Transfer Student Admission

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Application Process and Dates

We practice rolling admissions, reviewing complete applications in the order received. You can apply for transfer admission beginning September 15. Admission decisions are made approximately six weeks from the time your application file is complete.

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How to Apply

We make it convenient and easy to apply:

  1. Apply Online. We encourage you to apply online. Our online application is secure and easy to use. It allows you to save your work and come back later. Applying online also provides you with immediate notification that your application has been received, and will likely speed up the processing of your application.
  2. Download a Paper Application. If you prefer to apply on paper, feel free to download and print a copy of our paper application (pdf, 736K).
  3. Request a Paper Application. If you would like us to mail you a copy of our application, please e-mail your request to onwisconsin@admissions.wisc.edu.

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Deadlines

Applications received by the dates indicated below will receive equal consideration for admission. Applications received after these dates will be considered only if space is available.

  • Summer/Fall Terms - February 1
  • Spring Term - October 1

Additional application materials (see list below) must be submitted by March 15 for summer/fall terms and by October 1 for the spring term to ensure full consideration.

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Application Materials

A complete application file consists of the following:

  1. Application for Admission. You can apply online or download a paper application (pdf, 506K).
  2. Application Fee. This nonrefundable $44 application fee must accompany your application. Online applicants can pay the fee by credit card at the time of submission. Paper applicants and online applicants who did not submit credit card payment at the time of submission can pay by check or money order (payable to the University of Wisconsin). Do not send cash. If your last institution attended is one of the two-year University of Wisconsin Colleges (freshman/sophomore campuses), you do not have to pay the $44 application fee.
  3. Official High School Transcripts. We require official high school transcripts. We will use your high school record to check for proof of graduation, the completion of core high school preparation requirements, and to learn more about your educational background. High school grades will play a more important role in the admission review for applicants who have completed fewer transferable college credits. Transcripts should be sent directly by the high school. If you have earned your General Educational Development (GED) certificate or a High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED), you will need to submit your official score report in addition to the high school transcript.
  4. Official College Transcripts. You must submit official transcripts for every college or university you've attended. The transcripts should include all college-level course work completed (including that taken while in high school, if applicable) up through and including your current term in progress.
  5. Official Test Scores. ACT and/or SAT test scores are not required for transfer admission. However, we do like to review these results for students applying for sophomore standing (approximately 24 or fewer credit hours completed). Test scores should be sent directly from the testing service. Our test codes are 4656 for the ACT and 1846 for the SAT and TOEFL. Students whose native language is not English and who were not educated in an entirely English-speaking country will likely need to submit results from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Visit our international admissions Web site for more details.
  6. Statements. The statements are a crucial part of your application. They are your opportunity to clarify your academic goals and explain any extenuating circumstances that may have affected your academic performance. Ultimately, you'll want to provide us with all the details you would like us to know before we make a decision on your application.
  7. Letters of Recommendation. Though not required, we do like to see at least one recommendation from someone who can attest to your academic ability (i.e., classroom skills, knowledge, and work ethic).

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Submitting Your Application

To ensure proper and efficient processing of your application, keep these tips in mind:

  1. If possible, submit all application materials together. This includes your application (if applying on paper), application fee, transcript(s), test scores (if applicable), personal statement, and recommendation(s).
  2. Include your campus ID number (if known) and/or date of birth on all materials sent to the Office of Admissions. This will help us match your materials to your application file.
  3. Send all materials to the University of Wisconsin, Office of Admissions, 716 Langdon Street, Madison, WI 53706-1481.
  4. Watch for your application acknowledgement letter or e-mail to arrive. If you provide us with an e-mail address, the acknowledgement will be sent via e-mail, otherwise via U.S. Mail. This important document will include your assigned campus ID number, as well as other key information.

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Admission Decisions

Applications are reviewed in the order completed, and decisions are generally made within six weeks. We cannot begin to review your application until all required materials are received. Review our list of required application materials to ensure you submit a complete application.

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Admission to Majors

All students are initially admitted to the university and not into specific programs and majors. Admission to the university does not guarantee admission into a specific major program or college. In all cases, admission to intended majors is a separate procedure, application, and/or review process. Most programs have additional GPA, prerequisite course work, and/or audition or portfolio requirements. To learn more about the admission expectations, requirements, and procedures for the major of interest to you, consult our Entrance Requirements for Undergraduate Majors.

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