Freshman Applicants: Freshman Application - Office of Admissions at the University of Wisconsin-Madison

Applications for the upcoming year are accepted as early as September 15th, but take note of our deadlines and notification periods. Submit the following to apply:

1. Admissions Application

2. Application Fee
This nonrefundable $44 application fee must accompany your application. Online applicants can pay the fee by credit card. Paper applicants can pay by check or money order payable to the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In cases of exceptional need, the fee may be waived. Students should print the Application Fee Waiver Request (PDF, 605K) and take it to their counselor for completion and submission to the UW–Madison Office of Admissions. We also accept fee waivers granted by the College Board and ACT.

3. Official Transcripts
We require transcripts for all high school and college-level work. Official transcripts should be sent directly from each school attended.

4. Official Test Scores
Scores from either the ACT or the SAT are required and must be sent directly from the testing agency. We also require the standardized writing test. 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/priority delivery.

International freshman applicants from non-English speaking countries must submit a TOEFL or IELTS score, unless English was the language of instruction for all courses in all years of secondary school.  Generally, admitted students have an Internet-based TOEFL score in the 95-105 range (587-620 on the paper-based test) or an IELTS score of 6.5-7.5. Our TOEFL test code is 1846. Please request that official IELTS scores be sent by paper to the Office of Admissions & Recruitment. If you feel that you qualify for a TOEFL or IELTS waiver, please send an email to our office and a counselor will determine if the waiver critera are met.

5. Two Written Statements
We ask you to answer the following two questions, each in the form of a short essay. Review our list of tips for the written statements as you prepare your responses. Both are required for all domestic and international applicants.

1. Consider something in your life you think goes unnoticed and write about why it's important to you.

2. Tell us why you decided to apply to the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In addition, share with us the academic, extracurricular, or research opportunities you would take advantage of as a student. If applicable, provide details of any circumstance that could have had an impact on your academic performance and/or extracurricular involvement.

6. Letter(s) of Recommendation
Though not required, we would like to see at least one recommendation from someone who can attest to your academic ability. Other recommendations might come from an employer, coach, research mentor, or community leader. Remember that quality is better than quantity, and a total of two is sufficient. Request that your recommenders use our online recommendation form. If they choose to mail them to our office, make sure they include your full name, birth date, and campus ID number (if known).


Prospective Dance and Music Majors: Students interested in majoring in dance or music must also complete a separate application and schedule an audition for admission. Visit either the School of Music or the Dance Program Web site for audition dates and application information.