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UW-Milwaukee Academic Catalog

Admission and costs, undergraduate admission.

For the latest admissions information, visit our website .

Freshman students can now apply using either the UW System application or the Common App. All other applicants should use the UW System application. No matter which application you use, there’s no undergraduate application fee!

The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee encompasses three campuses (UW-Milwaukee, UWM at Washington County and UWM at Waukesha) that offer different degree types and programs. When applying on the UW System application or Common App,  please be certain to select the preferred campus to which you wish to apply. You may not submit an application to more than one UWM campus.  If you are unsure which campus to choose, please contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at  [email protected]  or 414-229-2222.

You will need to supply the necessary documents like transcripts and optional test scores separately. We will accept transcripts and test results submitted electronically from a vendor or testing agency. You will be notified of any additional materials needed to complete your application (including what we still need from you to make an admission decision) and can track the receipt of these documents and the progress of your application review online via the Admissions Portal . 

If you wish to apply as a non-degree or summer guest student, you may use the electronic applications available here . If you require a paper application, you can download a PDF of any application from this site.

For application questions, please contact Office of Undergraduate Admissions at  [email protected]  or 414-229-2222. Contact information for other UWM departments is available here .

Application Deadlines

UWM begins accepting undergraduate applications on August 1 for the following fall term, with a priority application deadline of March 1. After the priority deadline, the Office of Undergraduate Admissions will continue to review applications on a case-by-case basis until enrollment capacity has been reached. Applications for the spring term (classes start in January) are typically accepted until December 1.  However, some programs have earlier deadlines and/or requirements.  Check our  website  for up-to-date information.

It is to your advantage to apply early so that you receive important information as soon as possible, not to mention scholarship consideration.

Variations in Admission Requirements and Deadlines

Architecture and urban planning.

Admission to the School of Architecture and Urban Planning is selective and competitive. Most students admitted to the School will have a high school cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 unweighted scale. The application priority date for Architecture and Urban Planning is  April 1  (for the subsequent fall term) or  December 1  (for the spring term), but earlier application is advised. The School of Architecture and Urban Planning takes a wholistic approach when reviewing applicants. Grade point average is only a portion of the admission decision. Other factors include the applicant statements, rigor of high school curriculum, and extra-curricular activities.

Engineering and Applied Science

Admission to the College of Engineering and Applied Science is selective. The primary review factors are the strength and quality of the high school curriculum, high school class rank if available, grade point average, and ACT or SAT results. Well-prepared applicants will have four years of high school mathematics at the level of algebra and above and four years of natural science including biology, chemistry and physics. Relevant non-academic factors are also considered. See the CEAS section of this Catalog for additional specific information.

Applicants who do not meet the requirements for admission to the College of Engineering & Applied Science will automatically be considered for admission to the Pre-Engineering program in the UWM College of General Studies. The Pre-Engineering program is an Associate degree level program offered jointly by the College of General Studies and the College of Engineering & Applied Science. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for the engineering program with emphasis on mathematics. 

High school science units must include at least one year of high school chemistry. Admission to the pre-nursing program is selective. The application priority date is  March 1  for fall applicants. Apply as early as possible; applications will be accepted only until program capacity has been reached.

Peck School of the Arts

• Dance: An audition is required for entry into both the Dance BFA and BA. Audition dates are scheduled during the fall, spring, and summer terms. More information is available through the Dance department .
• Art & Design: The Department of Art & Design requires all incoming students to submit a portfolio for review. The portfolio is required in order to be considered for the Art & Design Incoming Student Scholarship. Portfolio deadlines are  October 15  (for spring admission) and  March 1  (for summer or for fall admission with consideration for scholarships). More information through Art & Design .
• Music: Students wishing to enter the UWM Music Department must interview and/or audition for admittance to any of the Music degree programs. You must arrange for an instrument or voice audition in person, online, Skype, or alternate submission. More information here .

Application Process

We strongly encourage you to apply online. The UW System application will provide an expedited experience. If you are applying to UWM and other schools outside of the UW System, the Common App will be most helpful. There’s no undergraduate application fee with either platform. Most applicants find it faster and more convenient, and applications are received and processed much more quickly. To apply for admission as a new freshman, see the Freshman section of this page.

For the latest admissions information, visit the UWM's Undergraduate Admissions page or call the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at (414) 229-2222.

Four-Year Graduation Guarantee

Many students choose to attend classes part time, but for others, attending full time in order to obtain their degree as quickly as possible is the top priority. If that is your goal, UWM's Four-Year Graduation Guarantee may be for you.

To qualify, students must enter UWM as new freshmen during the fall term and must have appropriate academic preparation and placement test scores. They then sign a contract agreeing to satisfy other specified academic progress requirements while following the prescribed program of study. UWM, in turn, guarantees that students who fulfill these requirements will be able to complete their undergraduate degree within four years of initial enrollment at UWM. This program is available within all of UWM's baccalaureate programs, although specific requirements may vary. Your academic advisor can provide more information about this option, or contact the academic advising office of the school or college to which you will be seeking admission.

Advising and Orientation for New Students

All new students are assigned an academic advisor upon admission to UWM. All freshmen and transfer students are required to participate in an orientation program to enroll in classes. Programs are held during the summer for students entering in the fall semester and during January for students entering in the spring semester. A family orientation is held concurrently with the freshman program.

To be invited to an orientation, freshmen must complete:

• The Intent to Enroll survey in the Admissions Portal
• Submit ACT or SAT scores OR
• Complete UWM-specific math and English placement tests
• Complete the University Housing contract and pay the $100 Deposit
• Submit an exemption form with documentation

Transfer students only need to complete their Intent to Enroll to be eligible for Orientation and can choose to only complete a virtual course instead of attending an in-person program to fulfill their requirement. Transfer students are strongly encouraged to meet with an advisor prior to enrolling in courses.

All new students pay a $150 Orientation fee, and freshmen will pay an additional $100 New Freshman Fee for the additional transition programming provided.

More detailed information about this process will be mailed to you upon admission to the University. For more information on steps to complete before you can enroll in classes, see our  Admitted Students page .  

Summer Sessions Enrollment

Students admitted as degree candidates at UWM for the summer term may attend summer sessions and continue in the fall semester, provided they continue to satisfy established academic standards. Admission requirements are the same as for other semesters. Students enrolled for the spring semester automatically receive registration information for summer sessions.

New freshmen or transfer students admitted for the fall semester also may request a change of term to the preceding Summer Session in order to begin their studies earlier at UWM. For more information about a term change, call the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at (414) 229-2222. Or submit a term change form in the Admissions Portal .

Students enrolled at another college or university during the academic year who wish to attend UWM during the summer term only may qualify for admission as Summer Guest students. See the Non-degree section of this page for specific information.

Find more information about summer sessions enrollment here .

Admission to Pre-professional Programs

Students pursuing pre-professional programs in the School of Architecture and Urban Planning, Peck School of the Arts, Sheldon B. Lubar College of Business, School of Education, College of Engineering and Applied Science, College of Health Sciences, College of Nursing, and Helen Bader School of Social Welfare are admitted directly into those schools and colleges and are advised there. However, admission to a pre-professional program does not guarantee subsequent admission to the professional program or major.

Admission to the professional program/major occurs only after a student has completed the specific pre-professional requirements outlined in the school and college sections of this catalog. Admission to the pre-professional program does not imply or guarantee that a student will be able to enter or complete a professional program/major within any specific time period and, in fact, admission to some professional programs/majors is very competitive. Enrollment in required courses is subject to limitation.

Requirements for employment, licensing, or professional organizations:  Students should be aware that some professions and occupations are subject to licensing and/or bonding requirements. When a course of study includes clinical or field training, practice teaching, internships, or the like, students may be subjected to a check of criminal conviction records prior to acceptance by the placement site. Students are responsible for obtaining the information necessary to become knowledgeable about special requirements such as these and should plan their studies accordingly.

For the latest admissions information, visit our  website .

Freshman Admission Policy Statement

To provide high quality educational opportunity for students, the Office of Undergraduate Admissions admits students whose academic preparation, background and personal experience suggest that they will succeed at the institution, benefit from that educational experience, and contribute to the educational environment.

Freshman applicants are evaluated through a comprehensive, individualized review process and students with a wide range of academic achievement and personal experience are offered admission at all three UWM campuses. 

Freshman Admission Standards

Freshman applicants will typically demonstrate an appropriate level of preparation and potential by providing evidence of the following:

Your academic performance in the classroom is the most important factor in the review of your application. We carefully consider the pattern and rigor of your high school coursework, class rank (if available), overall GPA and grades in specific courses related to your intended major at UWM. The most competitive candidates for admission to UWM typically surpass these unit requirements.

• English: 4 units
• Math (Algebra 1, Geometry and Algebra 2 or equivalent): 3 units
• Natural Science: 3 units
• Social Science: 3 units
• Academic Electives: 4 units
• Completion of an appropriate college preparatory curriculum Satisfactory completion of at least 17 credits (1 credit = 1 year) of high school courses, distributed as shown above, is the minimum expectation. Additional coursework beyond this minimum level is strongly encouraged and will increase the applicant’s likelihood of academic success at the university. Some academic programs have additional academic preparation requirements.
• Evidence of academic ability and readiness as demonstrated by academic performance in high school All relevant academic factors are considered, including grades and grade point average; high school class rank (if available); choice of curriculum; and strength of the academic program relative to the course offerings available to the student in the high school.
• Evidence of academic ability and readiness as demonstrated by performance on standardized test - optional Test score submission is optional. If you choose to submit test scores, performance on the ACT or SAT is only one factor considered in the admission process. In addition to your composite score, we also consider your sub-scores in the area(s) (English, math, reading, science) that closely relate to your intended major at UWM. While the writing portion of the ACT is not required, we will consider these results if you wish to submit them. 
• Additional factors considered We want to know more about you beyond your academic record and test results! Other factors considered in the review process include, but are not limited to, student experiences, work experience, leadership qualities, motivation, community service, special talents, etc. This information is collected when you complete the application.  The essay is where you answer the prompt and tell your story. Letters of recommendation are not required but will be considered should you choose to send them.

Transfer Student Admission and Acceptance of Transfer Credit

Transfer admission guidelines.

Transfer admission is a holistic and selective process, and no single criterion guarantees admission. The following factors are taken into consideration when reviewing applications:

• Demonstrated satisfactory academic progress
• Successful completion of college-level math and English courses
• Total credit hours completed
• Academic standing at previous institution

If you have fewer than 12 transferable credits, we will also review your high school academic records.

Additional Specific Requirements

Transfer admission to the  College of Engineering and Applied Science , the  School of Architecture and Urban Planning , and the  College of Nursing  is selective. Many programs in the  Peck School of the Arts  have audition or portfolio requirements. In addition, admission to many other individual programs/majors is competitive and subject to capacity limitations, with higher standards or additional criteria considered. For more details, check the admission requirements listed for the particular academic program in which you are interested.

International students have additional application requirements; see that section for details.

Apply electronically via the University of Wisconsin System electronic application website . If you apply electronically, you will need to submit the necessary supporting documents separately. Electronic transcripts sent from schools and third party vendors should be sent to  [email protected] . Transfer applicants must submit, at minimum:

• a completed application form;
• official high school transcript(s); and
• official transcript(s) from any post-secondary institution(s) attended

You will be notified of any additional materials needed to complete your application. Complete instructions and information about applicable deadlines are available on the website.

If you are unable to apply online, a PDF may be downloaded from  https://apply.wisconsin.edu  to print and mail in.

The Registrar’s Office will review your prior college coursework and post your transfer credit equivalencies to your PAWS account. This process can take 1-2 weeks following admission to the university, so it is important that you apply early in order to have this information in time for academic advising and registration prior to your desired term of enrollment (see dates and deadlines below).

Recommended Filing Dates for Transfer Students

Filing and completing your application for admission (including all transcripts and the application fee) as early as possible is recommended so that transfer students are able to receive an appointment to register for classes at approximately the same time as continuing students. In general, a decision on a complete application is made by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions within 2-4 weeks, and transfer credit evaluations are completed within four weeks of the date of admission. Recommended dates by which a completed application should be on file are as follows:  February 15  (summer and fall terms) and  September 15  (spring term).

Application Deadlines for Transfer Students

Fall term:  UWM begins accepting undergraduate applications on August 1 for the following fall term, with a priority deadline of March 1. After the priority deadline, the Office of Undergraduate Admissions will continue to review applications on a case-by-case basis until enrollment capacity has been reached.

Spring term:  Applications for the spring term (classes start in January) are typically accepted until December 1.  However, some programs have earlier deadlines and/or requirements.  Check our  website  for up-to-date information.

Earlier deadlines apply for certain programs and applications received after enrollment capacity has been reached may not be reviewed. The application priority date for Nursing and Architecture and Urban Planning is  March 1  (for the subsequent fall term) or  November 1  (for the spring term). For Art & Design or Music, apply by  March 1  for scholarship consideration. Check our website for up-to-date information and for applicable deadlines for other terms.

Transfer Credit Acceptance

Credit is generally awarded for relevant and appropriate college-level coursework successfully completed at institutions accredited by a  regional accrediting association . Credit also may be awarded for college-level work successfully completed at degree-granting institutions accredited by other  national accrediting organizations  that are recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), assuming the provisions outlined below also are met. (Foreign institutions must be recognized by the Ministry of Education, or equivalent, of the home country.)

In order for credit to be awarded, courses must typically be similar in nature, level, and content to a course in UWM's undergraduate curriculum, and be applicable to one of UWM's academic programs at the baccalaureate level. Credit generally is not awarded for continuing education coursework or for courses that are remedial, vocational, technical, or doctrinal in nature.

Additional transfer credit may be awarded to students who enter specific programs for which UWM has established articulation agreements or other program-specific transfer credit agreements, with a partner institution.

Seventy-two (72) credits is the maximum total number of credits that may be awarded for coursework earned at one or any combination of two-year (associate degree level) institution(s).

In addition to credit for courses completed at other schools, students can also receive transfer credit for previous education or training or by testing on their current knowledge. See Transfer Information  for more information.

Credit Transfer from the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS)

Students enrolled in the Wisconsin Technical College System who wish to continue their education at UWM may transfer credits toward their bachelor's degree in the following ways:

• Students enrolled in a WTCS Associate degree granting schools (at present, these are offered at Chippewa Valley Technical College, Madison Area Technical College, Milwaukee Area Technical College, Nicolet Area Technical College, and Western Technical College) may be eligible to transfer up to 72 credits toward the baccalaureate degree.
• Students enrolled at other WTCS programs or campuses may be eligible to transfer some appropriate general education coursework toward the baccalaureate degree.
• There also are many program-specific transfer credit agreements governing acceptance of credit from some WTCS programs. For details, see Transferring Course Credits .
• The UWM Office of Undergraduate Admissions maintains an office at the MATC-Milwaukee downtown campus in order to assist students with transfer-related questions. For more specific information, get in touch for easy access to an online information request form, as well as phone, email, live chat, or social media contact information.

For more information about these or other transfer opportunities, students should consult with their Wisconsin Technical College advisor, the UWM Office of Undergraduate Admissions, or the UWM Registrar's Office.

Go to Transfer Wisconsin to learn more about how courses transfer in the University of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Technical College, and Tribal College Systems.

Re-entering and Re-admitted Students

Students who have not been enrolled at UWM for more than two semesters must file a re-entry application to return to the University. Official transcripts of all college work taken during the absence from UW-Milwaukee must be submitted. This application is available using the electronic application available  here or on our  Forms & Resources  page.

UWM begins accepting undergraduate applications on August 1 for the following fall term, with a priority deadline of March 1. After the priority deadline, the Office of Undergraduate Admissions will continue to review applications on a case-by-case basis until enrollment capacity has been reached. Applications for the spring term (classes start in January) are typically accepted until December 1.  However, some programs have earlier deadlines and/or requirements. Check our website for up-to-date information.

In addition to filing a re-entry application to the University, a student who has been dropped from the University because of poor academic performance must be approved for re-admission by the dean of the school or college from which the student was dropped. Students should schedule an appointment with their academic advisor to begin the school or college approval process.

For more information about re-entry procedures or to request an application form, contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at (414) 229-2222.

Non-degree Students

Who should apply as an undergraduate non-degree student.

• Guest students from another institution who want to take classes over summer or winter break and then transfer them back to their current institution
• Students who are taking prerequisites to get into a graduate program or professional school (ex: medical school, law school, etc.)
• Students who already have a bachelor’s degree and want to complete an undergraduate certificate program at UWM. Please also contact the department — a certificate program application may be required in addition to the non-degree university application
• Students who want to take some courses at UWM for personal or professional enrichment but do not want an undergraduate degree from UWM. You can either audit the courses (lower cost – no credit, no grades) or you can take courses for credit (transcribed and can be used towards a degree)

60+ Auditors or Disabled Auditors: Request information by calling 414-229-2222 or emailing [email protected] .

Who should not apply as an Undergraduate Non-degree student?

• If you are wanting to receive an undergraduate degree from UWM you should apply as a degree-seeking student. Please review the transfer or new freshmen application process here .
• If you are considering graduate school, please meet with the graduate school to talk about required prerequisites prior to applying as an undergraduate non-degree student.

Non-degree Admission Guidelines

If you have already attended or are currently attending another college or university, then you must be in good financial standing at that institution (not have any past due accounts) to qualify for admission at UWM.

You must have graduated from a recognized high school at least one year prior to the desired semester of enrollment, or be admissible based upon acceptable GED test scores. Exceptions can be made if you are attending another university and can provide a copy of your admissions letter.

In most cases, we will not need your transcripts for admission. No transferable coursework or other credits earned (e.g. via AP or CLEP exam) will be posted to your UWM non-degree student record. Therefore, if you would like to take a course at UWM that requires a prerequisite you have earned elsewhere, you may need to get permission from the department to add the course.

Non-degree Financial Aid

Non-degree students do not automatically qualify for federal student aid. To qualify for aid at UWM, students need to be enrolled at least half time in an eligible certificate/certification program or be enrolled half time to complete prerequisites for a UWM graduate program. You will complete the Non-degree Enrollment Verification Form and have an advisor in your degree program sign it (not your non-degree advisor.) You can find this form  here .

Information for Out-of-State Students

Residency, for tuition purposes, is governed by Wisconsin statute. It is the mutual responsibility of the University and the student to make certain that he or she is correctly classified as a resident or non-resident for tuition purposes. If an error is discovered, the student will be notified that he or she must pay the non-resident portion of the tuition immediately. Students who question their status should contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions in Mellencamp Hall, Room 212, (414) 229-2222. A student who wishes to appeal the nonresident classification should request a non-residency appeal form prior to the tuition due date for the semester. For more information regarding residency, visit our Out of State admissions page.

Minnesota/Wisconsin Reciprocity Agreement

Minnesota residents may be eligible to participate under the Minnesota/Wisconsin Reciprocity Agreement. Students certified under this program pay tuition at a special rate that is less than non-resident tuition. A certification year runs from July 1 through June 30, although degree students are normally certified once during the full duration of their academic career if they remain continuously enrolled.

Persons not certified by the date on which fees are due will be required to pay non-resident tuition and fees. The appropriate amount will then be refunded upon certification by the State of Minnesota Office of Higher Education Reciprocity Program. For more information, contact the State of Minnesota Office of Higher Education , 1450 Energy Park Dr., Suite 350, St. Paul, MN 55108, (651) 642-0567, or (800) 657-3866.

Tuition Discounts for Midwest Residents

UWM offers a special Non-Resident Midwest tuition rate, which is available to students who meet the criteria and are residents of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio and South Dakota. Midwest Tuition applies to all on-campus associate, bachelor’s and graduate programs. N on-degree students from an eligible midwest tuition state who meet the criteria are also eligible for this tuition rate.

Find more information on the Midwest Residence  cost and financial aid  page.

Milwaukee Advantage Program (MAP)

Illinois students are eligible to receive an additional $1,000 award each year ($500/semester) through the Milwaukee Advantage Program (MAP). Beginning in Fall 2021, Minnesota students will also be eligible to receive the MAP award. The MAP award is renewable.

• MAP will be offered at both fall/spring terms.
• Must be enrolled full time in order to be eligible. Falling below full-time status will result in cancellation of award.

Special Admission Programs for Students Still Enrolled in High School

The High School Special Program and the Early College Credit Program are designed to allow qualified high school students to enroll in university courses concurrently with high school classes. Applicants must generally have a 3.5 or above GPA. For further information, contact your high school guidance counselor or the UWM Office of Undergraduate Admissions at (414) 229-2222. You also may review the information on our  Dual Enrollment  website.

Course Placement

All incoming freshmen admitted to UW-Milwaukee are  required  to complete steps to place them into their math and English courses. Students are placed into math and English courses based on either their ACT/SAT scores or by completing both Panther Math Prep and the Guided English Placement. International students can use their TOEFL or IELTS scores for placement into their English courses.  Students are placed into French, German, and Spanish foreign language courses via the UW System World Languages placement test. Placement into any other foreign language is based on previous coursework and/or the UWM World Languages Self Assessment Tool. Placement into chemistry courses is determined by a combination of math placement level and previous chemistry coursework, and students in Chemistry 102 are required to take a chemistry placement test during the first week of their chemistry class. Placement methodologies help to ensure that students are placed into the appropriate level of study to maximize success. Incoming freshmen must ensure they have taken the appropriate steps to determine course placement before they are allowed to attend their New Student Orientation session where they will enroll in classes. Transfer students and re-entry students may be required to submit ACT/SAT scores or complete assessments depending on previous coursework and intended degree plan. Transfer and re-entry students should check with their advisor to determine if they need to complete any steps for course placement.

More information on  course placement  can be found on our One Stop Enrollment and Financial Services site.

Contact Information

Office of Undergraduate Admissions Lubar Entrepreneurship Center & UWM Welcome Center 2100 Kenwood Blvd Milwaukee, WI 53211

Phone: (414) 229-2222

http://uwm.edu/admission/

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4 tips for writing successful college admission essays

Writing an essay for a college application doesn’t have to be a daunting task..

If you talk to your friends — or worse, your parents talk to their friends — you might feel like you need to write a heroic narrative about overcoming monumental challenges while accumulating an impressive array of academic honors.

Give yourself a break. The purpose of an essay is to let admissions officers know you’re prepared for college, not to bring everyone who reads it to tears.

“I think students hear a lot of messaging that says, ‘Talk about a really hard challenge you've overcome,’” said Ashley Maitland, an assistant director in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. “That’s a lot of pressure to put on a 17-year-old. It might even make you feel like you have to write about something miraculous you’ve done or share a traumatic event, and that’s not true at all.”

At schools like UW-Milwaukee, admissions officers read essays as part of a holistic review. They’re interested in what you can tell them about your readiness for college that might not be evident in your grades and test scores. There’s no drama needed. So, with that in mind, here are a few tips for writing an essay that will strengthen your application.

1. Demonstrate academic preparedness.

You don’t have to have straight A’s or perfect test scores to get into college, but admissions officers do want to know you have the study and time-management skills to succeed if you’re admitted. Your essay is the place to talk about your growth as a student.

“Maybe you struggled to balance academics, extracurriculars and a part-time job in high school,” Maitland said. “And you procrastinated on an essay, and you didn’t get a good grade. You learned procrastination is not something that lets you function effectively and successfully, so you’re not going to do that in the future, right? Talk about that.”

2. Focus on what you learned rather than what you did.

Did you start a club at your high school? Lead your baseball team to victory? Those are great accomplishments, but admissions officers also want to know that you learned from the process.

“We’re interested in the skills students will bring with them that will enrich our campus community,” Maitland said. “Maybe they started a social justice organization at their high school. What did they learn from it and what values will they then bring with them to UWM?”

Remember, you don’t have to be a founder or president of an organization to have learned something valuable. “Maybe they helped with ticket sales or event promotion,” Maitland said. “What did they learn by working with different leaders or as part of a team?”

3. Share your passions.

Admissions officers are trying to predict which students will be successful at their school. If there’s a particular program or subject area you’re interested in, your essay is the perfect place to discuss that.

“Maybe they don’t even know their major yet, but they know they’re interested in health, and they’re excited to explore all of the options available to them,” Maitland said. “Or they took a quiz in high school on learning styles, and they know they are a hands-on learner, so they’re interested in exploring majors to find one that fits with that learning style.”

4. Invest in proofreading .

A misspelled word won’t keep you out of college, but your essay should show that you are ready for that level of academic work. Before you submit your essay, read it aloud to yourself. Share it with friends and family for feedback, and ask them to watch for spelling, punctuation and grammar errors.

“We’re looking for something that is well-written,” Maitland said. “It shouldn’t be one big paragraph. It should have good word flow and be easy to follow.”

Contact UWM’s Office of Undergraduate Admissions for more information about the college admissions process.

Members of the editorial and news staff of USA TODAY Network were not involved in the creation of this content.

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Academic Programs

• Art & Design
• Communication
• Engineering
• Finance/Accounting
• Government/Political Science
• Health Science
• Liberal Arts
• Performing Arts
• Social Science
• Visual Arts

Student experience

• Co-op/Internship Opportunities
• Disability Services
• Distance/online learning
• Intramural/Club Sports
• LGBTQIA Services
• Military/Veteran Services
• Night Class Offerings
• On-Campus Housing
• ROTC Program
• Study Abroad
• Undergraduate Research

Application information

Find out about requirements, fees, and deadlines

The application fee is $25. Need based fee waivers are available for those who qualify.

Transfers are students who have earned or are currently earning college credit after high school. Step 1:  Complete your application.   Transfer students can apply via  UW System Application  and will be able to apply via the Common App shortly! The application fee is $25 - unless you're transferring from a UW campus. Need based fee waivers are available for those who qualify. Step 2:  Send official high school high school and any college transcripts to UWM. Step 3:  Receive your Admissions Decision.   Our team of admissions professionals evaluates qualified candidates through a comprehensive, individualized review process. Please allow up to 3 weeks for an admission decision after your application file is complete.  

Additional Information

Admissions office

2100 E. Kenwood Blvd. Milwaukee , WI 53211 , United States of America

Phone number

414-229-2222

For first-year students

Admissions website.

uwm.edu/undergrad-admission/student-type/new-freshmen/

Financial aid website

uwm.edu/cost-aid/

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University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee Requirements for Admission

Choose your test.

What are University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee's admission requirements? While there are a lot of pieces that go into a college application, you should focus on only a few critical things:

• GPA requirements
• Testing requirements, including SAT and ACT requirements
• Application requirements

In this guide we'll cover what you need to get into University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee and build a strong application.

School location: Milwaukee, WI

Admissions Rate: 95.2%

If you want to get in, the first thing to look at is the acceptance rate. This tells you how competitive the school is and how serious their requirements are.

The acceptance rate at University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee is 95.2% . For every 100 applicants, 95 are admitted.

This means the school is a nearly open admissions school. They accept nearly all students, so for the most part, you just need to submit an application to get in. But if you don't meet all their application requirements, you'll be one of the very few people who gets rejected.

We can help. PrepScholar Admissions is the world's best admissions consulting service. We combine world-class admissions counselors with our data-driven, proprietary admissions strategies . We've overseen thousands of students get into their top choice schools , from state colleges to the Ivy League.

We know what kinds of students colleges want to admit. We want to get you admitted to your dream schools.

Learn more about PrepScholar Admissions to maximize your chance of getting in.

University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee GPA Requirements

Many schools specify a minimum GPA requirement, but this is often just the bare minimum to submit an application without immediately getting rejected.

The GPA requirement that really matters is the GPA you need for a real chance of getting in. For this, we look at the school's average GPA for its current students.

Average GPA: 3.19

The average GPA at University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee is 3.19 .

(Most schools use a weighted GPA out of 4.0, though some report an unweighted GPA.

With a GPA of 3.19, University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee accepts below-average students . It's OK to be a B-average student, with some A's mixed in. It'd be best to avoid C's and D's, since application readers might doubt whether you can handle the stress of college academics.

SAT and ACT Requirements

Each school has different requirements for standardized testing. Only a few schools require the SAT or ACT, but many consider your scores if you choose to submit them.

University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee hasn't explicitly named a policy on SAT/ACT requirements, but because it's published average SAT or ACT scores (we'll cover this next), it's likely test flexible. Typically, these schools say, "if you feel your SAT or ACT score represents you well as a student, submit them. Otherwise, don't."

Despite this policy, the truth is that most students still take the SAT or ACT, and most applicants to University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee will submit their scores. If you don't submit scores, you'll have one fewer dimension to show that you're worthy of being admitted, compared to other students. We therefore recommend that you consider taking the SAT or ACT, and doing well.

University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee SAT Requirements

Many schools say they have no SAT score cutoff, but the truth is that there is a hidden SAT requirement. This is based on the school's average score.

Average SAT: 1135

The average SAT score composite at University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee is a 1135 on the 1600 SAT scale.

This score makes University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee Competitive for SAT test scores.

University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee SAT Score Analysis (New 1600 SAT)

The 25th percentile SAT score is , and the 75th percentile SAT score is . In other words, a on the SAT places you below average, while a will move you up to above average .

Here's the breakdown of SAT scores by section:

SAT Score Choice Policy

The Score Choice policy at your school is an important part of your testing strategy.

University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee ACT Requirements

Just like for the SAT, University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee likely doesn't have a hard ACT cutoff, but if you score too low, your application will get tossed in the trash.

Average ACT: 22

The average ACT score at University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee is 22. This score makes University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee Moderately Competitive for ACT scores.

The 25th percentile ACT score is 20, and the 75th percentile ACT score is 25.

ACT Score Sending Policy

If you're taking the ACT as opposed to the SAT, you have a huge advantage in how you send scores, and this dramatically affects your testing strategy.

Here it is: when you send ACT scores to colleges, you have absolute control over which tests you send. You could take 10 tests, and only send your highest one. This is unlike the SAT, where many schools require you to send all your tests ever taken.

This means that you have more chances than you think to improve your ACT score. To try to aim for the school's ACT requirement of 20 and above, you should try to take the ACT as many times as you can. When you have the final score that you're happy with, you can then send only that score to all your schools.

ACT Superscore Policy

By and large, most colleges do not superscore the ACT. (Superscore means that the school takes your best section scores from all the test dates you submit, and then combines them into the best possible composite score). Thus, most schools will just take your highest ACT score from a single sitting.

We weren't able to find the school's exact ACT policy, which most likely means that it does not Superscore. Regardless, you can choose your single best ACT score to send in to University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, so you should prep until you reach our recommended target ACT score of 20.

Download our free guide on the top 5 strategies you must be using to improve your score. This guide was written by Harvard graduates and ACT perfect scorers. If you apply the strategies in this guide, you'll study smarter and make huge score improvements.

SAT/ACT Writing Section Requirements

Currently, only the ACT has an optional essay section that all students can take. The SAT used to also have an optional Essay section, but since June 2021, this has been discontinued unless you are taking the test as part of school-day testing in a few states. Because of this, no school requires the SAT Essay or ACT Writing section, but some schools do recommend certain students submit their results if they have them.

University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee considers the SAT Essay/ACT Writing section optional and may not include it as part of their admissions consideration. You don't need to worry too much about Writing for this school, but other schools you're applying to may require it.

Final Admissions Verdict

This school offers nearly open admissions, which means they give almost every student an offer of admission. To be safe, you should aim for a SAT or a 20 ACT or higher . If you can achieve this, you're pretty much guaranteed a spot in the incoming class.

Admissions Calculator

Here's our custom admissions calculator. Plug in your numbers to see what your chances of getting in are. Pick your test: ACT

• 80-100%: Safety school: Strong chance of getting in
• 50-80%: More likely than not getting in
• 20-50%: Lower but still good chance of getting in
• 5-20%: Reach school: Unlikely to get in, but still have a shot
• 0-5%: Hard reach school: Very difficult to get in

How would your chances improve with a better score?

Take your current SAT score and add 160 points (or take your ACT score and add 4 points) to the calculator above. See how much your chances improve?

At PrepScholar, we've created the leading online SAT/ACT prep program . We guarantee an improvement of 160 SAT points or 4 ACT points on your score, or your money back.

Here's a summary of why we're so much more effective than other prep programs:

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• Our team is made of national SAT/ACT experts . PrepScholar's founders are Harvard graduates and SAT perfect scorers . You'll be studying using the strategies that actually worked for them.
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Application Requirements

Every school requires an application with the bare essentials - high school transcript and GPA, application form, and other core information. Many schools, as explained above, also require SAT and ACT scores, as well as letters of recommendation, application essays, and interviews. We'll cover the exact requirements of University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee here.

Application Requirements Overview

• Common Application Not accepted
• Electronic Application None
• Essay or Personal Statement Recommended for all freshmen
• Letters of Recommendation
• Interview Not required
• Application Fee $44
• Fee Waiver Available? Available
• Other Notes

Testing Requirements

• SAT or ACT Considered if submitted
• SAT Essay or ACT Writing Optional
• SAT Subject Tests
• Scores Due in Office None

Coursework Requirements

• Subject Required Years
• Foreign Language
• Social Studies 3
• Electives 2

Deadlines and Early Admissions

• Offered? Deadline Notification
• Yes August 1 August 2

Admissions Office Information

• Address: Chapman Hall, 2310 E . Hartford Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53211
• Phone: (414) 229-4035 x4035
• Fax: (414) 229-6940
• Email: [email protected]

Other Schools For You

If you're interested in University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, you'll probably be interested in these schools as well. We've divided them into 3 categories depending on how hard they are to get into, relative to University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee.

Reach Schools: Harder to Get Into

These schools are have higher average SAT scores than University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee. If you improve your SAT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.

Same Level: Equally Hard to Get Into

If you're competitive for University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, these schools will offer you a similar chance of admission.

Safety Schools: Easier to Get Into

If you're currently competitive for University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, you should have no problem getting into these schools. If University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee is currently out of your reach, you might already be competitive for these schools.

Data on this page is sourced from Peterson's Databases © 2023 (Peterson's LLC. All rights reserved.) as well as additional publicly available sources.

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Freshman Re-Entry Transfer Graduate International Non-Degree Admission Requirements

Select your uw….

Select a campus

UW-Eau Claire

Uw-eau claire – barron county, uw-green bay, uw-green bay, manitowoc campus, uw-green bay, marinette campus, uw-green bay, sheboygan campus, uw-la crosse, uw-milwaukee, uw-milwaukee at washington county, uw-milwaukee at waukesha, uw-oshkosh, fond du lac campus, uw-oshkosh, fox cities campus, uw-parkside, uw-platteville, uw-platteville baraboo sauk county, uw-river falls, uw-stevens point, uw-stevens point at marshfield, uw-stevens point at wausau, uw-superior, uw-whitewater, uw-whitewater at rock county, freshman admission guidelines.

Academic preparation and success are the primary considerations for admission and include high school class rank, GPA, trends in grades, senior year courses, test scores, and course rigor. Nonacademic factors are also considered and include leadership, special achievements, service, diversity in personal background, and experience.

The following is a general profile of our admitted freshmen. Numbers reflect the middle 50% range, so 25% of admitted freshmen are above this range and 25% are below.

Application Dates

Submit an application and all required documents for fall admission no later than February 1 for priority consideration.

Enrollment Deposit

A $100 refundable enrollment deposit is required.

College Preparatory Credit Requirement

Offers open admission and is committed to providing access to quality higher education.

Submit an application and all required documents for fall admission no later than August 1 for priority consideration.

An enrollment deposit is not required.

All applicants receive a comprehensive review, considering all factors that influence a student’s skills, motivation, and readiness to learn. We value the academic achievements, activities, involvement, and the hardships or successes that students disclose.

Letters of recommendation are highly encouraged for students who may be close to meeting the profile of an admitted student or have unique circumstances that impacted their academic performance.

Students may begin submitting applications on August 1. Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis. Applications will be processed as long as space is available. Early application is encouraged.

NOTE: Please note that these are minimum standards. Most incoming freshmen exceed these minimums by a significant amount. Rigor is an important factor in the admission decision, and applicants who exceed these minimums will have an advantage in the admission process.

UW-Green Bay, Manitowoc Campus, UW-Green Bay, Marinette Campus, and UW-Green Bay, Sheboygan Campus are campuses of access.

Academic preparation is the primary criterion used in the review process. We also consider nonacademic factors (examples: extracurricular involvement, special talent, personal essay, recommendations and/or adding a diverse dimension to our campus community).

The following is a general profile of our admitted freshmen. They are the middle 50% range, so 25% of admitted freshmen are above this range and 25% are below.

Students may begin submitting applications on August 1. All complete applications received by February 1 will receive full consideration. Applications received or completed after that date will be considered on a space-available basis.

Applicants are encouraged to select courses beyond the minimum. Students completing rigorous courses, including senior year, will be stronger candidates for admission.

We have a holistic, competitive, and selective admission process that first considers the academic record, including the rigor of courses such as AP or IB, and overall performance. Essays, standardized test scores, one required letter of recommendation from an academic source, and consistent involvement in activities in or outside of school are also considered.

First-Year Deadlines and Notifications

Spring Regular Decision Deadline : October 1 Notification : On or before December 31

Fall Early Action Deadline : November 1 Notification : On or before January 31

Fall Regular Decision Deadline : January 15 Notification : On or before March 31

A $200 refundable enrollment deposit is required.

The high school record should demonstrate both rigor and breadth in the types of coursework pursued. A competitive academic record should show challenging, rigorous coursework, such as AP, honors, or IB courses, in as many areas as possible, while maintaining a strong GPA.

For many programs, new freshmen are likely to be admitted if they have appropriate high school preparation and rank in the top 50% of their class. BA students Architecture, Engineering, Health Sciences, and Nursing require stronger academic preparation. Students applying to one of these programs will be required to select an additional alternate major (this alternate can’t be one of the selective majors listed here).

In addition to academic preparation, factors like leadership, motivation, and maturity, as addressed in your personal essay and/or recommendations, are reviewed and considered. UWM provides broad access to individuals and encourages all interested students to apply.

Students may begin submitting applications on August 1. Priority deadline is March 1. We will continue to accept and process applications and related materials after that date as space and resources allow.

*CEAS – College of Engineering and Applied Sciences

For many programs, new freshmen are likely to be admitted if they have appropriate high school preparation and rank in the top 50% of their class.

In addition to academic preparation, factors like leadership, motivation, and maturity, as addressed in your personal essay and/or recommendations, are reviewed and considered. UWM at Washington County provides broad access to individuals and encourages all interested students to apply.

Students may begin submitting applications on August 1. Priority deadline is August 15, 2024.

Foreign language is not required but is strongly recommended. Foreign language credits earned in high school help satisfy UW-Milwaukee’s foreign language requirement for graduation.

In addition to academic preparation, factors like leadership, motivation, and maturity, as addressed in your personal essay and/or recommendations, are reviewed and considered. UWM at Waukesha provides broad access to individuals and encourages all interested students to apply.

Academic preparation is the primary criterion used in the review process. We also consider non-academic factors (examples: leadership experience, volunteerism, community service, diversity of personal background, and work experience).

Apply early. Students may begin submitting applications on August 1. Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis, and applications will be processed as long as space is available. Students who apply early have the first options for class registration dates, housing, and course selection.

Most admitted students have completed additional college preparatory units in math or science. Applicants who meet the minimum credit requirements are given consideration for admission; however, admission is not automatic or guaranteed.

UW Oshkosh, Fond du Lac and UW O Fox Cities are campuses of access.

UWO Fond du Lac and UWO Fox Cities are campuses of access.

All applications receive a comprehensive review. Academic preparation is primarily used in the review process. Other factors considered are stronger academic performance later in high school, demonstrated leadership skills in school or community, personal essay, and recommendations.

Students may begin submitting applications on August 1. Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis, and applications will be processed as long as space is available. Students who apply early have better opportunities for housing, scholarships, and course selection.

Academic preparation is an important part of the admission decision. To be best prepared for college, applicants are encouraged to exceed the minimum credit requirements for admission.

Students may begin submitting applications on August 1. Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis, and applications will be processed as long as space is available. Applicants are encouraged to apply early.

UW-Platteville Baraboo Sauk County is a campus of access.

Applications are given a comprehensive review. Both academic and non-academic factors (examples: leadership, community service, creativity) are considered in the admission decision.

Students may begin submitting applications on August 1. Students are admitted on a rolling basis. Applicants are encouraged to apply early.

Academic preparation, specifically the strength of high school coursework, is an important part of the admission decision. Applicants are encouraged to exceed the minimum credit requirements for admission.

Academic preparation (class rank, the rigor of coursework, cumulative and academic GPA, and a trend in grades) is the primary criterion used in the review process. We also consider non-academic factors (examples: leadership, accomplishments, and diversity in background and experience).

Students may begin submitting applications on August 1. Apply and be accepted before the freshman class total is reached for fall admission. Applicants are encouraged to apply early.

UW-Stevens Point at Marshfield is a campus of access.

Students may begin submitting applications on August 1. Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis. Early application is encouraged. Applications are processed as long as space is available.

UW-Stevens Point at Wausau is a campus of access.

Academic preparation and success are the primary factors considered for admissions to the university. Admission will be based on multiple criteria including academic rigor, academic GPA, a trend in grades, and rank in class. We also consider nonacademic factors such as leadership, volunteerism, personal statement, letters of recommendation, honors and awards, socio-economic background, extracurricular activities, diversity of personal background, and work experience.

A select number of majors are competitive and require further academic achievement. To see a list of these majors go to UW Stout Admissions Criteria

New freshman applications are reviewed on multiple criteria including high school curriculum, cumulative GPA, and class rank. Nonacademic factors that are also considered include leadership, community service, unique talents, and contribution to the diversity of the university.

New freshmen are likely to be admitted if they rank in the top 50% of their class.

Students may begin submitting applications on August 1. Students who apply early have better opportunities for course selection and scholarships, if eligible.

A comprehensive review is conducted for admission purposes. An upward trend in grades and strong academic rigor in course selection can impact admission decisions favorably. UW-Whitewater also considers non-academic factors such as involvement, service and leadership, honors, work experience, and essay.

The following is a general profile of our admitted freshmen. Numbers reflect the average of admitted freshmen.

Start here and create a path to your education goal. Submit your completed application and high school transcript/GED for admission review.

Students may begin submitting applications on August 1. Admission is rolling and will remain open until the class is filled.

Minimum admission requirements for the Universities of Wisconsin

360° admissions policy.

All parts of your application are considered during the review process. While there’s an emphasis put on academics, our campuses understand there’s more to you than just grades and test scores. They look at how your academics are interconnected with other aspects like work experience and leadership qualities. This allows for a more comprehensive review of your application.

Academic factors

• Quality of high school coursework
• Grade Point Average (GPA)

Other factors considered

• Work experience
• Leadership qualities
• Motivation, creativity, resourcefulness, etc.
• Community service
• Special talents
• Status as a nontraditional or returning adult student
• Status as a veteran of the U.S. military
• Socioeconomically disadvantaged

University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee | UWM

• Cost & scholarships
• Essay prompt

Acceptance Rate

Average SAT

SAT 25th-75th

Students Submitting SAT

Average (25th - 75th)

Reading and Writing

Average ACT

ACT 25th-75th

Students Submitting ACT

Wondering your admission chance to this school? Calculate your chance now

Applications, how to apply, tests typically submitted, similar schools.

Master of Social Work Full-Time Program Application Instructions and Information

Admissions for the full-time msw program for fall 2024 are closed. please check back in september 2024 for updated application directions for fall 2025., admissions deadlines.

Items listed in the Application Checklist below must be submitted by 11:59pm (CST) of the deadline date. We highly recommend you  submit your application early  so that any issues can be identified and addressed prior to the deadline.  After the deadline has passed, applications with identified issues will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed .

Application Instructions

Admission to the Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work also requires admittance to the Graduate School. For more information, refer to the Graduate School’s Steps to Apply.

Carefully read through the following instructions before completing the online application;  not following the instructions will result in a lower application score and your application could be denied . The link to the application is at the bottom of this page.

Term and Program Selection

When you begin the application process, you will be asked to select a term and a program.

Select “ Fall 2024 ” as your application term.

Select “ Social Work MSW – Full-Time MSW ” as your program; do not select “Social Work MSW-Part-Time MSW, Madison”. The admissions criteria are the same for both programs; therefore, the Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work only considers your application to one of our MSW programs in an admissions cycle for an academic year.

For detailed instructions, click on the application sections below to expand the section and review the details

This is an accordion element with a series of buttons that open and close related content panels.

• Social Work MSW Supplemental Application

Statistics Prerequisite

You will be asked to describe how you have met or are planning to meet the statistics prerequisite. There will be four options to choose from:

• I have completed a statistics course that is on the School of Social Work’s list of pre-approved statistics courses.
• I have completed a statistics course that is not on the list, but I think is eligible.
• I have made plans to complete an eligible statistics course, or are currently enrolled in an eligible statistics course.
• I plan on working with a Social Work advisor after being accepted to the program to enroll in an eligible statistics course this summer.

Whether you have completed a statistics course or are in the process of taking one, please be aware you will be required to submit more information about the course if you are accepted to our MSW program and confirm you will be attending.

Directions for submitting course syllabi and other information will be provided after acceptance.

A minimum undergraduate grade-point average (GPA) of 3.00 on the equivalent of the last 60 semester hours (approximately two years of work) or a master’s degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 is required.

Applicants from an international institution must demonstrate strong academic achievement comparable to a 3.00 for an undergraduate or master’s degree, using all credits from the degree to calculate the GPA equivalency. The Graduate School will use your institution’s grading scale. Do not convert your grades to a 4.00 scale.

When the pandemic forced colleges and universities to move online, many institutions introduced new grading schemes such as satisfactory/unsatisfactory, pass/fail, or credit/noncredit. Some institutions enforced the new grading schemes while others allowed students to choose between the new grading scheme or traditional letter grades.

The School of Social Work admission committee and the School’s administration have agreed to recognize that the grades earned between January 2020 and May 2021 may have been impacted by COVID. Grades, therefore, will be reviewed with empathy for the challenges presented by the pandemic.

Special Circumstances

If your last 60 credit undergraduate grade point average is below 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, it is important for you to provide a detailed explanation of any special or unusual circumstances that may have affected your GPA. In the supplemental application, you are asked to “please explain any special circumstances that may have affected your GPA (e.g., major illness, family crisis).” A text box is provided and there is no word limit.

Although GRE scores are not required for the MSW Program, you can provide additional evidence of your readiness for graduate study by taking the GRE. The School requires a score of 150 or greater for Quantitative Reasoning and 153 or greater for Verbal Reasoning.

If you take the paper-delivered test, your GRE scores will take approximately six weeks to reach the University; the computer-delivered test will take 10-15 days to arrive. Tests should be scheduled with the application deadline in mind. Official scores are submitted to the University of Wisconsin-Madison ( institution code 1846 ).

For more information, please visit the GRE website.

Focus Area Choices

Select your first and second choice of focus area. Since we cannot guarantee you will receive your first choice, your second choice should be considered as carefully as the first. Your course selections and field unit placement will be based on your focus area. Before choosing, we highly recommend you learn about the Advanced Practice Specialization Year.

• Analytic Essay

You will be asked to upload your completed analytic essay as a part of the supplemental application. Instructions for writing the essay are below in the Personal Statement & Analytic Essay section.

• Prerequisites

There are four prerequisites for the MSW Programs that are based on the Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work’s admission policies and the minimum Graduate School’s Requirements for Admission. Applicants must:

• Have completed thirty (30) semester credits of social science coursework before they apply;
• Fulfill the statistics prerequisite for the program you are applying to;
• Have earned a minimum undergraduate grade-point average (GPA) of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale for their last 60 semester credits before they apply;
• Hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or a comparable degree from an international institution before they start the MSW Program.

For more detailed information on each prerequisite, please continue reading on our Prerequisites page.

• Transcript(s)

Please upload to the online application copies of your transcripts ( including your institution’s grading scale located on the back page of the transcript ) from all post-secondary institutions you attended after high school. If you are a  current or former UW-Madison student , you may submit your UW-Madison student record, which is available through your Student Center via MyUW.

FOR ALL TRANSCRIPTS: Screenshots, degree audits, advising reports, self-reporting etc. will not be accepted.  Note that transcripts must be clear and easy to read, show the student’s first and last name, the name of the institution attended and dates of attendance, degree conferred and the date of the degree conferral, if applicable. If you have any questions, check with the institution’s Registrar’s Office.

If you would like your Fall 2023 semester grades considered in the review process, however, you should not submit your application until you receive an up-to-date copy of your unofficial transcript containing said grades. Please have your transcript(s) uploaded to your application by the January 10th deadline at 11:59pm.

At the time of application, do NOT mail or email your transcripts to the UW-Madison Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work or Graduate School; instead, you are required to upload your transcripts to your online application. If you are accepted to the MSW Program, the UW-Madison Graduate School will request you send official transcripts at that time. Further information will be provided upon admission by the Graduate School.

How to Upload Your Transcripts

If you have a paper transcript :

• Open the envelope.
• Scan it as a PDF document that includes your institution’s grading scale (usually found on the back page of the transcript). When scanned, the word COPY or VOID may appear on the transcript, which is acceptable for the purposes of submitting your application.
• Upload the PDF to the application and click the ‘Save’ button.
• Click on the file name to check that your transcript has been uploaded correctly.

If you have an electronic transcript:

• Upload the PDF to your application and click the ‘Save’ button.

If you have an electronic protected transcript (encrypted, password protected, time-limited, etc.), the system will not allow it to be uploaded. You must follow the directions below:

• Print your transcript. When printed, the word PRINTED COPY or VOID may appear on the transcript, which is acceptable for the purposes of submitting your application.
• Scan it as a PDF document that includes your institution’s grading scale (usually found on the back page of the transcript).

International Students

Non-English international documents must be in the original language and accompanied by an official English translation.

Personal Statement & Analytic Essay

• Personal Statement

In the space provided on the Graduate School application, please upload a PDF of your personal statement that fully discusses the three questions below. Paste each question into your document and then provide your response below the question. Your statement and each question do not require an introduction and conclusion. Your statement should be approximately 3 pages in length and formatted using page numbers, a 12pt Times New Roman font, double-spacing, and one-inch margins.

• What are your professional social work goals and how might the UW-Madison MSW Program best provide the knowledge, skills and practice necessary for meeting those goals?
• The MSW Program at UW-Madison requires students to learn about and demonstrate competence in advocacy, social justice, and anti-racist social work, including dismantling systemic or historical injustices. Please share a specific example of how you participate in and promote inclusive and equitable environments. In addition to discussing what you do, discuss the factors that motivate your actions.
• Reflect on a time when you were confronted with a specific situation that challenged your thoughts on an issue. In your response: 1) briefly describe the specific situation; 2) discuss how you were challenged to think differently about the issue; and 3) explain if you ended up thinking differently and why or why not.

In the Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work Supplemental application, please upload a PDF of your analytic essay that fully discusses the question below.  Use a standard essay format with an introduction, body and conclusion. Your essay should be 3 pages in length and be formatted using page numbers, a 12pt Times New Roman font, double-spacing and one-inch margins. Your sources must be credible and cited throughout your essay with references for the cites included on a fourth page titled References/Works Cited. The University of Wisconsin – Madison Library guide provides information about Citing Sources according to different styles, all of which are acceptable for the application. Please note, applicants do not need to submit a cover page if a style requires it.

Analytic Essay Question:

Thinking critically about social justice issues is a key skill for both professional social workers and those studying to become one. Choose a social justice issue about which you feel strongly and would like to address as a future social worker. Thinking critically: 1) describe the issue; 2) discuss reasons why you believe this is an important social justice issue to address; 3) identify at least one relevant system, one relevant policy, and one relevant practice and discuss how each contributes to this issue noting when you are talking about a system, policy or practice ; and 4) detail the action steps you could take to begin to create change around this issue.

What Application Reviewers Assess When Reading Your Personal Statement & Analytic Essay

For both the personal statement and the analytic essay, the reviewers will:

• Assess your preparedness for graduate studies;
• Confirm you have adhered to the formatting instructions for each document;
• Validate use of credible sources cited in the essay that supports your analysis;
• Appraise your grammar and spelling skills;
• Evaluate your ability to think critically and respond in depth;
• Assess your ability to write a clear and well-organized response; and
• Verify that all questions posed have been answered.

Reviewers will read your personal statement to assess whether you have:

• Expanded beyond the desire to “help people”;
• Demonstrated critical self-reflection; and
• Shown an understanding of and commitment to the field of social work.

Reviewers will read your analytic essay to assess that you have:

• Described a social justice issue and its importance fully and clearly;
• Discussed and justified at least one system, one policy and one practice;
• Presented a well-thought out approach to create change around the issue; and
• Cited sources used in the essay and listed the sources on a reference page.

Writing Tips

• Write a draft of your personal statement and analytic essay, take a break, and come back to them later to work on editing and clarifying.
• Both current  UW-Madison students  as well as  non UW-Madison students can contact the UW-Madison Writing Center to obtain feedback on their personal statement and analytic essay.
• Do not rely solely on spelling and grammar checks.
• Read your statement and essay aloud for flow and accuracy.

Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)

The Graduate School application requires that you upload a PDF version of either a resume or curriculum vitae (CV) to the Statements & CV section of your application. The Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work Admissions Committee reviewers, however,  will not consider these documents when reviewing your application.

• Three Letters of Recommendation

Three letters of recommendation are required; additional letters will not be considered.

• Letters should be from recommenders who know you professionally and/or academically but not personally.
• These recommenders should be able to assess your ability to do graduate-level work and your potential for advanced professional social work practice.
• If your last 60 credit GPA is below 3.0, we encourage you to ask your recommender to specifically address your academic ability in their letters and not just your grades.

Keep in mind that recommenders need adequate time to write letters and submit them electronically.  Letters received after the application deadline will not be accepted and will result in your application being considered incomplete and not eligible for review.

The Graduate School requires that you waive your right to view your letters of recommendation. This requirement means you will not be able to see them once they are submitted. We suggest you ask your recommender for a copy of the letter so you can ensure that the letter is at least a full page in length, strong and favorable.

Approaching Potential Recommenders

• As soon as possible, ask your potential recommender if they will serve as a reference.
• Tell your recommender they will receive an email from the Graduate School requiring: 1) information on how long they have known you and in what professional and/or academic capacity; 2) completion of a short questionnaire rating your skills and character traits; and 3) they upload a letter that assesses your qualification for success in graduate study.
• Explain that the letter should be one full page in length and explicitly discuss the interpersonal, professional, and academic skills and abilities you possess that make you a strong candidate for graduate school in social work. For more detailed instructions, please see the  Letter of Recommendation Tips  that we suggest you share with your recommenders.

Requesting Letters of Recommendation via Your Application

• Input your recommender’s information into the application as soon as possible so they have plenty of time to write your letter. When you have entered your recommender’s information, an email will automatically be sent to them requesting they complete their recommendation and submit it electronically by the deadline.  Please note that you do not need to submit your application for emails to be sent.
• You can return to your application at any time to update a recommender’s email address or enter a new recommender’s name and email address.
• Send email recommendation reminders to your recommender, as needed.  You are responsible for ensuring that your recommender submits their letter by the deadline.
• Submit your application as soon as it is completed;  do not wait for your recommenders  to submit their letters.

Recommendation Letter Dos and Don’ts

Current students or those who graduated after August 2021 must  obtain at least one letter:

• From an  academic instructor . An academic letter of recommendation should come from an instructor who has evaluated your academic work and/or who can objectively assess your academic potential to do graduate study. We strongly recommend letters from a teaching assistant (TA) be co-written and co-signed by the course instructor of record. Please note that when the TA and course instructor of record are co-writing the letter, the course instructor should be listed as the recommender on your application.

For all applicants, it is strongly recommended that letters be from an:

• Academic instructor . See bullet point above.
• Impartial employment or volunteer supervisor who can objectively assess your interpersonal and professional skills, as well as your ability to do graduate-level work and your potential for advanced professional social work practice. Inform your recommender that when asked on the letter of recommendation form “How long have you known this applicant and in what capacity?”, they are to identify themselves as either employer or supervisor, and not list any additional roles such as friend or colleague.

If you are a current student or you graduated after August 2021, you must provide a letter from an academic instructor or your application will be denied.

  Letters should not be from:

• Family members;
• Co-workers/colleagues;
• Personal counselors/therapists;
• Individuals similar to those listed above; or
• A generic reference letter from the university/college placement office.

If such letters are submitted, they will lessen the strength of your application.

• Application Fee

Your application fee must be paid prior to the application deadline for your application to be considered. If the fee is a financial hardship, you may be eligible for assistance. Visit the Graduate School FAQs  for more information.

• English Proficiency Test Scores (if required)

English proficiency tests must be taken within two years of your admission term. Official scores are submitted to UW-Madison.

Every applicant whose native language is not English or whose undergraduate instruction was not in English must provide an English proficiency test score and meet the Graduate School minimum requirements  and the  higher  Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work minimum requirements for the TOEFL:

For additional information, please go to English Proficiency and International Application Requirements .

Application Checklist

A complete application to the Full-Time Master of Social Work Program includes:

• Graduate School Application
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• GRE Scores (optional)

TECHNICAL SUPPORT

If you encounter any technical problems with the online application, direct questions to the Graduate School’s Electronic App Questions email ([email protected]) . You may also call the Graduate School’s Admissions office at (608)262-2433.

Thank you for your interest in the University of Wisconsin-Madison Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work.

Apply as a Transfer Student

A transfer student is anyone who has attended another college or university after graduating from high school and wishes to enroll in an undergraduate degree program at UW–Madison.

In order to be eligible for transfer admission, you must have completed or be in the process of completing at least 24 transferable semester hours of college-level work after high school graduation. AP, A-Level, IB, and CLEP cannot be used toward the 24 transferable credit requirement. We do not admit freshman-level transfer students.

Every year, we are fortunate to receive hundreds of applications from a diverse range of students who are incredibly bright, engaged, and passionate. They have challenged themselves and those around them to make a difference in the world. They know that the University of Wisconsin–Madison is their next step toward something extraordinary—a place where they can lead, make discoveries, tackle key issues, gain knowledge, and establish lifelong friendships.

You can apply online using the Universities of Wisconsin Application .

In addition to submitting your application, you will need to submit all required materials to complete your application. All required application materials must arrive in our office by 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time on the noted deadline dates.

We strongly recommend that you request materials early and allow plenty of time for them to arrive to our office.

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How Can We Best Assist You?

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Are you looking for more general information about transferring to UW–Madison?

• Check out our upcoming Virtual and In-Person Info Sessions and Visit Opportunities , including specific sessions for transfer students.
• Curious about what we look for in our applicants? Visit our website to learn more about our holistic application process and what we look for when reviewing applications.
• Information about financial aid and scholarships can be found on the Office of Student Financial Aid website .

Do you have specific questions about the transfer admissions process or application?

• Review the required application materials and application and materials deadlines (below).
• Schedule a 30-minute virtual meeting with a Transfer Admissions Counselor to discuss specific questions. Please note: we are not able to provide academic advising during this meeting.

Do you have questions beyond the application process, such as degree requirements and course selection as you prepare to transfer?

• Interested in learning more about requirements for a specific major or one of our Schools and Colleges? The  Undergraduate Guide contains information about the many academic programs available here at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
• Cross-College Advising Service works with undecided students on our campus and may be able to answer questions about degree programs you are interested in. You can reach out to them via phone at 608-265-5460.
• Some School and College advising offices have the capacity to work with prospective students. A link to each of their websites is located on the Transfer Transition Program website , or contact information may be provided in the Guide .

Are you wondering how, or if, your courses will transfer?

• Unfortunately, we are not able to pre-evaluate courses for prospective students. To see how courses will transfer, we recommend you utilize Transferology . If you are admitted to the university, you will receive a detailed transfer credit evaluation that outlines exactly how your credits will transfer to UW–Madison . Students can also earn Credit by Exam .
• For help in finding and interpreting UW–Madison equivalencies that you find on Transferology, check out our guide to Understanding Transferology Equivalencies .

Are you a Madison College student?

• Check out the upcoming Madison College Advising and Transfer Events for transfer students

Transfer Application and Materials Deadlines

Applications and all required application materials must arrive in our office by 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time on the noted deadline dates.

Please note that it may take up to 72 hours for our system to reflect that you have submitted an application; you will receive an email the next business day acknowledging its receipt.

Students who submit their application within 5 days of the deadline will not receive a reminder of materials that are missing from their application.

Required Transfer Application Materials

We cannot begin to review your application until all required materials are received. These deadlines and requirements pertain to both domestic and international applicants.

Application requirements for admission to the university are the same for all students, regardless of the academic major/area of interest.*

*Students who wish to be considered for direct entry to a program in the areas of dance or music, will also need to complete an additional application and an audition. Learn more about our Direct Entry  process.

1. Admissions Application

Transfer students can apply using the Universities of Wisconsin Application .

You will be asked to identify both a first and second choice major when completing the application for admission. If selecting a major in the School of Business or College of Engineering as your first choice major, you must select a second choice major outside of the School of Business or the College of Engineering. If we are unable to offer you admission to your first choice major, your second choice will be considered in our application review. Due to the competitive nature of some of our programs, admission expectations may be different for students pursuing majors in business, engineering, dance, and music. We encourage you to visit our direct entry page  to learn more.

2. Application Fee

The application fee is $70.00 US and is non-refundable.

Electronic payment is preferred. If you apply using the Universities of Wisconsin Application, the fee can be paid by check or money order, drawn on a bank located in the United States and payable to the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Send the check or money order to the Office of Admissions and Recruitment . Please include the applicant’s name with payment. Do not send cash.

Application fee waivers are available for applicants with financial hardship. Eligible students can request a fee waiver as part of their application. If you did not request an application fee waiver at the time of application, but are eligible to have your fee waived, you may print the Application Fee Waiver Request Form and have your counselor/advisor submit it to the Office of Admissions and Recruitment.

The application fee is not required if your last school attended is a Universities of Wisconsin institution and it is within one year of enrollment as a degree seeking student at that institution.

3. Two Essays

As part of our holistic review, we refer to the essays you submit to understand more about you. What you choose to share gives us an idea of who you are and what you want to accomplish as part of our community. Tell us about you and your unique story to help us know you beyond your GPA and test scores. Your essays might also be used for campus program and scholarship review.

You will need to answer the following prompts:

• This part is all about you. Tell us about something you’ve done—academically or personally—and what you’ve learned from it. Was it a success or a challenge? Did it represent a turning point in your life? How did this particular moment in your life influence you, and how will it continue to influence you as you pursue your college education?
• 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.

If you are applying to transfer from another Universities of Wisconsin institution, you will only be required to submit the second essay.

Keep these tips in mind as you work on your writing:

• Develop your thoughts before you begin the writing process, and create an outline.
• The maximum word count for each essay is 650, but we recommend planning for 300–500 words.
• Do not type directly into the web form. Instead, work on your draft in word processing software.
• Allow time to develop and revisit your writing.
• Check for spelling mistakes and ask someone to proofread your final version.
• Be genuine and honest in your writing.

4. Course and Grade Information

College Transcripts:

We require course and grade information from your enrollment in any and all colleges and universities. This 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.

You must submit an official transcript from all institutions(s) in which you were enrolled to meet the course and grade information requirement to complete your application for admission.

Official transcripts should be sent directly from each school attended.

How to Send Official Transcripts

Applicants that are currently or were previously enrolled at Universities of Wisconsin institution or branch campus, or UW Colleges Online must submit their transcripts according to the Universities of Wisconsin guidelines .

Students applying from outside the United States can find  country-specific official transcript requirements here .

High School Transcripts:

We require official high school transcript(s), sent to us by your school . We review your high school record to check for proof of graduation, the 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. If you were or are homeschooled , we will need additional documentation to complete a full, holistic review of your application. Learn more about specific application policies and requirements .

5. One Required 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. Students with an interest in engineering are encouraged to obtain a letter of recommendation from a math or science teacher. Remember to 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 to request a letter of recommendation from someone who can speak to their 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.

• Invite someone to submit a recommendation  (I have my NetID)
• Invite someone to submit a recommendation  (no NetID)

Recommendations that are mailed to our office  Letters of recommendation must be sent directly from the school and/or recommender, in a sealed envelope. Recommendations  must include the applicant’s 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.

6. TOEFL, IELTS, and DET Scores (English Language Proficiency)

Transfer applicants educated in non-English speaking countries must submit an official TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test (DET) score, unless English was the primary language of instruction in all four years of secondary school or a college level English composition course was successfully completed at an accredited US institution. This requirement will not be waived for English composition taken at U.S. branch campuses abroad.

All English proficiency exams should be sent electronically, directly from the testing service.

Please note: Sending official test scores from the testing agency does have an additional costs and will add 3-6 weeks to the application completion process. Plan to send your test scores early to ensure your scores arrive before the the materials deadline.

How to Send Official Test Scores

We do not superscore any English Proficiency exam and score reports cannot be older than 2 years from the time you apply.

Duolingo English Test (DET)

• Minimum accepted score: 115+.
• When submitting your score(s): Search category should be “Undergraduate,” then select “University of Wisconsin–Madison.”
• Please do not send to offices listed under “Other,” as we are unable to retrieve those scores.
• The DET should be sent with sub-scores.
• Minimum accepted score: 6.5+.
• IELTS does not require a code.
• Select our account name, “University of Wisconsin, Madison Undergraduate”
• Please do not send paper copies of your IELTS scores.
• We do accept the IELTS Indicator.
• Minimum accepted score: 80+.
• When submitting your score(s): TOEFL test code is 1846.
• We do not accept “MyBest” score from TOEFL nor any English Proficiency exam.
• For each TOEFL you submit, we will require the full score report. Wisconsin does not accept the TOEFL iTP Plus for China but we will accept the iBT Special Home Edition.

If you feel that you qualify for an English Proficiency Exam waiver based upon the requirements above, please submit all required transcripts to our office. Other test scores such as ACT, SAT, or AP (Advanced Placement) scores do not meet the requirements for a waiver. Once your transcripts are received in our office (are no longer displayed on your to-do list in your Student Center), we will determine your waiver eligibility. Waivers will not be processed prior to receipt of both the admissions application and transcripts.

Optional Transfer Application Materials

Act and sat scores.

Scores from either the ACT or the SAT are not required of transfer applicants. However, you are welcome to provide us your scores. Your results will be considered as supplemental academic information and may help strengthen your application. Test scores must 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 not an advantage to rush or priority delivery.

Academic Course Preparation

Prior to applying for transfer admission, students must have completed (or be completing) at least 24 semester hours of transferable course work. This essentially equates to one year of college-level study. We do not accept transfer students at the freshman level.

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

• Cumulative grade point average (GPA). Competitive not only for admission to the university, but for your intended major as well. Please note: GPA calculations will include all grades received for repeated courses; the initial grade, as well as grades received in second and subsequent attempts will be included in the GPA calculation.
• Rigor of course work. 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.
• Required courses. Applicants must have completed one year each of high school algebra, plane geometry, and college-preparatory math, and two high school years or two college semesters of a single world language*.

High School Record

Your academic performance in high school will be more or less important to us depending on how many college credits you have earned. Generally speaking, students who are in their first two years of college-level coursework will have their high school records more carefully analyzed. 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.

Regardless of the number of college credits earned, your high school transcript (supplemented in some cases by your college transcript) must show that you completed the following required course work:

• Algebra: One year in high school
• Plane Geometry: One year in high school (cannot be modified, basic, or informal)
• College-Preparatory Math: One year in high school, or one college course at the level of Algebra 2 or beyond
• Single World Language: Two years of the same language in high school or two semesters of the same language in college*

* Students who are not native English language speakers can satisfy the world language application requirement with an official transcript verifying their education in that language. If they were educated in their native language through grade seven, they will receive two units of world language. Those who were educated in their native language through grade eight, will be awarded four units.

Students who have studied a world language using only Rosetta Stone have not fulfilled the world language requirement.

American Sign Language (ASL) may be accepted to meet the world language requirement for admission if it is taken through the student’s school and is reflected on an official transcript.

In rare circumstances, students may be admitted without two units of a single world language. These students will be required to complete two sequential units of the same world language as a UW–Madison student. 

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is valued in our community and in the admission process. By signing your application, you certify that it is complete and accurate. We hold you accountable to ensure the authenticity and honesty of your application; essays; self-reported grades, courses, and test scores; and additional materials subsequently submitted.

Transferring Your Credit

Transfer Transition Program

Transfer Agreements

UW Milwaukee Application Essay - experiences, talents, interests... (ANY advice/revisions?)

My interest in connecting with people.

The essays are a place to show us who you are and who you’ll be in our community.

It’s a chance to add depth to something that is important to you and tell the admissions committee more about your background or goals. Below you’ll find selected examples of essays that “worked,” as nominated by our admissions committee. In each of these essays, students were able to share stories from their everyday lives to reveal something about their character, values, and life that aligned with the culture and values at Hopkins.

Read essays that worked from Transfer applicants .

Hear from the class of 2027.

These selections represent just a few examples of essays we found impressive and helpful during the past admissions cycle. We hope these essays inspire you as you prepare to compose your own personal statements. The most important thing to remember is to be original as you share your own story, thoughts, and ideas with us.

Ordering the Disorderly

Ellie’s essay skillfully uses the topic of entropy as an extended metaphor. Through it, we see reflections about who they are and who they aspire to be.

Pack Light, But Be Prepared

In Pablo’s essay, the act of packing for a pilgrimage becomes a metaphor for the way humans accumulate experiences in their life’s journey and what we can learn from them. As we join Pablo through the diverse phases of their life, we gain insights into their character and values.

Tikkun Olam

Julieta illustrates how the concept of Tikkun Olam, “a desire to help repair the world,” has shaped their passions and drives them to pursue experiences at Hopkins.

Kashvi’s essay encapsulates a heartfelt journey of self-discovery and the invaluable teachings of Rock, their 10-year-old dog. Through the lens of their companionship, Kashvi walked us through valuable lessons on responsibility, friendship, patience, and unconditional love.

Classical Reflections in Herstory

Maddie’s essay details their intellectual journey using their love of Greek classics. They incorporate details that reveal the roots of their academic interests: storytelling, literary devices, and translation. As their essay progresses, so do Maddie’s intellectual curiosities.

My Spotify Playlist

Alyssa’s essay reflects on special memories through the creative lens of Spotify playlists. They use three examples to highlight their experiences with their tennis team, finding a virtual community during the pandemic, and co-founding a nonprofit to help younger students learn about STEM.

More essays that worked

We share essays from previously admitted students—along with feedback from our admissions committee—so you can understand what made them effective and how to start crafting your own.

Application Workshops

Our interactive workshops—on topics like the college search process and essay preparation—will help you build your strongest application when you’re ready to apply.

REGISTER FOR AN APPLICATION WORKSHOP

Application tips in your inbox

Join our mailing list to receive insights from our admissions committee, event invites, and other resources for your college journey.

Quick Links:

• Majors, Minors & Programs
• Application Deadlines & Requirements
• College Planning Guide

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Worried about losing Medicaid access in Wisconsin? Here’s what to know

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Wisconsin’s June 2023 restart of annual eligibility checks for Medicaid following a three-year pause has eliminated coverage for more than 360,000 residents, as WPR and Wisconsin Watch reported this month . Some of those disenrolled had struggled to fill out recertification paperwork, and others have faced difficulties in finding alternative insurance plans.

Many who lose Medicaid coverage have turned to the federal Health Insurance Marketplace, where low-income households can qualify for subsidies.  

But an increasing number of households are enrolling in plans they don’t need and can’t afford, advocates say.

Here’s what to know about renewing Medicaid coverage, finding alternative plans if need be and avoiding insurance scams.

What is Medicaid? 

Medicaid provides health insurance to low-income households. In Wisconsin that includes programs like BadgerCare Plus, which serves children, pregnant people and non-disabled adults. It also pays for long-term care programs for people with disabilities and seniors. 

Why have so many people lost coverage in the past year? 

The federal government requires states each year to verify Medicaid recipients’ eligibility, but it paused the mandate early in the pandemic to help people maintain coverage. Verification resumed a year ago in Wisconsin — a process called unwinding. 

About 30% of those up for renewal over the past year were disenrolled.

Related Story

Medicaid unwinding: 360,000 in Wisconsin lose coverage as eligibility checks resume

The federal government requires states each year to verify Medicaid recipients’ eligibility, but it paused the mandate early in the pandemic to help people maintain coverage. Verification resumed in June 2023 in Wisconsin, a process called unwinding.

I lost Medicaid. What should I do next? 

Some people face disenrollment despite still qualifying for Medicaid. So before looking for new coverage, first check on whether you still qualify for Medicaid, said Adam VanSpankeren, navigator program manager for Covering Wisconsin, a University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension program that helps people enroll in publicly funded health care.

While about 37% of people booted from Medicaid during unwinding no longer met income or health requirements, most lost coverage due to procedural issues such as missing or incorrectly filled out paperwork. So getting a disenrollment letter in the mail doesn’t necessarily mean you’re ineligible. 

That’s especially true for children who qualify for Medicaid under a much higher income threshold than adults.

And if you confirm you no longer qualify for Medicaid? Explore other coverage options as soon as possible, VanSpankeren said.

Employees have a limited window to immediately enroll in job-based coverage after losing benefits. Otherwise, they need to wait for their employer’s next open enrollment period to begin.

Timelines for enrolling in a marketplace plan are more flexible. But if you’re interested in those options, you should still act quickly to avoid a gap in your health coverage, VanSpankeren said.

Who can help me navigate coverage options? 

Get in touch with Covering Wisconsin by calling 608-261-1455 or 414-400-9489 or by using this online tool to book an appointment.   

Its health care navigators can help:

• Check the status of your Medicaid renewal.
• Help determine whether you still qualify for Medicaid benefits.
• Explore other coverage options, including on the federal marketplace.
• Offer assistance in several languages.

You can separately call 211 to get connected with local resources.

Should I be aware of anything else when searching for a replacement plan? 

Insurance scams are spiking in Wisconsin, VanSpankeren said, “in a way that is concerning navigators like never before.”

With Medicaid unwinding causing confusion nationwide, fraudulent insurance brokers are increasingly trying to enroll people in private insurance plans they don’t need, qualify for or even know about .

Here are VanSpankeren’s tips for avoiding insurance scams: 

• If you’re talking on the phone with a broker, ask where the broker is located. If the person on the other line avoids answering or mentions another state, hang up and find someone else to work with. 
• Look for website URLs that end with .gov, like Healthcare.gov, when researching online.
• If someone calls you, search for the person’s information online. Trustworthy health care navigators should have easily identifiable contact information, including a phone number consumers can call back. 

If you suspect you’ve enrolled in scam insurance, call Covering Wisconsin or 211 and file a complaint with the Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance , VanSpankeren recommends.

Addie Costello is WPR’s Mike Simonson Memorial Investigative Reporting Fellow embedded in the newsroom of Wisconsin Watch.

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by Addie Costello / Wisconsin Watch and WPR, Wisconsin Watch June 13, 2024

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Addie Costello / Wisconsin Watch and WPR Investigative reporter

Addie Costello is WPR’s 2024-2025 Mike Simonson Memorial Investigative Reporting Fellow embedded in the Wisconsin Watch newsroom. Her reporting has been published by Marketplace, USA TODAY, the Austin American-Statesman, public radio stations across Texas and several publications in her home state of Nebraska. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Texas at Austin.

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After Affirmative Action Ban, They Rewrote College Essays With a Key Theme: Race

The Supreme Court’s ruling intended to remove the consideration of race during the admissions process. So students used their essays to highlight their racial background.

By Bernard Mokam

Bernard Mokam interviewed dozens of high school students, parents and counselors about preparing college applications in a new landscape.

Astrid Delgado first wrote her college application essay about a death in her family. Then she reshaped it around a Spanish book she read as a way to connect to her Dominican heritage.

Deshayne Curley wanted to leave his Indigenous background out of his essay. But he reworked it to focus on an heirloom necklace that reminded him of his home on the Navajo Reservation.

The first draft of Jyel Hollingsworth’s essay explored her love for chess. The final focused on the prejudice between her Korean and Black American families and the financial hardships she overcame.

All three students said they decided to rethink their essays to emphasize one key element: their racial identities. And they did so after the Supreme Court last year struck down affirmative action in college admissions, leaving essays the only place for applicants to directly indicate their racial and ethnic backgrounds.

High school students graduating this year worked on their college applications, due this month, in one of the most turbulent years in American education. Not only have they had to prepare them in the backdrop of the Israel-Hamas war — which sparked debates about free speech and antisemitism on college campuses, leading to the resignation of two Ivy League presidents — but they also had to wade through the new ban on race-conscious admissions.

“It has been a lot to take in,” said Keteyian Cade, a 17-year-old from St. Louis. “There is so much going on in the world right now.”

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