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University of Wisconsin-Madison

500 Lincoln Drive, Madison, WI 53706-1380, USA

University of Wisconsin-Madison award
University of Wisconsin-Madison award
US ranking
position: 30
Tuition & fees per year: $12,166
Acceptance rate: 43.00%
Median alumni salary: $53,379
Avg. SAT and ACT: 1410 SAT, 29 ACT
Entrance difficulty: Hard

What is the accreditation of University of Wisconsin-Madison?

The University of Wisconsin-Madison holds regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, which ensures that the institution meets rigorous standards of quality and integrity in its academic programs. This accreditation is a key factor for prospective students, as it signifies that credits earned are widely recognized and that the university maintains robust educational practices.

In addition to the overall institutional accreditation, various professional programs within the university possess specialized accreditations. These accreditations confirm that the university's specific departments or schools meet industry standards important for students pursuing careers requiring professional certification or licensure.

Such accreditation is significant because it affects eligibility for federal financial aid, transferability of credits, and recognition by employers and graduate schools. Therefore, students can be confident that their education at University of Wisconsin-Madison adheres to nationally recognized quality benchmarks.

What are the admission requirements at University of Wisconsin-Madison?

Admission to University of Wisconsin-Madison requires completion of a General Educational Development (GED) or a high school diploma, with a strong emphasis on a solid secondary school record and a required minimum GPA. Applicants must have completed a recognized college preparatory program and submit recommendations as part of their application. While admission test scores data are not fully available, the university mandates TOEFL scores for non-native English speakers and recommends submitting other standardized tests to strengthen the application.

The institution does not follow an open admission policy and does not offer dual credit opportunities. However, it does accept college credits and Advanced Placement (AP) credits, which may contribute to fulfilling degree requirements.

University of Wisconsin-Madison attracts a highly competitive pool of applicants, with an acceptance rate of approximately 43%, placing it in the lower 15% nationally in selectivity. Successful admitted students typically demonstrate strong academic capabilities, reflected in mean standardized test scores that are well above average-scores placing them in the top five to fifteen percent nationwide. The mean SAT score of enrolled students is 1410, including a math score averaging 730 and a writing score of 680. The average ACT score is 29, which ranks in the top 15% of test takers.

What are the application fees and waivers at University of Wisconsin-Madison?

The University of Wisconsin-Madison requires an application fee to be submitted with each application. This fee helps cover the administrative costs associated with processing applications and is a standard requirement for prospective students. The amount of the fee can vary depending on the type of application and program to which the student is applying.

Prospective students who face financial hardships may be eligible for application fee waivers. These waivers are intended to reduce financial barriers and promote access to higher education for qualified individuals. To obtain a fee waiver, applicants typically must demonstrate financial need or meet certain eligibility criteria set by the university, such as participation in federal assistance programs or attendance at specific high schools.

The university provides clear instructions on how to request an application fee waiver, and applicants are encouraged to submit the necessary documentation early in the application process to ensure timely consideration. Fee waivers are not guaranteed and are evaluated on a case-by-case basis to maintain fairness and transparency.

Applicants interested in fee waivers should review the official University of Wisconsin-Madison admissions website or contact the admissions office directly to understand the specific qualifications and requirements involved.

What types of ROTC programs are available at University of Wisconsin-Madison?

University of Wisconsin-Madison hosts a Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) branch unit on its campus. This program provides students the opportunity to participate in military training while pursuing their academic degrees. The presence of an ROTC unit on campus enables prospective students interested in military leadership and service careers to integrate their education with structured military preparation.

What are the requirements for transfer students at University of Wisconsin-Madison?

University of Wisconsin-Madison accepts transfer students for the fall and spring terms, providing opportunities for those looking to continue their education without interruption during these seasons. The institution does accept transfer credits, which can facilitate a smoother transition by recognizing prior academic work. Prospective transfer students may also submit recommendations as part of their application, adding additional context to their academic profile.

Additionally, the university accepts credits earned through CLEP subject examinations, allowing students to potentially expedite their progress. However, other credit options such as CLEP general exams or DANTES are not indicated as accepted. This suggests a selective approach to incoming credit transfers, focused primarily on certain standardized assessments.

What types of study abroad programs are available at University of Wisconsin-Madison?

The University of Wisconsin-Madison offers a range of study abroad opportunities designed to accommodate various academic goals and personal interests. Students can participate in faculty-led short-term programs, which typically last a few weeks and provide immersive experiences tied closely to specific courses. These options are ideal for those seeking structured programs with direct academic credit.

For students interested in longer international experiences, the university supports semester- or year-long programs through partnerships with universities worldwide. Such exchanges allow students to live and study alongside peers in a different cultural environment, gaining deeper insights into global perspectives on their fields of study.

Additionally, the university facilitates participation in third-party provider programs. These offer greater flexibility in location and timing, enabling students to tailor their abroad experience to their academic and personal schedules. These programs often include internship placements, language immersion, or research opportunities, complementing the students' major requirements or interests.

University of Wisconsin-Madison also emphasizes accessibility by providing scholarships and advising services to help students plan and fund their study abroad adventures, ensuring a broad range of students can take advantage of international learning.

University of Wisconsin-Madison Admissions Factors

Avg. SAT score 1410
SAT Composite median score for all enrolled full-time and part-time first-year degree-seeking students
Avg. ACT score 29
ACT Composite median score for all enrolled full-time and part-time first-year degree-seeking students.
Acceptance rate 43%

ACT scores of enrolled students

ACT in range 18-23
ACT in range 24-29
ACT in range 30-36

University of Wisconsin-Madison Admissions

Applicants Total: 63,505
Admission Total: 27,529
Enrolled Total: 7,964
Women
Men

University of Wisconsin-Madison Admission Requirements

Median composite SAT score

1410

Median composite ACT score

29

Percent of students submitting ACT scores

35.1%

Percent of students submitting SAT scores

14.7%

High school completions

General Educational Development (GED) required

Computer required

No

Computer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution

Yes

Secondary school GPA

Required

Secondary school rank

Data not available

Secondary school record

Required

Completion of college-preparatory program

Required

Recommendations

Required

Formal demonstration of competencies

Recommended

Admission test scores

Data not available

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language

Required

Other Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)

Recommended

Open admission policy

No

Dual credit

No

Credit for life experiences

Yes

Advanced placement (AP) credits

Yes

Special learning opportunities

Orientation program

Yes

Disabilities services

Yes

Off-campus study

Yes

ROTC-Army

ROTC branch unit on campus

ROTC-Navy

ROTC branch unit on campus

ROTC-Air Force

ROTC branch unit on campus

Study abroad

Yes

Weekend/evening college

Data not available

Student can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization

Yes

Preparation at another institution required

Yes

Approved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher

Yes

University of Wisconsin-Madison Transfer Acceptance Rate

Entrance difficulty for transfer students

Data not available

Generally accepts credits

Yes

Accept ACE recommendation for credit

Yes

Possible transfer

Fall, Spring

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