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When reviewing applications, we pay particular attention to the college-level coursework you have completed, specifically:

Rigor of coursework

Appropriate for continued study at UW–Madison and increasing in difficulty.

Course breadth

Showing a combination of English*, math, science, literature, social science, and world language.

Grade trends and patterns

Steady or improving trends and patterns that show consistency across all academic areas.

High school performance

The more college-level work you have completed, the less we will rely on high school performance criteria such as rigor of coursework, academic GPA, grade trends and class rank.

*International transfer students must meet UW–Madison’s Communication Part A requirement. This can be satisfied through English composition or English as a Second Language (ESL) coursework at a U.S. institution of higher education where English is the language of instruction.

What you need to apply

All applicants must:

    • Be a transfer student who has attended another college or university or a reentry/returning student who previously attended UW–Madison as an undergraduate
    • Have completed at least 12 transferable semester hours of college-level work. (AP, A-Level, IB, and CLEP cannot be used toward this requirement)

    Have completed the following required coursework:

      • Algebra: One year in high school
      • Plane geometry: One year in high school (waived if Math 112 requirement has been completed)
      • College Algebra: Equivalent to Math 112 or demonstrated ability to test into Math 112
      •  Single foreign language (recommended): Two years of the same language in high school or two semesters of the same language in college
        • Students may be admitted without this requirement, but must complete prior to graduation

      Here is what you need to complete your application

      Apply using the Common Application

      Apply using the Common Application.

      Application fee

      The $70 fee (U.S. dollars) is due with your application and is non-refundable. Electronic payment is preferred.

      Essay

      In 300-500 words (about one page), answer the following prompt: Tell us why you would like to attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison and include why you are interested in studying the selected major. Submit your essay in the Common Application. Your essay gives us an idea of who you are and what you want to accomplish. It allows us to complete a more holistic review of your application and might also be used for campus program and scholarship review.

      Official high school transcripts

      We review your high school record to check for proof of graduation and completion of core 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.

      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.

      Official post-secondary transcripts

      Request official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions you attended. The transcripts should include all college-level coursework completed to date, including your current term in progress, and (if applicable) college classes taken while in high school.

      Electronic transcripts must be sent through a secure document sending service to [email protected]. Transcripts sent through email, as an attachment, will not be accepted as official.

      Paper transcripts sent to the Office of Admissions and Recruitment must bear an official school seal or be printed on the school’s custom watermarked/security paper. Students applying from outside the United States, please review country-specific official transcript requirements.

      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. 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, you can request a letter of recommendation from someone who can speak to your 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.

      If you are having trouble submitting the letter via the Common Application, you can select one of the alternative options below to share that with your recommender:

      Recommendations mailed to our office must include your 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.

      Optional: official test scores

      While not required, you are welcome to send your ACT or SAT scores if you have taken either test. Your results are considered supplemental academic information and may help strengthen your application.

      Test scores should be sent directly from the testing service. 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 no advantage to rush or priority delivery.

      Application deadlines

      Application deadlines

      SemesterApplication opensDeadlineClasses start
      Spring 2025Start 1: Aug. 1, 2024
      Start 2: Aug. 1, 2024
      Start 1: Dec. 15, 2024
      Start 2: Feb. 15, 2025
      Start 1: Jan. 21, 2025
      Start 2: Mar. 17, 2025
      Summer 2025Aug. 1, 2024Apr. 15, 2025May 19, 2025
      Fall 2025Start 1: Sep. 18, 2024
      Start 2: Sep. 18, 2024
      Start 1: July 15, 2025
      Start 2: July 15, 2025
      Start 1: Sep. 3, 2025
      Start 2: Oct. 28, 2025
      *If deadline falls on a weekend, it is extended to the next business day.
      Admissions decisions for UW–Madison Online are released on a rolling basis.

      Still have questions?

      Our friendly, knowledgeable enrollment coaches are here for you.

      Apply for your degree

      With 12 transferable semester hours of college level work post-high school, you can submit an application online.

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      Bascom Hall in autumn.