If you’re reading this, you’re probably wondering if your child has a chance at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. You’ve come to the right place: we’re going to answer all your questions and more! But first, let’s learn what sets the University of Wisconsin apart from the rest.

About the University of Wisconsin

Founded in 1848 and perched along the shores of Lake Mendota, the University of Wisconsin, Madison, is the state’s flagship public university. With more than 36,000 undergraduates, it’s a very big school, but it still maintains that Midwestern coziness with strong school spirit on game days. It recently ranked #36 in the nation by US News & World Report. 

The acceptance rate at UW-Madison hovers around 40%, making it a competitive school. That means getting in will require strategic planning (and the help of Ivy Coach’s college admissions experts certainly wouldn’t hurt!). 

University of Wisconsin Admissions Requirements

Obviously, GPA, standardized testing scores, and extracurricular achievements are the key components of a successful application to the University of Wisconsin and to any school. That being said, what do these components actually look like for UW-Madison admits? Without further ado, let’s dive in!

What Kind of GPA Is Necessary To Get Into the University of Wisconsin?

The following is the GPA breakdown of the members of Smith’s Class of 2028 (the most recently admitted cohort for which the data is publicly available):

GPA	Percentage of UW – Madison Class of 2029
4.0	52.7%
3.75-3.99	33.4%
3.5-3.74	10.1%
3.25-3.49	2.8%
3.0-3.24	0.9%
2.5-2.99	0.1%
2.0-2.49	0%
1.0-1.99	0%

What Kind of SAT or ACT Scores Are Needed To Get Into the UWisconsin?

The average SAT score for the University of Wisconsin Class of 2028 was a 1400, and the average ACT score was a 31. Though UW-Madison is test-optional, we at Ivy Coach believe that not submitting test scores can only ever hurt an applicant’s chances, even to supposedly test-optional schools. 

What Classes Do Students Need to Take to Get Into the University of Wisconsin?

UW-Madison lists the following as its minimum academic requirements for admission: 

• English, 4 years
• Math, 3 years
• Social Science, 3 years
• Natural Science, 3 years
• Electives, 4 years

Of course, we’d never recommend merely three years in any core subject. We at Ivy Coach know that highly selective colleges like UW-Madison want to see students excelling in each core subject (English, history, math, science, and foreign language) all four years of high school. In fact, they expect to see five years for foreign language since most students begin their first level of foreign language in eighth grade.

What Kinds of Extracurriculars Does the UWisconsin Like To See?

We’re going to clear up a common misunderstanding: highly selective colleges are not looking for well-rounded students. They’re looking for a well-rounded student body comprised of students who are each singularly talented. 

In terms of extracurriculars, that means the University of Wisconsin is looking for depth over breadth. If you’re a member of the debate team, the robotics team, the field hockey team, and the drama department…well, then, you’re merely a member of those groups. You don’t stand out in any of these pursuits. The University of Wisconsin would much rather accept a nationally ranked debate champ than a kid who spent an hour or two on debate a week because he spent the rest forgetting Shakespeare lines and fumbling the ball in football practice. 

The University of Wisconsin Application Requirements

UW-Madison accepts either the Common Application  or the Universities of Wisconsin Application. They ask for one teacher recommendation. Additionally, they ask all students to respond to the following supplemental essay:

• 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. (650 words)

Who Should Students Ask For Letters of Recommendation For Smith? 

UW-Madison applicants should ask a junior year teacher in a core subject. Obviously, the applicant should have a good relationship with the teacher or at least have performed well in their class. In addition, the recommender’s  subject area should be related to the student’s hook: if a student’s singular hook is studying fruit fly DNA, it wouldn’t make sense if their recommenders were their History or English teachers. 

Does the University of Wisconsin Require An Interview? 

No, UW-Madison does not require an interview, nor do they offer one. 

What Are the UWisconsin’s Application Deadlines? 

Early Action applications to UW-Madison are due Nov. 1. Regular Decision applications are due Jan. 15. 

How Ivy Coach Helps Students Get Into the University of Wisconsin 

If you’re interested in discerning if your child has a shot of getting into the University of Wisconsin, we recommend setting up Ivy Coach’s Strategy Session. Not only will you find out if your child has a chance of getting into the University of Wisconsin, but you’ll receive a game plan of how your child can optimize their admission to the best school possible.