invite someone to submit a recommendation  (no NetID)

Recommendations that are mailed to our office  Letters of recommendation must be sent directly from the school and/or recommender, in a sealed envelope. Recommendations  must include the applicant’s full name, birth date, and campus ID number (if known). Additionally, letters of recommendation from a school staff member may also be sent through Naviance. Please note that letters of recommendation expire after one year from the date it is written.

6. TOEFL, IELTS, AND DET Scores (English Language Proficiency)

First-year applicants educated in non-English speaking countries must submit an official TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test (DET) score, unless English was the primary language of instruction in all four years of secondary school.

All English proficiency exams should be sent electronically, directly from the testing service.

Please note: Sending official test scores from the testing agency does have an additional costs and will add 3-6 weeks to the application completion process. Plan to send your test scores early to ensure your scores arrive before the the materials deadline.

How to Send Official Test Scores

We do not superscore any English Proficiency exam and score reports cannot be older than two years from the time you apply.

Duolingo English Test (DET)

• Minimum accepted score: 115+.
• When submitting your score(s): Search category should be “Undergraduate,” then select “University of Wisconsin–Madison.”
• Please do not send to offices listed under “Other,” as we are unable to retrieve those scores.
• The DET should be sent with sub-scores.
• Minimum accepted score: 6.5+.
• IELTS does not require a code.
• Select our account name, “University of Wisconsin, Madison Undergraduate”
• Please do not send paper copies of your IELTS scores.
• We do accept the IELTS Indicator.
• Minimum accepted score: 80+.
• When submitting your score(s): TOEFL test code is 1846.
• We do not accept “MyBest” score from TOEFL nor any English Proficiency exam.
• For each TOEFL you submit, we will require the full score report. Wisconsin does not accept the TOEFL iTP Plus for China but we will accept the iBT Special Home Edition.

If you feel that you qualify for an English Proficiency Exam waiver based upon the requirements above, please submit all required transcripts to our office. Other test scores such as ACT, SAT, or AP (Advanced Placement) scores do not meet the requirements for a waiver. Once your transcripts are received in our office (are no longer displayed on your to-do list in your Student Center), we will determine your waiver eligibility. Waivers will not be processed prior to receipt of both the admissions application and transcripts.

Optional First-Year Application Materials

Act and sat scores (test optional through the spring 2027 term).

Including scores from either the ACT or the SAT with your application is optional for students applying for admission through the spring 2027 term, with an application deadline of October 1, 2026.

You will not be disadvantaged in our evaluation process if you do not include these scores for consideration in your application.

More information on our test optional policy can be found by viewing our  ACT/SAT Test Optional FAQs .

You will indicate your choice regarding including test scores at the time of application. The choice that you indicate on your application is final.

If choosing to include ACT or SAT test scores with your application, submit your official scores directly from the testing site.

Please note sending official test scores from the testing agency does have an additional costs and will add 2–4 weeks to the application completion process.  Our test code is 4656 for the ACT and 1846 for the SAT. Do not send your results rush (SAT) or priority (ACT); we receive all scores electronically on a daily basis so there is not an advantage to rush or priority delivery.

Statement on Score Choice:  Students choosing to include test scores with their application are encouraged to submit all exam scores. It can be a benefit to see your complete testing history as part of our comprehensive review, and since we will only consider your highest score (by test date), there is nothing to be gained by suppressing scores through Score Choice. However, applicants are free to use the College Board’s Score Choice option for the SAT and/or the similar option offered by ACT. Superscores are not considered in our review.

The Wisconsin Guarantee

Beginning in the fall 2025 semester, first-year applicants from Wisconsin high schools who are in the top 5% of their class at the end of 11th grade, or Wisconsin residents who are homeschooled and receive an ACT score in the top 98th percentile of the nation,  or are a National Merit Scholarship finalist will be guaranteed admission to the University of Wisconsin–Madison through the Wisconsin Guarantee .

Academic Requirements

Required coursework.

An applicant’s high school record should demonstrate both rigor and breadth in the types of course work they pursue. Applicants must meet the minimum course requirements listed below to be eligible for admission to UW–Madison. Competitive applicants often take additional credits in the core subject areas, including the most challenging advanced-level work offered at or through their school in as many areas as possible, while maintaining a strong GPA.

Note: For trimester schools, two trimesters is considered one year/credit. One trimester is considered 0.5 years/credits.

*Math requirement includes at least one year each of algebra, geometry, and advanced math with algebra or geometry prerequisites. If an applicant takes any of these courses in middle school, that will count toward the requirement. Courses that will not fulfill this requirement include statistics, business math, and computer classes.

** Taking two years of the same world language in high school is highly recommended, as this can fulfill the world language requirement as a student at UW–Madison.

Students who do not fulfill the university world language requirement with high school work will be required to do so as a student at UW–Madison.

To meet the requirement in high school, world language credit must be on the student’s high school transcript as credit earned at an accredited institution. Online language programs or applications such as Rosetta Stone will not be accepted.

American Sign Language (ASL) may be accepted to meet the world language requirement for admission if it is taken through the student’s school and is reflected on an official transcript.

Students who are not native English language speakers can satisfy the world language requirement with an official transcript verifying their education in that language. If they were educated in their native language through grade seven, they will receive two units of world language. Non-native English language speakers who were educated in their native language through grade eight will be awarded four units.

English Language Proficiency

First-year applicants educated in non-English speaking countries must  submit an official  TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test (DET) score, unless English was the primary language of instruction in all four years of secondary school. Applicants must meet the minimum required score for admission consideration.

Integrity in Applying

Academic integrity is valued in our community and in the admission process. By signing your application, you certify that it is complete and accurate. We hold you accountable to ensure the authenticity and honesty of your application; essays; self-reported grades, courses, and test scores; and additional materials subsequently submitted.

Senior Course Changes

The University of Wisconsin–Madison Office of Admissions and Recruitment does not “approve” or “deny” senior-year course schedule changes. You should consult with your high school counselor and other advisors and consider the pros, cons, and repercussions of a course change. Once you have made course changes, please submit the Senior Year Course Change Webform to notify us of the change. Please note that you may only submit this form once.

Be aware that a change that results in a drastically less academically rigorous course of study may jeopardize your admissibility or offer of admission. Admission to UW–Madison is based on our evaluation of a number of factors, including reported senior-year (or college) course work and your predicted continued academic success. Any changes in curriculum or declining grades may be cause for revoking admission prior to the start of the term.

Tips for Writing a Better Essay

Write like you, about you.

Your UWs realize you’re still young. You’re a work in progress. That means no matter how well you did in high school, what matters most is the challenges you faced and how you responded. It’s also worth saying that while your instincts probably tell you to puff up your accomplishments and go big, bragging is never interesting. Give yourself permission to just be you when you write.

Questions to get you started

• What are your 2 biggest academic achievements?
• What are your 2 biggest personal achievements?
• What are your 2 biggest strengths?
• What were your 2 biggest challenges?
• What are the 2 biggest obstacles you’ve overcome (and how did you do it)?
• What are your 2 biggest failures (and what did you learn)?
• What beliefs have you challenged (why, and what did you learn)?

ESSAY BASICS

• Write your essay in a program like Microsoft Word or Google Docs so you can simply copy and paste it into your online application.
• Keep your essay between 250 and 650 words (UW–Madison requires all essays to strictly follow these guidelines).
• Ask a friend or teacher to look for inconsistencies, grammatical mistakes, and typos.
• Proofread, proofread, proofread. You don’t want some small mistake to accidentally make it look like you don’t care.
• Proofread again.
• Tell your UWs something about yourself that you can’t capture in the application.
• Jump off the bandwagon. Don’t write what you think your UWs will want to hear. Let your UWs know about what drives you.
• Use your own voice. Ask someone you trust to read your essay to see if it “sounds like you.”
• Be short and sweet. Clear, concise writing matters more than length.
• Show, don’t tell. Be specific and factual.
• Write about your real life. Don’t exaggerate or embellish (you’d be surprised at how well your UWs can smell baloney).
• Be confident. Skip all the maybes, sort ofs, I thinks, and so on.

Essay Questions

Check out the actual questions from your UWs that you’ll need to answer in your essay.

How to Get Into the University of Wisconsin – Madison Guide

How to get into uw–madison – general information.

When thinking about how to get into UW–Madison, you want to consider all parts of the UW–Madison application, especially the UW–Madison application deadline. So, to boost your chances of admission, be sure to maintain a high GPA, explore your interests through extracurricular activities, and use statistics like the UW–Madison GPA requirements to see how you compare to admitted students.

Figuring out how to get into UW–Madison takes strategy. We can help. CollegeAdivsor.com’s network of 300+ Admissions Experts (and former admissions officers) includes graduates from some of the country’s top schools. Want to maximize your admission odds? Create your account or schedule a free advising consultation by calling (844) 343-6272.

How to get into the University of Wisconsin–Madison

Wondering how to get into UW–Madison? There are many elements to consider as you begin your “how to get into UW–Madison” research. This guide will help you plan and execute the strongest UW–Madison application possible. Make sure you start preparing well before the UW–Madison Early Action deadline or RD UW–Madison application deadline. 

UW–Madison is one of the more selective universities in the country. So, as you build your how to get into UW–Madison strategy, keep the UW–Madison acceptance rate in mind. To maximize your UW–Madison admissions odds, start preparing early. In other words, set yourself up for success by striving for a high GPA, participating in meaningful extracurricular activities, and studying for standardized tests well in advance of the UW–Madison application deadline. 

In this guide, we will discuss UW–Madison admissions statistics, including UW–Madison GPA requirements and the UW–Madison acceptance rate. We will also review the components of the UW–Madison application, including the UW–Madison supplemental essays and UW–Madison Early Action deadline and regular UW–Madison application deadline. 

Check out our UW–Madison overview here . 

Is it hard to get into the University of Wisconsin–Madison?

UW–Madison admissions is moderately competitive. Almost 54,000 students submitted a UW–Madison application last year, up 17% from the previous year.

Remember these numbers as you think about how to get into UW–Madison. Because this year’s freshman class is the largest in the history of UW–Madison admissions, it is important to prepare your UW–Madison application well in advance of the UW–Madison Early Action or regular UW–Madison application deadline. 

What is the acceptance rate at the University of Wisconsin–Madison? 

The UW–Madison acceptance rate is a key consideration in your “how to get into UW–Madison” research. For example, the UW–Madison acceptance rate for the class of 2025 was 60.3% . 

UW–Madison admissions received a record 53,829 applicants for the class of 2025. Approximately 8,465 freshmen enrolled for the fall semester. The total enrollment for UW–Madison is 47,936 students. 

However, the UW–Madison acceptance rate can change each year as it is influenced by a variety of factors, including the total number of applicants and the available space in the freshman class. 

Although UW–Madison has a test-optional policy through the spring of 2025, we encourage you to take standardized tests if you can do so. It is important to make your UW–Madison application stand out, especially because the UW–Madison acceptance rate is competitive.

You should plan to take your first standardized test during your junior year, so that you have plenty of time to retake the test if necessary. Be sure to study for the test well in advance of the UW–Madison Early Action deadline or regular UW–Madison application deadline. Doing so can help you earn scores that align with the average UW–Madison SAT or ACT scores. 

Want to learn more about acceptance rates? Check out our expert  guide .

What GPA do you need to get into the University of Wisconsin–Madison? 

As you begin to shape your “how to get into UW–Madison” strategy, you might be wondering how your GPA compares to the UW–Madison GPA requirements. The UW–Madison GPA requirements do not include a minimum GPA necessary for admission. However, the average UW–Madison GPA for the freshman currently enrolled is 3.392 .

So, you can assume that there are unofficial UW–Madison GPA requirements for applicants of around 3.4. When you are applying, you want your record to demonstrate that you can succeed in a rigorous academic college environment. 

Matching the unofficial UW–Madison GPA requirements will maximize your UW–Madison admissions odds. It is important to always strive for a high GPA, as the unofficial UW–Madison GPA requirements can change each year based on the academic profile of the incoming class. With UW–Madison admissions becoming more competitive each year, it is likely that the unofficial UW–Madison GPA requirements will continue to rise. 

Junior year grades

UW–Madison will use your junior year GPA to evaluate your admission odds. Consequently, it is crucial that you do well in your high school classes, and that starts with choosing the right courses for you. In truth, you will have a better chance of matching the unofficial UW–Madison GPA requirements if you take advantage of all the resources available to you. 

UW–Madison admissions is looking for students who are incredibly bright, engaged, and passionate. So, if your GPA is lower than the unofficial UW–Madison GPA requirements, don’t worry. There are other aspects of your UW–Madison application that you can work to improve to be considered a strong applicant. 

Wondering how to get into UW–Madison if you do not meet the UW–Madison GPA requirements? Check out our article here . You’ll find helpful tips to make your application stand out, even if your academic profile doesn’t line up with the UW–Madison GPA requirements. 

What does the University of Wisconsin–Madison application require? 

A strong and well-crafted UW–Madison application is fundamental to your “how to get into UW–Madison” plan. There are multiple pieces to the UW–Madison application, and we will review the requirements below. Applicants are encouraged to submit the UW–Madison supplemental essays and optional test scores, well in advance of either the UW–Madison Early Action or regular UW–Madison application deadline. 

First thing to remember is there are two dates to remember for the UW–Madison application. The UW–Madison Early Action deadline is November 1 st . The regular UW–Madison application deadline is February 1 st . 

Applicants must submit : 

• The Common Application or UW System Application
• UW–Madison supplemental essays
• Official high school transcript
• One letter of recommendation
• English language proficiency (when necessary)

Optional application materials include: 

• SAT or ACT scores

Demystifying the UW-Madison supplemental essays

Your responses to the UW–Madison supplemental essays , which are a required element of your application, will depend on which application you submit.

In addition to the main essay prompts found in the 2022-2023 Common App , there is one required UW–Madison supplemental essay. This essay asks you to describe why you chose to apply to UW–Madison, and why you are interested in studying the major you selected. In other words, this is UW–Madison’s version of the “Why This School” essay prompt. 

The first of the UW–Madison supplemental essays you will respond to has a 650-word limit. Considering its length, you should be prepared to offer specific examples of why you belong at UW–Madison and why you are interested in your chosen major. Be sure to respond to both parts of the question. If you are submitting a UW–Madison application as an undecided major, you should address your academic interests and why attending UW–Madison would benefit you. 

Now let’s look at the second of the UW–Madison supplemental essays. If you are submitting a UW–Madison application through the UW System Application, you will also respond to this prompt. The question asks you to share something you have done, what you learned from it, how it influenced you, and how it will continue to influence you in college. Again, be sure to respond to all parts of this essay question. 

Both of these UW–Madison supplemental essays have a 650-word limit. The more detailed you are in your UW–Madison supplemental essays, the more likely it is that the UW–Madison admissions committee will feel a personal connection to you. 

Use your essays to stand out

If your academic profile is below the unofficial UW–Madison GPA requirements, the UW–Madison supplemental essays could be your opportunity to make your application stand out. We suggest writing the UW–Madison supplemental essays well in advance of the UW–Madison Early Action deadline or regular UW–Madison application deadline. 

Now let’s move on to the optional components of the UW–Madison application. UW–Madison admissions has adopted a test-optional policy for all applicants through spring 2025. You must decide for yourself whether to include standardized test scores in your UW–Madison application. However, if your test scores are strong, it makes sense to submit them. 

To learn more about UW–Madison admissions requirements, visit their website . 

What extracurriculars does the University of Wisconsin–Madison look for? 

Want to know how to get into UW–Madison? Start by identifying your passions and interests. 

Aside from the UW–Madison GPA requirements, UW–Madison admissions wants to see that you have participated in extracurriculars that have had a positive impact on you. So, be sure to list any of these activities, involvement, leadership, service, employment, talents, or interests on your UW–Madison application. In short, if the extracurricular is meaningful to you, it will be meaningful to UW–Madison admissions as well! 

Because the UW–Madison acceptance rate is competitive, it is important to emphasize your interests and passions through your extracurricular involvements. In conclusion, as you select your extracurriculars in high school, think about the quality of your involvements rather than the quantity. 

In addition to your academics, your extracurricular activities make up your candidate profile . Your candidate profile is a 1-2 sentence description of who you are, what you do, and why colleges should admit you. An essential part of your “how to get into UW–Madison” plan is a strong candidate profile that will set you apart from other applicants. 

Wondering which extracurriculars to include on your UW–Madison application? Check out our guide on how to ace the Common App. 

How does the University of Wisconsin–Madison review applications? 

Now that we have examined the UW–Madison GPA requirements, UW–Madison acceptance rate, UW–Madison admissions criteria, UW–Madison supplemental essays, and UW–Madison application deadline, it is time to move on to the next step of your “how to get into UW–Madison” strategy. 

Once the UW–Madison Early Action deadline and regular UW–Madison application deadline have passed, UW–Madison admissions officers will begin their holistic review process . Each application is read thoroughly, as UW–Madison admissions is looking to admit students who will add to the legacy of UW–Madison. 

Here are some things that UW–Madison looks for in your application: 

• Academic excellence and preparation 
• Leadership qualities
• Contributions to your community
• Achievement in the arts, athletics, and other areas
• Diversity in personal background and experience
• Potential for positive contribution to the UW–Madison community

UW–Madison is looking for students who are intellectually curious and dedicated to making a difference. So, be sure to highlight these qualities in your responses to the UW–Madison supplemental essays and in your overall UW–Madison application. 

Want to hear from current students about how to get into UW–Madison? Check out the UW–Madison Admissions website. 

Will the University of Wisconsin–Madison consider my social media? 

As you explore how to get into UW–Madison, you might wonder if your social media presence will affect your application. Rest assured – an applicant’s social media profile is not considered during the application review process. 

However, this doesn’t mean that you can or should post offensive content on your social media accounts. While these kinds of posts might not directly affect your UW–Madison admissions odds, they could have a major impact in other areas of your life. For example, many employers will review a potential applicant’s social media accounts when they submit a job application. 

Above all, we recommend using social media responsibly . Although it isn’t likely that UW–Madison admissions officers will check your Facebook or Instagram accounts, there is always a possibility. 

Is the University of Wisconsin–Madison a good school for me? 

As you reflect on how to get into UW–Madison, it is important to ask yourself whether UW–Madison is the right school for you. Yes, the UW–Madison acceptance rate is competitive, and students who attend UW–Madison will benefit from the 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio. However, this doesn’t mean that UW–Madison is the right place for everyone.

When you think about how to get into UW–Madison, you might wonder if it is easy to get involved on campus. It is! UW–Madison offers nearly 900 student organizations along with sports, intramurals, arts, and cultural opportunities. So, there are lots of ways to get involved, meet new people, and try new things. 

Another factor to consider as you finalize your “how to get into UW–Madison” research is financial aid. UW–Madison offers both need-based and merit-based aid. They also offer special financial aid programs, like the Bucky’s Tuition Promise and Badger Promise , to Wisconsin residents. 

As the number of college applicants increases each year, it is important to solidify your “how to get into UW–Madison” strategy early. If UW–Madison is your dream school, consider applying by the UW–Madison Early Action deadline. 

As you think about how to get into UW–Madison, ask yourself the following: 

• Am I interested in attending a public university dedicated to research and public service?
• Does UW–Madison offer the major I want to study? 
• How can UW–Madison help me achieve my future goals? 

If you decide that UW–Madison is the right university for you, be sure to submit all required materials well before the UW–Madison Early Action or regular UW–Madison application deadline. 

Click here to take a virtual tour of the UW–Madison campus. 

Additional tips to get into the University of Wisconsin–Madison

Build your candidate profile.

As you craft your “how to get into UW–Madison” approach, keep in mind that UW–Madison is looking for applicants who are bright, engaged, and passionate. Pursue your academic interests and seek out experiences that will strengthen your candidate profile. This will make your UW–Madison application stand out. 

Write compelling UW–Madison supplemental essays

Be sure to write genuine, thoughtful responses to the UW–Madison supplemental essays. Remember, the prompts for the UW–Madison supplemental essays will depend on which application you submit. Use the UW–Madison supplemental essays to share additional information about your passions, background, or interests. 

Apply early

Because the UW–Madison acceptance rate is competitive, you should consider applying by the UW–Madison Early Action deadline to maximize your admission odds. You want to build the strongest application possible, so give yourself plenty of time to do so. 

Don’t let the unofficial UW–Madison GPA requirements or UW–Madison acceptance rate stop you from applying! Although there is no guarantee that you will be admitted to UW–Madison, following the tips and advice in our “How to get into UW–Madison” guide will help you prepare the most competitive application possible. Good luck!

This guide was written by Claire Babbs , UT Austin ’12. If you want to know how to get into UW-Madison, we’ve got you covered. CollegeAdvisor.com’s network of 300+ Admissions Experts (and former admissions officers) includes graduates from some of the country’s top schools. Create your free account or schedule a free advising consultation by calling (844) 343-6272.

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UW-Madison Essay Example from an Accepted Student

With over 30,000 undergraduates, the flagship university of the Wisconsin public system is known for its top-tier academics, high-achieving sports teams, party life. The University of Wisconsin Madison is considered one of the best 50 schools in the nation, thus making gaining admission a difficult task. You’ll need more than good grades to get into this school—your essays will have to shine as well. 

In this post, we will share a real essay an accepted UW Madison student submitted. We will also go over what this essay did well, and where there is room for improvement.

Please note: Looking at examples of real essays students have submitted to colleges can be very beneficial to get inspiration for your essays. You should never copy or plagiarize from these examples when writing your own essays. Colleges can tell when an essay isn’t genuine and will not view students favorably if they plagiarized. 

Read our UW Madison essay breakdown to get a comprehensive overview of this year’s supplemental prompts.

Essay Example – Why UW Madison, and Why This Major? 

As a student from Wisconsin, I have grown up with a high degree of exposure to discussions surrounding the University of Wisconsin-Madison. As a result of the assortment of compliments I frequently heard describing its academics, I have always held the university in high regard.

Additionally, I have heard of the stellar location and value that comes along with the university being in the state capital. Through the combination of the two previous factors, the University of Wisconsin-Madison has become the center of my search for my ideal college experience. While exploring further, however, I have found that there is more about the university that causes my desire to attend. From the array of libraries and study spaces, a large student body in which I can find like-minded people, to the excellent campus I saw during a visit, there are countless aspects about the university that I find alluring. However, one element of the university stands out from the rest— the Wisconsin Idea.

I would describe myself as curious due to my constant attempts to learn new information; the more knowledge about current or former events I can achieve, the better. When a person has consistent access to accurate, unbiased information, I believe they can grow as a person, academically or socially. As new information is gathered and shared, new ideas can develop.

These novel ideas can lead to innovation and problem-solving. Unbiased and unpersuasive reports allow for thinking for oneself, forcing originality. I am interested in entering the field of journalism because of its capacity to prompt these thoughts. Beyond any encouragement of self- reliance, journalism can be an agent of change. Through reporting on issues afflicting society, widespread awareness is created. A society’s recognition of its problems enables attempts to fix them through methods such as civic engagement. Through these characteristics of journalism, better people and communities develop, showing its connection to the Wisconsin Idea. A bettering of society is something meaningful to me, and I believe journalism is the pathway to do so. The University of Wisconsin-Madison will allow me to explore all my interests involving journalism.

Growing up, I appreciated the coverage of sportswriters, from national writers such as ESPN’s Jeff Passan to local writers such as University of Wisconsin-Madison alumnus Curt Hogg with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. The work of these sportswriters is also valuable to society, helping provide moments of respite from the stresses of life. Through the sports communication certificate program, I will be able to discover if this branch of journalism is the niche meant for me.

Additionally, the University of Wisconsin-Madison has the resources that will allow me to succeed in journalism. Being in the journalism program with a focus on reporting and multimedia journalism, I will be able to strengthen my ability to inform the public in conjunction with the Wisconsin Idea. Education on how to vet sources and how to properly engage with audiences will allow for the merging of reporting with the mentioned principles and values. Through the university, I am confident that I will be able to leave a positive mark on the world.

I know that the University of Wisconsin-Madison will be able to cultivate my interests and help me grow as a person. Through the totality of its resources and classes, I will be well-prepared for my career as a journalist and ready to contribute positively to society.

What the Essay Did Well

Since this essay combines the “ Why School? ” and “ Why Major? ” supplements, it’s important to answer both questions while still ensuring the essay feels like one cohesive unit. This student has done exactly that, by highlighting the Wisconsin Idea and using that thread to tie his ideas together throughout the essay. That anchor also allows for a smooth transition between the student’s interest in the school and their interest in the major.

In addition to doing an excellent job crafting a unified essay, the student gives a lot of background on their decision to major in journalism, which shows that they are a thoughtful, dedicated student who is prepared to get the most out of a Wisconsin education. They start off by telling us why they see journalism as important in the big picture: “ Through these characteristics of journalism, better people and communities develop, showing its connection to the Wisconsin Idea. ” 

But in the next paragraph, they zoom in from the abstract ideals of journalism, to their personal interest in sports journalism specifically. By mentioning particular sportswriters they find inspiring, plus the “ focus on reporting and multimedia journalism ” they aspire towards, we get a more detailed picture of how they will contribute to the world of journalism, which is further evidence that this is a motivated student who is prepared to hit the ground running in college.

Although this essay is more detailed when answering the “Why Major?” question than the “Why School?” one, that isn’t a huge issue because they bring in school-specific programs while discussing their major. That, in effect, answers the “Why School?” question, because this student would not be able to get the same education in journalism at a different school. As highlighted at the beginning of this section, this essay’s biggest strength is that seamless blend of school opportunities and the student’s interest in journalism as a major.

What Could Be Improved

There are two weaknesses to this essay: the response to the “Why School?” half of the prompt, and the lack of personal details.

As noted above, the student does a good job of addressing “Why School?” in the part of their essay that focuses on “Why Major?” but the essay would be even stronger if they took some time to answer “Why School?” directly.

The first two paragraphs are in theory doing that, but they are wildly vague and provide few substantive examples of why UW Madison is a good fit for this student. As a rule of thumb, the school’s reputation and location, generic resources like libraries, and general campus aesthetic are not valid answers for why you want to attend, because lots of other schools have strong reputations, good locations, beautiful libraries, etc.

Instead, when answering this prompt you want to hone in on opportunities that can only be found at that school and explain how they connect to your current interests or will help you accomplish your goals. That shows admissions officers that you want to attend their school specifically, rather than that you’d be happy at any college in a state capital.

A better response would have looked something like this: “I look forward to sitting in on panel discussions hosted by UW’s Center for Journalism Ethics and working under Professor Culver to broaden my perspectives when I report on difficult topics like racial injustice, a topic which has particularly contentious in Wisconsin since the shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha. ”

This version shows that the student already has a clear, concrete vision of how they would fit into UW Madison’s campus community, which in turn gives admissions officers a more detailed sense of what this student would bring to their school. 

This version also shows how the student being from Wisconsin makes them a stronger applicant than someone from another state, as they have a personal understanding of the same issues that have affected UW Madison. The original essay, in contrast, only showed that being from Wisconsin has helped the student know the school better, not how them being from Wisconsin would benefit UW Madison.

The other issue with this essay is that the reader learns very little about the student’s background and personality. Broad statements like “ A bettering of society is something meaningful to me, ” and “ Growing up, I appreciated the coverage of sportswriters, ” don’t have enough detail for the reader to understand this student, as these two statements could be true of thousands of other applicants. Remember, the whole point of the essay is to distinguish yourself from students whose more objective metrics, like grades and extracurriculars, are similar to yours.

A stronger essay would accomplish that by providing insight into the emotional connection this student has to journalism. Rather than vaguely stating that sports journalism “help[s] provide moments of respite from the stresses of life,” it would describe how the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s riveting coverage of the Milwaukee Bucks’ championship season gave the student something joyful to think about even as their grandfather’s dementia was worsening. 

Without that personal connection, even if admissions officers know what the student is interested in and even some of their beliefs about the world, they won’t know who the student truly is at their core. That deeper layer of understanding is what would take this essay from good to great.

Where to Get Feedback on Your Essay

Do you want feedback on your University of Wisconsin essays? After rereading your essays countless times, it can be difficult to evaluate your writing objectively. That’s why we created our free Peer Essay Review tool , where you can get a free review of your essay from another student. You can also improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays. 

If you want a college admissions expert to review your essay, advisors on CollegeVine have helped students refine their writing and submit successful applications to top schools. Find the right advisor for you to improve your chances of getting into your dream school!

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

College essay resources

How to ace the university of wisconsin-madison essays | guide & examples, 2022-2023, school supplements.

Brad Schiller

Don’t you find this question rude?

Why are you applying to the University of Wisconsin–Madison? 

As college admission essay coaches , we see students struggle with these “Why Us” essays all the time. 

It seems almost invasive to answer what’s really sending you to the school — generally, a complex mix of: (1) where you think you can get in, (2) price, (3) what your parents want, and, (4) maybe, how you liked the campus when you visited? You yourself might not be fully sure.

Well, relax. You can ace this type of essay with an easy formula that will convince UWM that you will fit right in on their campus and do well there. 

In addition, we’ll show you how to do a spectacular job of the UWM “personal statement” question if you’re not applying with the Common App . 

Meet us below the table of contents to see how it’s done. 

(For help with all aspects of your college application, head to our College Essay Help Center .)

Q1 — UWM wants to know if you’ll be a good fit for their campus and likely enroll 

The question is: 

Tell us why you decided to apply to the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In addition, please include why you are interested in studying the major(s) you have selected. If you selected undecided please describe your areas of possible academic interest. (you may enter up to 650 words).

Note : UWM recommends aiming for 300-500 words .  

This is a classic “Why Us” prompt. UWM is digging for two simple answers: will you be a good fit for their campus + will you likely enroll . In fact, we’ve written everything you need to know about these types of essays here: The Simple “Why Us” Essay Strategy that Works . Go read it now. You’ll be in strong shape for UWM. 

Note that this isn’t a “Why major” essay (even though it looks like one). Why Majors want to know if you can cut it academically in your major. By contrast, Why Us prompts want to know if you’re going to succeed academically at that particular college . Given how short the recommended word count is for this question, it clearly falls in that category. 

With that out of the way, here are the three steps for acing a Why US essay (though, again, reading our comprehensive guide is best). 

• (1) articulate your college-related interests and
• (2) show how they match what’s available at UWM (aka research).
• (3) Write it all up straight-forwardly. 

In addition, since what you’re aiming for is to show you’ll likely enroll at UWM if admitted, be sure to read up on Demonstrated Interest: Why Showing Colleges You Like Them Gets You In .

Step 1: Brainstorm detail on your academic and non-academic interests

Close read of the prompt: See that phrase “in addition”? That tells you that UWM wants to see that you’re drawn to the school for more than just your intended major. 

Therefore, we recommend brainstorming two separate lists: Non-major and Major (or main academic interests). 

Again, we go into more detail in our “Why Us” article, but you should spend time brainstorming and researching your own interests, in UWM’s case, extracurricular and academic . 

Aim to think deeply about 3-5 of these interests — which can also include career-related aspirations if you have them (it’s fine if you don’t). For each interest, develop granular detail (aka essay-fodder), by asking yourself questions such as: 

• What most interests you about the thing?
• What first got you interested in it?
• How does this interest relate to your career ambitions (if any)?
• What big questions do you have about this interest? 
• What are you most curious about within this interest? 
• How would you like to pursue this in college?

Note that you can organize your thoughts for free in the Dashboard at our guided Why Us Brainstorming module (after creating an account ).

At the end of this process, you should have 2-3 great interests with lots of detail that you can use as fodder for this essay. Again, make sure you have at least one academic and one extracurricular interest for this essay. 

Step 2: Figure out what UWM has to offer that matches your 2+ identified interests

Remember, the goal is to show you’ll be a great fit on UWM’s campus. So the next task is to see what UWM has going on that will match with your interests.

The more research you do (on a campus tour, UWM’s website, their news service, their student newspaper, or just by talking to a student or alumni), the more specific you’ll be able to be about what UW Madison offers, and the more your essay will stand out. 

Again, you want two lists here: Non-major and Major (or main academic interests). 

In the Non-major list , write down everything about UWM that connects to your passions and interests apart from your major (if you’re undecided, substitute your main academic interests instead). This might include clubs, the structure of classes, campus housing, the school’s emphasis on community service. Make sure the features you mention aren’t too general; they should be specific to UW Madison. Then include specific examples from your life illustrating why these aspects of UW Madison excite you.

In the Major list , write down specific resources (classes, faculty, study abroad opportunities) at UW Madison that will help you pursue your major or main academic interests. However, notice that the prompt asks “why you are interested” in studying your major. So you’ll also want to write down the events, people, books, classes, teachers, films, etc. that inspired you to pursue this subject. 

For your academic research, your most rewarding source will likely be the department website for your major or field(s) of interest. Look at courses that are more advanced, as these tend to be more distinctive than entry-level courses. Look at the opportunities in your field. 

Optionally, you can also list your future goals—what will you do with this specific degree? By connecting your intended major to your past life experiences, current passions, and (optionally) future goals, you’ll show how your academic interests represent a vital part of who you are.

Step 3: Put your two pieces together using a straightforward, clear style (Example)

As you likely know, a 300-500 essay is not the place for clever metaphors or philosophical musings. Your goal is to share your academic and non-academic reasons for applying to UWM. That’s really as simple as this should be. 

But being clear isn’t necessarily easy, which is why we highly recommend having someone review your work for clarity only (not content - you know what content to include from this article). Obviously, a college essay coach is the best person to look your essay over and provide substantive guidance, but a well-trained adult can step in, too.  

Again, the prompt is: 

Tell us why you decided to apply to the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In addition, please include why you are interested in studying the major(s) you have selected. If you selected undecided please describe your areas of possible academic interest.

I decided to apply to the University of Wisconsin-Madison once I got the strong sense that it would be a nurturing, challenging, and exciting fit for my nature-loving soul. 

I’ve been hiking and exploring nature my whole life, but particularly as a high school student, when I started hiking and mountain climbing every weekend, sometimes with friends and sometimes solo. 

This commitment to being in nature fed my desire to find a career that would help reduce global warming. Two summers ago, I was an intern for a solar energy company, and mostly just got to learn about the business model involved in trying to expand the number of customers who rely on the sun instead of fossil fuels for energy. Last summer, I was given much more responsibility at the same company: I got to go on sales visits and talk to customers, and was responsible for a project mapping out twenty potential institutional targets and ranking them on a number of factors for sales potential. 

In addition, I love leading the Green Newton club, which finds ways to make our high school more sustainable. Thanks to our efforts, our school has committed to expand its solar energy consumption by 30% by next academic year and also replaced plastic knives and forks with compostable wooden ones. 

At UWM, I’d want to be part of the GreenHouse learning community . I couldn’t believe it when I saw that was a possibility. I love the idea of working to make a living situation as sustainable as it can be while taking advantage of seminars, field trips, and volunteer opportunities to learn more about how we can build a more sustainable world. Of course, if I didn’t get into GreenHouse, there’s so much more I’d be interested in: BioHouse and StartUp would both be amazing for my interests in eventually working in a business focused on sustainability. 

For my major, I cannot wait to begin exploring Biological Systems Engineering . Science has always been my strongest subject, and I’d love to keep pushing in that direction. I would want to specialize in the Natural Resources and Environmental Engineering Option because it’s exploring how science can help us steward the natural world with imagination and knowledge.

Outside of class, you’ll be able to find me at the King Student Farm — in fact, I spent much of my campus visit there and became friends with a number of the students who work it as part of the Sustainable Agriculture organization. 

• This is 414 words.
• The essay has lots of specificity, mentioning specific clubs, areas of study, and houses that the student would like to engage with. It also is specific about what the student has done that matches with those resources. 
• The essay shows a dynamic student who would contribute a lot to the campus and fit well with it.
• The essay demonstrates enthusiasm about attending the college.
• Note that while the students’ academic and extracurricular interests in this essay are similar, that’s not necessary — they can be quite different and still form a great “Why Us” essay. 

Q2 — Ace the “personal statement” essay by focusing it on your very best high school experiences

What about the other UW Madison essay? Well, that depends on which application you use: 

• If you choose to apply to the University of Wisconsin through the Common App , you'll have to submit a personal statement and activities list . We definitely recommend this route if you are applying to any other Common Application schools.
• If you do apply through the Wisconsin application, this will be your required “personal statement” prompt:

This part is all about you. Tell us about something you’ve done — academically or personally — and what you’ve learned from it. Was it a success or a challenge? Did it represent a turning point in your life? How did this particular moment in your life influence you, and how will it continue to influence you as you pursue your college education? (250-650 words)

Well, this is going to be a short section because, to ace this question, you need to know a lot about writing a great college essay — your most important essay: the personal essay. And we covered everything you need to know about personal essays in better detail than we can here.

Even though this article is about the Common App personal statements, we promise that it will 100% apply to this UWM personal statement. (And take out a lot of agonizing you’d otherwise suffer through!)

Helpful info on all the “other” stuff you’ll consider as you apply to U-Washington (and other schools)

A few helpful resources for the non-supplement parts of your application:

• Common App : If you decide to use it, first read our guide to acing everything to do with writing your Common App application . 
• Whether to submit test scores: UWM is test-optional through 2025 . Read our test-optional article to learn how to think about submitting scores or not. 
• Early options: UWM has an Early Action option . Read our Early Admissions article so you know how to approach this decision. 

BTW, here’s our guidance for approaching any college supplement + here’s where you can find our guides for almost every college’s supplements . 

Feeling inspired? A great place to start is at our College Essay Help Center . 

More articles on Prompt.com’s admissions-boosting methods:

• Work with a college essay coach
• Strong essays increase your chance of admission by up to 10x
• Don’t let influencers influence your college essays
• Should I apply test-optional?
• Early admissions: Everything you need to know
• College Essay Help Center

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Cassandra Cloutier

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A successful Why Us essay indicates you’ll likely enroll if admitted and shows why you’re a good fit. Focus on how your academic interests match what the college offers.

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This guide will help you develop compelling topics for both Ross School of Business essay prompts.

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University of Washington (UW) 2023-24 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Regular Decision: 

Regular Decision Deadline: Nov 15

You Have: 

University of Washington 2023-24 Application Essay Question Explanations

The Requirements: One 500 word essay (required), one 300 word essay (required), one 200 word essay (optional). Supplemental Essay Type (s): Oddball ,  Community , Additional Info 

At the UW, we consider the college essay as our opportunity to see the person behind the transcripts and the numbers. Some of the best statements are written as personal stories. In general, concise, straightforward writing is best, and good essays are often 300-400 words in length.

Please note that the uw essay questions must be answered within our application. for the common app, that means within our uw questions. we do not consider the common app essay., essay prompt, tell a story from your life, describing an experience that either demonstrates your character or helped to shape it. (650 words max).

You can think of this prompt as the slightly more general cousin to the Common App’s first prompt, which is about your background. You can write about almost anything in your life experience that has shaped who you are today. But maybe you feel like you used your best story in your personal statement. What to do? Your goal is to reveal a different side of yourself, so try thinking in opposites! If your personal statement was about your family, maybe this essay could focus on school or work. If your personal statement was about your leadership skills, could this essay cover a time when you let someone else lead the way and learned something new? As you begin to zero in on the area of your life that you haven’t tapped into yet, think about how your past experiences still resonate in your life today. Maybe your summer job as a lifeguard taught a new sense of personal responsibility that has made you more attentive in your day-to-day life. Maybe an ill-fated childhood attempt to drink an entire carton of milk taught you how to balance enthusiasm and moderation in every major project you take on. The experience itself can be big or small, but its connection to who you are today must be clear. UW wants to know who you’ll be on campus, so show them!

Short Response

Our families and communities often define us and our individual worlds. community might refer to your cultural group, extended family, religious group, neighborhood or school, sports team or club, co-workers, etc. describe the world you come from and how you, as a product of it, might add to the diversity of the university of washington. (300 words).

Ah, the infamous “community” essay. Many schools ask students about their communities because they want to know how applicants relate to the people around them, forge connections, and commune with their peers. In this particular instance, the question calls attention to family as well, so consider how the people who you are related to (or those who you consider family even if they’re not bound to you by blood) have influenced your life and worldview. Maybe you’re very involved in your local synagogue, polka dancing club, or environmental organization. University of Washington wants to know about your life beyond the classroom and how you will continue those activities and interests on their campus. Why do you invest in the people you invest in?

Additional Information About Yourself or Your Circumstances (200 words)

You are not required to write anything in this section, but feel free to include additional information if something has particular significance to you. for example, you may use this space if:, -you have experienced personal hardships in obtaining your education, -your activities have been limited because of work or family obligations, -unusual limitations or opportunities unique to the schools you attended.

This prompt is an opportunity for you to explain just about anything else that you haven’t covered elsewhere on the application. Usually, we recommend this type of optional essay only to students who have experienced a major academic strain or have had noticeable blemishes on their records. One example could be the explanation of a complication, like an illness that caused you to miss school and impacted your grades. Perhaps your family moved around a lot, which made it hard to transfer grades or connect with your peers. Maybe an undiagnosed learning disability caused you major challenges in school until you learned how to cope with it.  UW’s prompt covers these circumstances, and invites responses from applicants who feel that their unique circumstances are not represented elsewhere in their application. 

Additional Space (Optional) (200 words)

You may use this space if you need to further explain or clarify answers you have given elsewhere in this application, or if you wish to share information that may assist the office of admissions. if applicable, be sure to include the question number to which your comment(s) refer..

Admissions is giving you one more opportunity to address anything that needs to be addressed. If you feel inclined to answer, think about what else might admissions officers might want or need to know about you. You have an additional 200 words at your disposal to speak to them in your own voice, so use them as long as what you’re writing isn’t simply filler — if that’s the case, it’s better just to leave this blank. 

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How to Get Into UW Madison: Acceptance Rate & Strategies

July 4, 2023

Twenty years ago, the University of Wisconsin-Madison was hardly a hot-ticket destination for stellar students from all over the country/world. While always a popular and sound choice for locals, only 17,727 teens applied for a chance to become Badgers back in 2001, and 12,791, or 72%, were ultimately accepted. That year, the 75th percentile standardized test scores among attending freshmen were 1350 on the SAT and 29 on the ACT. Today, those scores, while strong, would barely place you in the average range of admitted students. This complicates the question of how to get into the University of Wisconsin Madison in 2022-23 as the UW Madison acceptance rate is now under 50%.

In 2015, the state legislature increased the university’s allowable cap on out-of-state enrollment, which had previously limited nonresidents to a maximum of 27.5% of the undergraduate population. By the start of the 2021-22 school year, just 45% of freshmen were Wisconsin residents, with thousands flocking to Madison from all 50 U.S. states and 80+ countries from around the globe.

Given this increased desirability and selectivity at UW-Madison, the intent of this article is to give those considering applying to the university an understanding of the following topics:

• UW Madison’s acceptance rate
• SAT, ACT, GPA, and class rank of accepted Wisconsin applicants
• Admissions trends
• UW Madison’s system for rating applicants
• A look at the demographics of current UW-Madison undergraduates
• The percentage of accepted students that attend UW-Madison (yield rate)
• Tips for applying to the University of Wisconsin
• UW-Madison essay prompts and tips
• How to assess whether applying to UW Madison is even worth the $60 application fee (for you)

Students applying to UW Madison may also find the following blogs to be of interest:

How to Get Into:

• Boston University
• University of Michigan
• Northwestern University 

UW Madison Acceptance Rate 

There were an all-time high of 60,260 applications for admission into the Badger Class of 2026. Overall, the UW Madison acceptance rate was 49%. Traditionally, it is much easier to gain acceptance as a Wisconsin resident.

UW Madison Admissions – SAT, ACT, GPA, and Class Rank

According to the most recent statistics available (Class of 2026), the mid-50% SAT range for enrolled freshmen was 1370-1500; the ACT range was 28-33. Only 18% of applicants submitted an SAT score while 38% included an ACT result in their application. An impressive 54% of freshmen hailed from the top 10%, while 87% earned a place in the top 25%. The average high school GPA was 3.88; an astonishing 48% of entering freshmen possessed above 4.0. Only 5% of the Class of 2026 earned lower than a 3.5 cumulative GPA.

Admissions Trends & Notes 

• Firstly, the Class of 2026 was made up of 8,628 freshmen, up from 8,465 the prior year.
• The number of applicants rose by more than 12% in a single year.
• New students included 3,787 Wisconsin residents.

University of Wisconsin Acceptance Rate (Continued)

• The 1,431 underrepresented domestic students in the Class of 2026 was up from 1,251 the prior year.
• The number of National Merit Scholars enrolled has increased by 175% in the last five years.
• Lastly, the university has extended its test-optional policy through 2024-25.

How UW Madison Rates Applicants

UW-Madison considers only two factors as “very important” to the admissions process: rigor of high school course load and GPA. Further, items that are “important” as part of the admissions process are: essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, character, and state residency. “Considered” factors are: test scores, class rank,  talent/ability, first-generation status, and work/volunteer experience.

The UW-Madison admission staff reads every application carefully and, in their own words, “We don’t use formulas or charts. We read each application thoroughly, one by one.” In reviewing each applicant, they focus first on “academic excellence and preparation.” Straight from the admissions office: “Beyond academics, we look for qualities such as leadership, contributions to your community, and achievement in the arts, athletics, and other areas. We’re also seeking diversity in personal background and experience and your potential for positive contribution to the Wisconsin community.”

It is also worth highlighting that recruited athletes enjoy a huge edge. This is because UW-Madison takes great pride in their 23 NCAA Division I sports teams . Overall, approximately 900 student-athletes are presently attending the university.

For advice about how to stand out on the extracurricular front, check out our previous blog entitled How Many Extracurricular Activities Do I Need for College?

Who Gets Into UW-Madison?

Let’s look at the demographics of current freshmen (2022-23)

• In-State: 44%
• Out-of-State: 56%

The greatest number of students from one recent freshman cohort hailed from the following states:

• Wisconsin: 2,856
• Illinois: 695
• Minnesota: 449
• California: 368
• New York: 217

Among non-residents, competition is stiffest among those hailing from states with endless streams of qualified applicants (the entire Northeast & the West Coast). However, if you hail from the Deep South like Alabama (1 current freshman) or Mississippi (1 current freshman) or a less-populated state like Wyoming (2 current freshmen) or North Dakota (0 current freshmen), your location is more likely to provide a boost to your admissions chances at UW-Madison.

Within the state, the high schools producing the Badger first-years are (most recent data available):

• Middleton High School: 105
• James Madison Memorial High School: 90
• Arrowhead High School: 84
• Madison East High School: 61
• Brookfield East High School: 58
• Homestead High School: 56
• West High School: 55
• Waunakee Community High School: 55

Shifting to ethnic identity, the breakdown is as follows:

• Caucasian/White: 66%
• Asian American: 8%
• Hispanic: 7%
• African American: 2%
• International: 10%

UW Madison Acceptance Rate (Continued)

Current international students are citizens of the following countries:

• South Korea
• Saudi Arabia

Looking at the gender breakdown, the university presently enrolls more women than men:

UW-Madison’s “Yield Rate”

UW-Madison’s yield rate—the percentage of accepted students who elect to enroll, divided by the total number of students who are admitted is 29%. This figure is significantly lower than other powerhouse state universities like the University of Michigan, UVA, and UCLA.

Tips for Applying to UW-Madison

If you plan on joining the 60,000 UW-Madison hopefuls for the next admissions cycle, you should know the following:

• You can apply using either the Common Application or the UW System Application .
• UW-Madison does not use interviews as part of its evaluation process.
• The university does not officially grant any favor to children of alumni, however, recent data reveals that legacy students enjoy an acceptance rate 20% higher than non-legacies.
• UW-Madison does not consider “demonstrated interest” so you will not be judged on whether or not you made a campus visit, contacted an admissions officer, etc.
• Lastly, make sure to dedicate sufficient time and effort to the supplemental essay required by UW-Madison. In the 2022-23 cycle, the prompt for those applying through the Common App was as follows:

1) Tell us why you would like to attend the University of Wisconsin–Madison. In addition, please include why you are interested in studying the major(s) you have selected. If you selected undecided, please describe your areas of possible academic interest.

For detailed advice on how to write a winning essay, visit our blog: University of Wisconsin-Madison Supplemental Essay Prompts and Tips . 

UW Madison Acceptance Rate – Final Thoughts

Those with SAT/ACT scores within the mid-50% mark for UW-Madison who are also at the very top of their respective high school class are absolutely viable candidates to UW-Madison. If you live in Wisconsin, your road to acceptance will be much smoother than if you are an out-of-state or international applicant. Therefore, you will need to bring forward even better academic credentials if you do not hail from the Badger State. Of course, it goes without saying that all teens applying to a school of the University of Wisconsin’s ilk also need to also have a proper mix of “target” and “safety” schools on their college list. More on creating a balanced college list can be found here .

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Dave has over a decade of professional experience that includes work as a teacher, high school administrator, college professor, and independent educational consultant. He is a co-author of the books The Enlightened College Applicant (Rowman & Littlefield, 2016) and Colleges Worth Your Money (Rowman & Littlefield, 2020).

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• Faculty & Staff

Students admitted to the UW now have until June 1 to commit, a result of FAFSA delays. We anticipate that financial aid offers will be sent in late April or early May.

Freshman writing section

At the UW, we consider the college essay as our opportunity to see the person behind the transcripts and the numbers. Some of the best statements are written as personal stories. In general, concise, straightforward writing is best, and good essays are often 300-400 words in length.

Please note that the UW essay questions must be answered within our application. For the Common App, that means within our UW questions. We do not consider the Common App essay.

Essay prompt [required]

Tell a story from your life, describing an experience that either demonstrates your character or helped to shape it.

Maximum length : 650 words

Short response [required]

Our families and communities often define us and our individual worlds. Community might refer to your cultural group, extended family, religious group, neighborhood or school, sports team or club, co-workers, etc. Describe the world you come from and how you, as a product of it, might add to the diversity of the UW.

Maximum length : 300 words

Tip :  Keep in mind that the UW strives to create a community of students richly diverse in cultural backgrounds, experiences, values and viewpoints.

Additional information about yourself or your circumstances [optional]

You are not required to write anything in this section, but you may include additional information if something has particular significance to you. For example, you may use this space if:

• You have experienced personal hardships in attaining your education
• Your activities have been limited because of work or family obligations
• You have experienced unusual limitations or opportunities unique to the schools you attended

Maximum length : 200 words

Format for the essays

• Content is important, but spelling, grammar and punctuation are also considered.
• We recommend composing in advance, then copying and pasting into the application. Double-spacing, italics and other formatting will be lost, but this will not affect the evaluation of your application.
• We’ve observed most students write a polished formal essay, yet submit a more casual short response. Give every part of the writing responses your best effort, presenting yourself in standard, formal English.
• Proofread, proofread, proofread!

Tip :  Write like it matters, not like you’re texting. This is an application for college, not a message to your friend. Get some hints in the video:

All writing in the application, including your essay/personal statement and short responses, must be your own work.  Do not use another writer’s work and do not use artificial intelligence software (ChatGPT, Bard, etc.) to assist or write your statement.

Per Washington state law and University of Washington policy , all admissions staff are mandatory reporters of child abuse and neglect. Any statements in written materials that give admissions staff reasonable cause to believe abuse or neglect of someone under the age of 18 may have occurred must be reported to Child Protective Services or the police. Learn more about University reporting requirements . 

If you or someone you know is a survivor of sexual assault or other sexual misconduct, RAINN is a national hotline that provides support and referrals. Call 800.656.4673 or visit the website for a chat option. For individuals who have experienced domestic violence or intimate partner violence, the National DV Hotline offers phone, chat, and text options for support.