university of wisconsin madison essay

What are your chances of acceptance?

Calculate for all schools, your chance of acceptance.

Your chancing factors

Extracurriculars.

How to Write the University of Wisconsin Madison Essays 2023-2024

The University of Wisconsin at Madison has one supplemental essay on the Common App. If you apply through the UW System Application, there is an additional personal statement prompt you must respond to, similar to the Common App essay that goes to all schools.

UW Madison is fairly selective, and admissions officers will look closely at your essays, especially if you’re on the academic threshold of their average admitted student statistics. While drafting these essays can be daunting, CollegeVine is here to help! Read on for a guide to tackling UW Madison’s supplemental essays.  

Also check out this UW Madison essay example by an accepted student to see what it takes to get in.

UW Madison Essay Prompts

All applicants (common app), tell us why you decided to apply to 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. (80-650 words), uw application only.

Prompt 1: Tell a story from your life, describing an experience that either demonstrates your character or helped to shape it. (650 words)

Prompt 2: Our families and communities often define us and our individual worlds. Community might refer to your cultural group, extended family, religious group, neighborhood or school, sports team or club, co-workers, etc. Describe the world you come from and how you, as a product of it, might add to the diversity of the UW. (300 words)

This is a classic “why this school” and “why this major” supplemental essay prompt. An effective essay for this prompt will achieve the following goals:

1. Highlight your authentic reasons for wanting to attend the University of Wisconsin at Madison.

2. Highlight your authentic reasons for wanting to study your major of choice.

The word “authentic” above is very important—one of the biggest mistakes students make in this type of essay prompt is writing a generic essay that could just as easily have been written about the University of Minnesota at Twin Cities, or the University of Michigan. This is the single biggest pet peeve for admissions officers, as they strongly prefer students that have specific reasons for choosing their university. They also want to ensure that students are passionate about their chosen major, not just pursuing the one that will lead to the highest paying or most prestigious jobs after graduation.

With this prompt, your goal is to give admissions officers concrete reasons why UW Madison is an especially good match for you, as well as specific reasons why you love your major. Consider beginning your essay with a story about how you discovered UW Madison and decided to apply. For example, you could write the following introduction if you decided to apply to UW Madison after visiting the campus:

I wasn’t used to the snow. In fact, this was the first time I ever experienced a snowfall. It doesn’t really happen where I’m from—a small town in Mississippi. Then again, so much of what I saw at the University of Wisconsin at Madison during my snowy campus visit doesn’t happen where I’m from either. 

Then, highlight unique aspects of the university that appeal to you, and be holistic with what you talk about. Study the UW Madison website in detail, watch videos of campus tours and student reviews, and visit if possible. Find the names of one extracurricular and one part of campus where you can imagine yourself spending lots of time. Then, weave them into your writing. The strongest essays are deeply personal, so connect the campus to yourself. Here is an example:

I am passionate about volunteer work and community service. Throughout high school, some of my fondest memories have been spent serving food in soup kitchens and volunteering at clothing banks. At the University of Wisconsin at Madison, I know I would be able to continue pursuing my passion for community service because of the integration between the university and the surrounding town. The University of Wisconsin at Madison feels incorporated into Madison’s culture, rather than having a closed-off, guarded, and separate campus. The connection between the campus and the community would enable me to be a member of a Badger Volunteers team through the Morgridge Center for Public Service. This program would provide me with new opportunities to give back to the community and help others.

The activist culture in Madison excites me. Living in a small town, I have had few opportunities to attend political rallies. Since I grew up in the Unitarian Universalist church, I was raised to value activism and social justice, and it is important to me that I go to college in a place where people are well-informed and care about affecting change in the world around them. I hope to join the Unitarian Universalist Campus Ministry, where I would be able to continue my activism while also building friendships and continuing to explore my religion.  

I also love Madison’s surroundings—I would love to join the Wisconsin Hoofers so I could take full advantage of all the outdoor opportunities in and around Madison, especially skiing, hiking, and watersports on Lake Mendota. I have never had the opportunity to try these sports in humid and hot Mississippi, so I would love to explore new activities in a different environment.

This excerpt clearly shows the student’s specific interest in attending the University of Wisconsin, and highlights the kind of authenticity you want to show to admissions officers. It is particularly effective when the applicant connects her own background to the culture of activism at UW Madison, as that highlights her personality and positions her to create an authentic connection to UW Madison’s admissions counselors.

Next, think about your chosen major or academic interest. Imagine yourself as a student working toward a specific degree:

• What interesting classes would you take? 
• Which professors do you hope to work with? 
• How would the unique opportunities at UW Madison enhance your background and serve your career interests?

Your specified major should logically stem from your background. Use your prospective major to structure a logical narrative, even if you aren’t fully committed to pursuing it. For example, a student that CollegeVine worked with during the 2016-17 admissions cycle covered the following themes in their essay:

The student lived in Minnesota and in middle school became passionate about history education. In high school, he volunteered as a docent at a local museum and started a research project on the history of Norwegian and German immigration to his hometown. He also served as student representative on the local school board, and led the charge to redesign his school’s history curriculum to make it more engaging for other students.

This student intended to major in history at UW Madison. He planned to take classes with Professor Smith, a noted expert in immigration history. And outside of his major, the Center for Pre-Law Advising would help him achieve his dream of being an immigration lawyer by helping him gain relevant experience.

This thematic structure highlights several elements of a successful response to this prompt. In particular, the student demonstrates specific and deep ties to his chosen major and career path, and specific ways in which he will leverage UW Madison as a setting to obtain an education in what he is passionate about. 

If the student was undecided about a major , they could take a similar approach. But Instead of writing about one interest, they could pick 2-3 of their potential interests, and discuss how UW would support those.  

Finish the essay with a succinct conclusion that ties back to your introduction. Summarize how you know that UW Madison is the school for you because its campus matches your personal values and its academics satiate your intellectual curiosity. End with a phrase that relates to the school’s philosophy, e.g. “Most of all, I would like to attend UW Madison because I want to join the Badgers in their commitment to make a difference.”

UW Application Only, Prompt 1

Tell a story from your life, describing an experience that either demonstrates your character or helped to shape it. (650 words).

This prompt is actually the same as Prompt 1 on the Coalition Application , so we recommend checking out our guide for that. It’s also very similar to Prompt 1 on the Common App .

The reason for this is that if you’re applying via the UW Application, UW admissions officers will not see your Common App or Coalition Application essay, so they’re asking for a personal statement-style essay on their own platform. You should apply via the Common App or Coalition Application if you’re already using it, but if you’re not, then you can consider reusing the personal statement you write for this prompt for those application platforms.

UW Application Only, Prompt 2

Our families and communities often define us and our individual worlds. community might refer to your cultural group, extended family, religious group, neighborhood or school, sports team or club, co-workers, etc. describe the world you come from and how you, as a product of it, might add to the diversity of the uw. (300 words).

This is the classic Diversity Essay , but with an added component of how the aspects of your own diverse identity will enrich UW.

UW is clear in the prompt that diversity can mean many things; we often associate it with traditional aspects of identity—such as race/ethnicity, culture, gender, sexuality, or religion—but you can also be diverse because of a hobby, your hometown, group of friends, personality trait, or many other aspects.

To come up with a topic, consider two things: one, the most defining aspects of who you are, and two, what aspects will best allow you to contribute to the diversity of UW. You want to try to find a balance between the two.

For example, you may be super passionate about soccer and are very close to your team, but there are a lot of soccer players at a big school like UW. Try to dig a little deeper; you can still write about your soccer team, but instead of discussing the general supportive environment, focus on a unique and specific aspect of your involvement in this community.

A good topic would be an essay on how you became known as the “team mom” when you were a senior because you always had extra cleats, shin guards, and shorts for anyone who forgot theirs. You also volunteer tutored teammates who were struggling in math and hosted a monthly team bonfire at your house. At UW, you look forward to finding similar community on an intramural soccer team, and you’ll take similar initiative in other campus spaces, such as getting more students involved in the local Big Brothers Big Sisters.

This essay is a fairly straightforward one, but there are a few mistakes to avoid:

1. Describing the community without explaining your involvement in it. You want the focus to be on you and your contributions.

2. Forgetting to specify how your diversity will enhance UW. Make sure to research a specific UW group or resource you’ll join and improve as a result of your diverse trait.

Where to Get Your UW Madison Essays Edited

Do you want feedback on your UW Madison essays? After rereading your essays countless times, it can be difficult to evaluate your writing objectively. That’s why we created our free Peer Essay Review tool , where you can get a free review of your essay from another student. You can also improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays. 

If you want a college admissions expert to review your essay, advisors on CollegeVine have helped students refine their writing and submit successful applications to top schools.  Find the right advisor for you  to improve your chances of getting into your dream school!

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

Are you seeking one-on-one college counseling and/or essay support? Limited spots are now available. Click here to learn more.

University of Wisconsin-Madison: Supplemental Essays 2023-24

September 6, 2023

The University of Wisconsin—Madison has joined the ranks of other premier flagship universities that high-achieving teens from all around the country/world now line up for a chance to attend. Like  UVA,   UNC—Chapel Hill , and the  University of Michigan , UW-Madison requires its in-state residents to sport excellent grades and test scores. Further, it has an even higher bar for out-of-state hopefuls. This makes the University of Wisconsin – Madison supplemental essay more important than ever before.

 (Want to learn more about How to Get Into UW-Madison? Visit our blog entitled:  How to Get Into the University of Wisconsin-Madison: Admissions Data and Strategies   for all of the most recent admissions data as well as tips for gaining acceptance.)

In evaluating applicants, the University of Wisconsin—Madison places a strong emphasis on the quality of one’s essays. Below are UW-Madison’s supplemental prompts for the 2023-24 admissions cycle along with our advice for creating a needle-moving admissions essay.

2023-2024 University of Wisconsin-Madison Supplemental Essay Question—Common App

The following prompt is the only supplemental essay that students will encounter when applying to UW-Madison via the Common App:

Tell us why you decided to apply to 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. (650 words max)

Prospective Badgers face a two-parter here. You are tasked with presenting a compelling case as to:

1) Why you want to attend UW-Madison.

2) Why you have picked your particular academic discipline.

University of Wisconsin Madison Supplemental Essay (Continued)

As you move through the “Why Us?” and “Why this Major?” portions of this essay, consider taking some of the following steps to address why UW-Madison is the perfect fit for you  and  why you are the perfect fit for UW-Madison:

• How did your interest in your major of choice begin and how has it matured over the years?
• How do you pursue knowledge about your subject of interest? Talk about sources of learning (teachers, podcasts, books, news, etc.).
• While pursuing your majors(s)/interest(s) of choice, how will you take advantage of the university’s immense resources both inside and outside of the classroom? Be sure to cite specific academic programs , professors,  research opportunities , internship/externship programs ,  study abroad programs , etc. Discuss why they pique your interest.
• How will you be an active, contributing member of the Badger student body? What special talents and passions will you bring to the University of Wisconsin-Madison? Check out this list of nearly  1,000 student-run organizations  on campus.
• Lastly, show evidence of how your past/current endeavors (academic and extracurricular) will carry over onto UW-Madison’s campus.

Again, if you are applying through the Common App, this essay will be the only supplement you need to worry about. However, if you elect to apply via the UW System Application (as some in-state students applying to multiple UW campuses do), you need to address the next prompt as well.

2023-2024 University of Wisconsin-Madison Supplemental Essay Question— UW System Application

(Only for students applying through the UW System Application)

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? (650 words)

This open-ended prompt is a platform from which you can share more about an academic or extracurricular achievement, chronicle a challenge/obstacle you overcame, or just share a meaningful event in your life.

No matter which route you choose, what truly matters here is that you use this essay as an opportunity to reveal something deep and important about yourself. Use the questions provided— 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?— to guide your content. It’s clear that UW-Madison is interested in both short- and long-term influence. Accordingly, before you start writing, do some brainstorming to make sure that the experience/event/achievement that you chose can satisfy all aspects of the prompt.

Remember, these essays will be your best chance to forge a human connection with an admissions officer since UW-Madison is too large a school to offer you an interview. In sum, be honest, vulnerable, sincere, and reflective in your essay and the result will be a compelling composition that will ultimately aid your admissions chances.

How important is the essay at the UW-Madison?

The essays are “very important” to the University of Wisconsin–Madison admissions committee. The only other factor rated this highly is the rigor of one’s secondary school record. GPA, recommendations, and state residency are rated as “important.” In other words, the University of Wisconsin is clearly very interested in the quality of your essay. Therefore, we can conclude that the admissions committee will weigh your essays heavily in their evaluation of your candidacy.

Want Personalized Essay Assistance?

Interested in working with one of College Transitions’ experienced and knowledgeable essay coaches as you craft your University of Wisconsin—Madison supplement? We encourage you to get a quote  today.

• College Essay

Dave Bergman

Dave has over a decade of professional experience that includes work as a teacher, high school administrator, college professor, and independent educational consultant. He is a co-author of the books The Enlightened College Applicant (Rowman & Littlefield, 2016) and Colleges Worth Your Money (Rowman & Littlefield, 2020).

• 2-Year Colleges
• Application Strategies
• Best Colleges by Major
• Best Colleges by State
• Big Picture
• Career & Personality Assessment
• College Search/Knowledge
• College Success
• Costs & Financial Aid
• Data Visualizations
• Dental School Admissions
• Extracurricular Activities
• Graduate School Admissions
• High School Success
• High Schools
• Homeschool Resources
• Law School Admissions
• Medical School Admissions
• Navigating the Admissions Process
• Online Learning
• Outdoor Adventure
• Private High School Spotlight
• Research Programs
• Summer Program Spotlight
• Summer Programs
• Teacher Tools
• Test Prep Provider Spotlight

“Innovative and invaluable…use this book as your college lifeline.”

— Lynn O'Shaughnessy

Nationally Recognized College Expert

College Planning in Your Inbox

Join our information-packed monthly newsletter.

I am a... Student Student Parent Counselor Educator Other First Name Last Name Email Address Zip Code Area of Interest Business Computer Science Engineering Fine/Performing Arts Humanities Mathematics STEM Pre-Med Psychology Social Studies/Sciences Submit

Tips for Writing a Better Essay

Write like you, about you.

Your UWs realize you’re still young. You’re a work in progress. That means no matter how well you did in high school, what matters most is the challenges you faced and how you responded. It’s also worth saying that while your instincts probably tell you to puff up your accomplishments and go big, bragging is never interesting. Give yourself permission to just be you when you write.

Questions to get you started

• What are your 2 biggest academic achievements?
• What are your 2 biggest personal achievements?
• What are your 2 biggest strengths?
• What were your 2 biggest challenges?
• What are the 2 biggest obstacles you’ve overcome (and how did you do it)?
• What are your 2 biggest failures (and what did you learn)?
• What beliefs have you challenged (why, and what did you learn)?

ESSAY BASICS

• Write your essay in a program like Microsoft Word or Google Docs so you can simply copy and paste it into your online application.
• Keep your essay between 250 and 650 words (UW–Madison requires all essays to strictly follow these guidelines).
• Ask a friend or teacher to look for inconsistencies, grammatical mistakes, and typos.
• Proofread, proofread, proofread. You don’t want some small mistake to accidentally make it look like you don’t care.
• Proofread again.
• Tell your UWs something about yourself that you can’t capture in the application.
• Jump off the bandwagon. Don’t write what you think your UWs will want to hear. Let your UWs know about what drives you.
• Use your own voice. Ask someone you trust to read your essay to see if it “sounds like you.”
• Be short and sweet. Clear, concise writing matters more than length.
• Show, don’t tell. Be specific and factual.
• Write about your real life. Don’t exaggerate or embellish (you’d be surprised at how well your UWs can smell baloney).
• Be confident. Skip all the maybes, sort ofs, I thinks, and so on.

Essay Questions

Check out the actual questions from your UWs that you’ll need to answer in your essay.

The Admissions Strategist

How to write the university of wisconsin-madison essays 2020-2021: the complete guide.

Wisconsin may not be home to New York City, but if your heart desires a sprawling campus with countless ways to enjoy the outdoors, look no further than the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

It has an acceptance rate that hovers around 51%.

The university sits on 936 acres – that’s not a typo, folks – it’s really that huge. The campus is located between Lake Mendota and Lake Monona.

Beyond a range of academic programs, the university offers extensive opportunities to play sports, join clubs, and participate in on-campus and community activities. Applying to the University of Wisconsin-Madison can be done either through the Common App or directly through the UW website .

What are the University of Wisconsin-Madison supplemental essay requirements?

Two essays are required for admission to the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Click above to watch a video on Wisconsin Madison Supplemental Essays.

If you apply through the Common App, you will have to answer question #2 below, in addition to the first question.

If you apply through the UW System Application, you will need to respond to both of the following:

1 ) 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? 2) 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.

In the UW System Application, the maximum word count allowed is 650 words. However, according to the “Application Tips” page on the UW website, admissions prefers for you to plan for 300-500 words.

Note: If a university publishes an application tips page, follow it precisely. Not only will your application be stronger, but admissions will be able to tell you did your research.

Wisconsin – Madison Supplemental Essay 1: Academic & Personal Achievements

1 ) 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?

Before writing this essay, it’s important to note that UW isn’t looking for a resume or laundry list. Don’t get trapped into writing a list of achievements.

It’s important to the admissions committee to understand the story of your achievements. In order to tell that story, you must begin to analyze what you’ve accomplished and learned from those achievements.

Therefore, we must identify the two separate pieces to this prompt.

• Your academic and personal accomplishments.
• Lessons learned from those achievements and challenges.

As you begin to break down your accomplishments, think about the communities, projects, academic pursuits, extracurricular activities, and teams to which you’ve contributed. UW suggests developing your thoughts with an outline before you begin writing.

Don’t limit yourself to academic or official accomplishments. Also consider your contributions to:

• Religious institution (ex. church, mosque, synagogue)
• Volunteer organization (ex. Meals on Wheels)
• Neighborhood/city/county/state

For each of these communities, brainstorm people/places/ideas/events you believe often go unnoticed and are important to you. 

Don’t get hung up on language. “Achievements” and “accomplishments” are subjective. You can also write about small personal victories and contributions that led to a greater result. All told, you don’t need to have won a ribbon or trophy to justify your action as an achievement.

When brainstorming achievements, consider creating a bubble map for a visual representation of your ideas. If you’re digitally savvy, you could use a tool like Bubbl.us to create your map.

Once you have a detailed list , start narrowing down your choices by considering what is most important to you.

• The more you care about a pursuit, the more you will be able to write about it and convey your passion.
• Again, don’t shy away from topics that are strictly personal to you – that’s what this essay is all about!

Your goal is to find an accomplishment or string of achievements that are closely related.

• Did you take care of a sick sibling while mom worked to pay the bills?
• Were you a founder or leader of an extracurricular activity that grew by 15% during your high school career?
• Did you raise $200 for a political campaign or charity that worked on issues you care about?

Now that you’ve identified achievement(s), it’s time to start drafting an essay. Context is always important when you are writing to strangers.

• Start your essay by providing some background information, a cold hook, or a quote.

While context is important, do keep it short. You want to save the majority of your word count for explaining why the achievement is important to you.

The second part of the essay is critical:

• UW – Madison wants to know how you’re a better person for having achieved or struggled?
• And how will you bring that change to their campus?

Don’t be afraid to talk about your challenges—in life, failure and struggle are often the best teachers.

You spent the first part of your essay introducing and describing your achievement. This includes the actions you took to succeed (20- 25% of your essay).

Now, spend close to 30-40% of the essay explaining what you learned from those accomplishments. If you’re having trouble thinking of how you changed, brainstorm these questions:

• What qualities did I need to display to accomplish this goal?
• How am I a better person for having gone through this challenge?
• What qualities of mine can I improve?
• Were there qualities that I did improve?

Once you’re done with this part, it’s time to move to the last part of your essay: explaining how you’ll implement your lessons learned into your education. Spend the rest of your essay on:

• Describing how your learning pattern has changed
• Your newfound appreciation for teamwork
• Developing a conceptual understanding of a field
• A budding curiosity of a teaching style
• Affirmed passion for an educational vector

Whatever you choose, make sure you’re telling UW – Madison that you’re a developing student who is looking forward to implementing your lessons learned on campus.

Get personalized advice!

Wisconsin – madison supplemental essay 2: why this school.

2) 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.

In the second essay, you will have to address why you applied to the University of Wisconsin-Madison and what you hope to get out of the academic experience.

The first part of this prompt is fairly standard and, if you’re applying to multiple universities, it should start to sound familiar.

However, your response to the question shouldn’t sound familiar to UW’s admissions committee. Instead, your answer must be tailored to you and the University of Wisconsin-Madison specifically.

• The litmus test for this requirement is to read through your final draft and ask: Could this essay be submitted to any other university other than the University of Wisconsin?
• If you answered “yes,” you need to revise .

The best way to prepare for this essay is to perform research. This, by the way, is not only beneficial for your essay but will also help you to get an idea whether this school is the right fit for you.

• First, browse through the University of Wisconsin-Madison website.
• Don’t stop at the admissions page. Explore the plethora of information on academics, research opportunities, sports, clubs, daily living, and so on.
• Search for more information about UW on college review websites, which often feature testimonials from current students.
• If possible, go to the campus for a tour to see in person what the university has to offer.
• Most important: Research the academic program you’re interested in. Explore professors, projects, fellowships, internships, career counseling, grants, and public-private partnerships.

All of the above research will fuel your essay and give you concrete reasons to help you describe why you are applying to the school. When writing your essay, try to focus on one significant reason or a few reasons instead of just a single superficial idea, such as “academics” or “because I’m receiving a swim scholarship.”

As a rule, never write about one of the following topics:

• Social life

Then, think about what you want to get out of your college experience and how your future goals are related to obtaining a degree.

When describing your reasons for applying, use detail, and then link those details back to your professional or academic goals.

Admissions officers want to see that their university is an important channel that will help you achieve your college and career goals.

Even if you have yet to decide on a major, you should address this question through the lens of your academic interest(s). Consider both your research and academic/extracurricular history.

• What majors or academic programs are you interested in pursuing? What you write about now isn’t final, so don’t worry if you waver between different subjects. Choose a subject.
• Are there research programs or co-ops for which you are interested in applying?

Perhaps you are really interested in medicine and engineering, leaning toward pursuing biomedical engineering. You could take a look at the senior design courses where you work in a team with a clinician or industry professional to create a product.

When writing your essay, link back to previous ideas and your big-picture goals.

Let the university know that they’re the perfect fit, and you are passionate and enthusiastic about their program offerings.

• Don’t write about what you think they want to hear.
• Instead, be honest and allow the admissions committee to see your interests and values through your response.
• Ultimately, what UW – Madison has to offer needs to relate to you.
• Don’t spend too much time complimenting their academic offerings. Trust me, they know they’re a great school. They want to know why you think you’re a good fit.

We strongly recommend that you include the following elements in your essay:

• A short introductory story or hook that explains your interest in the field, major, or program.
• Toward the end of your essay, explain your professional ambitions and how you’d use your UW education to contribute to your community, country, or the world.

Here’s an outline of a “Why UW – Madison” essay that effectively answers this prompt:

• Your parents were never interested in community politics and barely ever voted. A few years ago, a local politician approved the building of a large chain store near your home, which lead to increased pollution and traffic in your community.
• You canvassed to stop the construction, but it wasn’t enough. You didn’t get enough signatures. Still, this process sparked your love for politics. You realize that your parents were mistaken.
• You want to study in UW – Madison’s political science program because you’re interested in increasing voter turnout. UW has a fellowship and multiple research programs in this vector.
• After explaining how you’d take advantage of a fellowship and research opportunity, you want to become a community organizer. UW will help you do that.

Conclusion: Writing the University of Wisconsin – Madison Supplemental Essays

Before submitting your essays, you should definitely check out the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s page of Application Tips . There you’ll learn more about the university’s vision and advice for applying.

In regards to essays, here’s a short list of the university’s advice:

• Plan for 300-500 words, although the maximum is 650
• Revise, proofread, and share your writing with a peer/trusted adult
• Be honest and authentic in your writing

If you have questions that are particular to the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s requirements, they welcome you to contact them directly.

Learn how we can help you with college and career guidance! Check out our YouTube channel!

Click Here to Schedule a Free Consult!

Stay on track and ease your anxiety with our second-to-none college application assistance.

• Ethics & Honesty
• Privacy Policy
• Join Our Team

(732) 339-3835

[email protected]

University of Wisconsin-Madison 2023-24 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Early Action: Nov 1

Regular Decision Deadline: Jan 15

You Have: 

University of Wisconsin-Madison 2023-24 Application Essay Question Explanation

The Requirements: 1 essay of 650 words (or less)

Supplemental Essay Type(s): Why

Tell us why you would like to apply to 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. (You may enter up to 650 words, but 300-500 is recommended).

This sneaky prompt is a twofer, though both parts cover classic why essay territory: admissions wants to know just what appeals to you about the University of Wisconsin-Madison. So, take a moment to look inside. What exactly do you want out of your college experience? Research opportunities? Weekend football games? To dip your toe into city life? Now, if you were to imagine a Venn diagram of your expectations and the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s offerings, what would land in the overlap? The only way to know for sure is to do your research!  

The goal is to show admissions that you’ve done your homework. Make sure Admissions Officers know that you’ve already thought about what you want to do when you get there and that you’re ready to act on those hopes and dreams and so forth. 

But, wait, there’s more! The second part of the prompt gives you the opportunity to include information about specific academic programs at Madison that appeal to you. So just as before, utilize the school’s website, but this time pay careful attention to the specific majors and academic offerings that catch your eye. What do you love about your chosen major and/or minor? If you’re interested in UW’s Gender & Women’s Studies pr ogram, can you describe what you will take away from this program and how it relates to your long-term ambitions ? How did you become interested in this field, and what resources does Madison provide that will help you achieve your goals? Finally, if you’re undecided, think about what makes Madison the ideal environment for your academic exploration. How do you plan to hone in on the perfect major as you attend? Remember, the more details you include, the better.

About Kat Stubing

View all posts by Kat Stubing »

Our 2023-24 Common App Essay Prompt Guide is a valuable resource...

Contact us for information on rates and more!

• I am a * Student Parent Potential Partner School Counselor Private College Counselor
• Name * First Last
• Phone Type Mobile Landline
• Street Address
• Address City State / Province / Region Afghanistan Albania Algeria American Samoa Andorra Angola Anguilla Antarctica Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Aruba Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bermuda Bhutan Bolivia Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Bouvet Island Brazil British Indian Ocean Territory Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burundi Cabo Verde Cambodia Cameroon Canada Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad Chile China Christmas Island Cocos Islands Colombia Comoros Congo Congo, Democratic Republic of the Cook Islands Costa Rica Croatia Cuba Curaçao Cyprus Czechia Côte d'Ivoire Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Eswatini Ethiopia Falkland Islands Faroe Islands Fiji Finland France French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Gibraltar Greece Greenland Grenada Guadeloupe Guam Guatemala Guernsey Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana Haiti Heard Island and McDonald Islands Holy See Honduras Hong Kong Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Isle of Man Israel Italy Jamaica Japan Jersey Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macao Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania Mauritius Mayotte Mexico Micronesia Moldova Monaco Mongolia Montenegro Montserrat Morocco Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria Niue Norfolk Island North Macedonia Northern Mariana Islands Norway Oman Pakistan Palau Palestine, State of Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Pitcairn Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Qatar Romania Russian Federation Rwanda Réunion Saint Barthélemy Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Martin Saint Pierre and Miquelon Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Samoa San Marino Sao Tome and Principe Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Sint Maarten Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands South Sudan Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Suriname Svalbard and Jan Mayen Sweden Switzerland Syria Arab Republic Taiwan Tajikistan Tanzania, the United Republic of Thailand Timor-Leste Togo Tokelau Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Türkiye US Minor Outlying Islands Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States Uruguay Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela Viet Nam Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, U.S. Wallis and Futuna Western Sahara Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe Åland Islands Country
• Which best describes you (or your child)? High school senior High school junior College student College grad Other
• How did you find CEA? Internet Search New York Times Guidance counselor/school Social Media YouTube Friend Special Event Delehey College Consulting Other
• Common App and Coalition Essays
• Supplemental Essays
• University of California Essays
• University of Texas Essays
• Resume Review
• Post-Grad Essays
• Specialized Services
• Waitlist Letters
• Private School Essays
• General College Counseling
• School list with priorities noted:
• Anything else we should know?
• Phone This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

School Stats:

• Agnes Scott College
• Alvernia University
• American University
• Amherst College
• Babson College
• Bard College
• Barnard College
• Baylor University
• Bennington College
• Bentley University
• Berry College
• Bethany College
• Bishop’s University
• Boston College
• Boston University (BU)
• Bowdoin College
• Brandeis University
• Brown University
• Bryn Mawr College
• Bucknell University
• Butler University
• California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
• California Lutheran University
• Capitol Technology University
• Carleton College
• Carnegie Mellon University
• Catawba College
• Centre College
• Chapman University
• Claremont McKenna College
• Clark University
• College of Mount Saint Vincent
• College of William and Mary
• College of Wooster
• Colorado College
• Colorado School of Mines
• Columbia University
• Cornell University
• Culver-Stockton College
• D'Youville University
• Dartmouth College
• Davidson College
• Drexel University
• Duke University
• Earlham College
• Elon University
• Emerson College
• Emory University
• Flagler College
• Fordham University
• George Mason University
• Georgetown University
• Georgia State University
• Georgia Tech
• Gonzaga University
• Harvard University
• Harvey Mudd College
• Haverford College
• Hillsdale College
• Hofstra University
• Illinois Institute of Technology
• Illinois Wesleyan University
• Indiana University Bloomington
• Ithaca College
• Johns Hopkins University
• Kalamazoo College
• Lafayette College
• Lehigh University
• Lewis and Clark College
• Linfield University
• Loyola Marymount University (LMU)
• Lynn University
• Macalester College
• Malone University
• Manchester University
• Marist College
• Mary Baldwin University
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
• Meredith College
• Monmouth College
• Moravian University
• Morehouse College
• Mount Holyoke College
• New York University (NYU)
• North Park University
• Northwestern University
• Occidental College
• Oklahoma City University
• Olin College of Engineering
• Pepperdine University
• Pitzer College
• Pomona College
• Princeton University
• Providence College
• Purdue University
• Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
• Rice University
• Saint Elizabeth University
• Santa Clara University
• Sarah Lawrence College
• Scripps College
• Seattle Pacific University
• Smith College
• Soka University of America
• Southern Methodist University
• St. John’s College
• Stanford University
• Stonehill College
• Swarthmore College
• Syracuse University
• Texas A&M University
• Texas Christian University
• The College of Idaho
• The George Washington University
• The New School
• Trinity College
• Tufts University
• Tulane University
• University of California
• University of Central Florida (UCF)
• University of Chicago
• University of Cincinnati
• University of Colorado Boulder
• University of Florida
• University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
• University of Maryland
• University of Massachusetts Amherst
• University of Miami
• University of Michigan
• University of Minnesota
• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC)
• University of North Carolina at Charlotte
• University of North Carolina at Greensboro
• University of Notre Dame
• University of Oklahoma
• University of Oregon
• University of Pennsylvania
• University of Pittsburgh
• University of Richmond
• University of San Diego
• University of San Francisco
• University of Southern California (USC)
• University of Texas at Austin
• University of Tulsa
• University of Vermont
• University of Virginia (UVA)
• University of Washington
• University of Wisconsin-Madison
• Vanderbilt University
• Vassar College
• Villanova University
• Virginia Tech
• Wake Forest University
• Washington and Lee University
• Washington University in St. Louis
• Wellesley College
• Williams College
• Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI)
• Yale University

Want free stuff?

We thought so. Sign up for free instructional videos, guides, worksheets and more!

One-On-One Advising

Common App Essay Prompt Guide

Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

• YouTube Tutorials
• Our Approach & Team
• Undergraduate Testimonials
• Postgraduate Testimonials
• Where Our Students Get In
• CEA Gives Back
• Undergraduate Admissions
• Graduate Admissions
• Private School Admissions
• International Student Admissions
• Common App Essay Guide
• Supplemental Essay Guide
• Coalition App Guide
• The CEA Podcast
• Admissions Stats
• Notification Trackers
• Deadline Databases
• College Essay Examples
• Academy and Worksheets
• Waitlist Guides
• Get Started

Home — Application Essay — University — UW–Madison

UW–Madison Admission Essays

Understanding the intricacies of university application essays is crucial for aspiring students. The University of Wisconsin–Madison, renowned for its rigorous academic environment, demands essays that reflect a student's intellectual capabilities and personal growth. In fact, analyzing UW Madison essay examples can offer significant insights into the level of depth and articulation expected by such prestigious institutions. These essays are a vital component of the application process, offering a unique opportunity for students to showcase their individuality, experiences, and aspirations. In this guide, we'll explore various aspects of the University of Wisconsin–Madison essay requirements, providing insights and examples, including those akin to UW Madison essay examples, to help students navigate this critical aspect of their university applications.

Key Features of UW–Madison Essays

The University of Wisconsin–Madison's essay requirements are strategically designed to assess a candidate's alignment with the university's educational ethos and academic vigor. These essays, transcending mere writing tasks, provide a window into an applicant's personality, intellectual curiosity, and potential impact on the university's dynamic community. In this context, UW Madison application essay examples can serve as invaluable guides, illustrating how to effectively engage with the essay prompts. These prompts encourage deep reflection on personal growth, academic objectives, and societal responsibilities, allowing students to demonstrate their suitability for the rigorous academic environment of UW–Madison. Engaging with the essence of these essays and crafting responses that resonate with the admissions committee are crucial for enhancing admission chances, underlining their significance in UW–Madison's holistic application process.

• Essays emphasize personal development, academic aspirations, and community involvement.
• Annually updated prompts reflect current topics and values.
• They provide a platform for students to express their individual viewpoints.

University of Wisconsin–Madison Admission Requirements

Securing admission to the esteemed University of Wisconsin–Madison involves fulfilling a range of stringent criteria. The university selects students who exhibit academic excellence, well-rounded personalities, leadership skills, and alignment with its core principles and culture. These criteria aim to identify not only academically adept students but also those ready to positively contribute to the campus community. Every application aspect, from scholastic achievements to extracurricular involvement and personal essays, undergoes thorough evaluation to ensure the selected candidates are ideally suited for UW–Madison's diverse and dynamic environment.

• High academic performance, evidenced in GPA and standardized tests.
• Diverse extracurricular engagement demonstrating leadership and initiative.
• Impactful personal statement and supplemental essays.
• Recommendation letters from academic or professional mentors.
• Proof of adherence to the university's values and ethos.

Role of UW-Madison Supplemental Essay Examples in Applications

UW-Madison supplemental essay examples in the application process is instrumental for prospective students. These examples serve as a vital guide, illustrating the depth of analysis, personal reflection, and writing quality expected by the University of Wisconsin–Madison. By studying these examples, applicants gain crucial insights into crafting essays that go beyond academic metrics, highlighting their unique personalities and experiences. Effective UW Madison supplemental essay examples showcase critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and an understanding of the university's core values, such as community engagement and academic excellence. They teach the art of storytelling and the importance of specific details for impactful narratives. While these examples are valuable resources, it's essential for applicants to maintain authenticity and originality in their essays. The examples should inspire, not be replicated, guiding students to produce essays that are true to their experiences and resonate with UW-Madison's ethos.

UW-Madison Supplemental Essay Examples: Prompts for 2023

Committed to a comprehensive and all-encompassing review process, UW–Madison has introduced several thought-provoking supplemental essay prompts for the 2023 cycle. These prompts aim to allow applicants to display various facets of their personalities, experiences, and future plans. The prompts are crafted to elicit responses that showcase the applicant's self-reflection abilities, challenges they've overcome, and their vision for the future. They also provide a glimpse into how applicants envision their contributions to the university community. Collectively, these prompts are vital in the application, offering a stage for applicants to persuasively argue why they are an excellent match for UW–Madison.

• Challenge and Growth: Applicants share a significant challenge they've overcome and the lessons learned, demonstrating resilience and personal growth.
• Academic and Career Aspirations: This prompt asks students to detail their goals and how UW–Madison can aid in achieving them, focusing on the alignment of the applicant's plans with the university's resources.
• Community Contribution: Applicants discuss how they plan to contribute to the UW–Madison community, showcasing their understanding of community values and social responsibility.

These prompts encourage applicants to provide thoughtful, personal responses, illustrating their readiness for university life and their potential to enrich the UW–Madison community. Effective responses range from narratives about overcoming personal adversities and articulating clear academic and career pathways to well-planned community engagement and leadership roles within the university.

Guidelines for Writing UW–Madison Supplemental Essays

Writing compelling supplemental essays for UW–Madison is a vital part of the application process. These essays offer an opportunity to stand out and show the admissions committee your unique identity beyond academic metrics. To gain a clearer perspective, reviewing University of Wisconsin Madison supplemental essay examples can be extremely beneficial. These examples provide practical insights into effective storytelling and structuring, helping you understand how to convey your experiences and aspirations authentically. Here are essential tips to help craft impactful and memorable essays, inspired by the strategies evident in University of Wisconsin Madison supplemental essay examples:

• Interpreting the Prompts: Carefully read and understand each essay prompt. Reflect on how your experiences and aspirations align with the questions posed.
• Self-Reflection: Engage in introspection about your experiences, challenges, and accomplishments. Authentic, self-aware essays often leave a lasting impression.
• Authentic Voice: Write in a manner that's true to your personality. Authenticity is crucial for connecting with the admissions officers.
• Specific Examples: Use detailed examples and stories to bring your essays to life. Specific experiences add depth and relatability to your narrative.
• Structured Approach: A well-organized essay with a clear beginning, middle, and end enhances readability and impact. Ensure your essay flows logically.

Remember, UW–Madison's supplemental essays are your chance to provide the admissions committee with a deeper understanding of your character, values, and ambitions. A well-crafted essay can significantly impact your application.

Leveraging UW–Madison Essay Examples for Success

UW–Madison essay examples are invaluable resources for understanding what the admissions committee seeks. These examples often showcase creativity, depth, and a strong connection with the university's values. Utilizing these essays as models can aid in developing your own narratives, while emphasizing the importance of maintaining originality and authenticity in your writing:

• Reflecting on Challenges and Growth at UW–Madison
• Learning from Failures: A Journey to Success
• Charting a Path in Environmental Advocacy
• Community Service: Lessons in Leadership
• The Influence of Personal Research on Academic Choices
• Promoting Educational Inclusivity: A Personal Mission
• Harmonizing Music with Academic and Career Goals
• Resilience: Turning Obstacles into Opportunities
• Embracing Multilingualism and Global Perspectives
• Envisioning Sustainable Practices at UW–Madison

Maximizing Impact with UW–Madison Essay Examples

In conclusion, UW–Madison essays are an integral part of the application, offering a platform for students to express their individuality and suitability for the university. To effectively navigate this crucial aspect, examining University of Wisconsin Madison essay examples can be incredibly instructive. These examples provide a clearer understanding of the expected caliber and style, aiding students in crafting their narratives. Understanding and adhering to the essay requirements, drawing inspiration from such examples, and infusing personal experiences and insights into your writing can significantly enhance your chances of admission. Remember, well-written essays, much like the University of Wisconsin Madison essay examples, can profoundly influence the admissions committee's decision, emphasizing the importance of dedicating time and effort to develop compelling, authentic stories.

Transformative Volunteering: Shaping Social Responsibility

Throughout high school, I have always been involved in various community service projects, but one experience, in particular, stands out as the most meaningful and transformative. The summer before my junior year, I had the opportunity to volunteer at a local homeless shelter in my…

Environmental Sustainability at University Of Wisconsin Madison

As an aspiring conservationist, I am deeply passionate about environmental sustainability and the preservation of our natural resources. This topic holds immense significance to me because I believe that our planet is facing an existential crisis, and it is our responsibility to take urgent action…

Why Wisconsin: A Home for Growth and Diversity

From the moment I stepped onto the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus, I knew I had found my intellectual home. Wisconsin’s reputation as a prestigious research institution, combined with its vibrant and diverse community, instantly captivated me. As a college student with a burning desire to…

Why UW Madison: Fulfilling Academic Dreams and Building a Global Community

As I embark upon the next chapter of my academic journey, I find myself irresistibly drawn to the intellectual vibrancy and relentless pursuit of excellence that defines the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The prestigious institution’s unwavering commitment to fostering a holistic education, instilling a sense of…

Why UW Madison: A Journey of Growth and Exploration

As I reflect upon my educational journey and contemplate my future, one university stands out as the perfect place to continue my academic pursuits: the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Its outstanding reputation, vibrant campus life, and diverse academic offerings make it an ideal institution for a…

Why University of Wisconsin-Madison?

As I embark on my journey towards higher education, I find myself drawn to the University of Wisconsin-Madison for numerous reasons. This prestigious institution offers a combination of academic excellence, vibrant campus life, and a strong sense of community that resonates with my values and…

University Of Wisconsin Madison: A Journey of Personal Growth

During my freshman year of high school, I had the opportunity to participate in a week-long exchange program with a school in a neighboring city. This experience opened my eyes to the importance of diversity and inclusion in our communities and has since influenced my…

The Ideal Candidate: Embracing Excellence at UW-Madison

As I stand at the precipice of higher education, ready to embark on an extraordinary journey, I find myself drawn to the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Its storied tradition of academic excellence, commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive community, and vibrant campus atmosphere have captivated…

From Science Fair Challenges to Innovative Solutions

Whether it was building intricate structures with Legos or finding new ways to solve complex math problems, I have always been driven to find creative solutions to challenges that come my way. This passion for innovation and problem-solving has shaped my outlook on life and…

A Journey to the World of Language

From the moment I first laid eyes on the University of Wisconsin-Madison, I knew that it was the perfect place for me to continue my education. The campus is absolutely stunning, with its historic buildings and charming atmosphere. Beyond the physical beauty of the campus,…

Get professional help in 5 minutes

— EST. 1848 —

49,886 (2022) Students

Madison, Wisconsin, United States

Public Land-Grant Research University

Cardinal and White

Selected filters

Universities

Related Universities

• American University
• University of Colorado - Boulder
• University of Michigan
• University of Miami
• University of Maryland, College Park
• University of Georgia
• Pepperdine University
• Mount Holyoke College
• Santa Clara University
• Rutgers University

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

• Instructions Followed To The Letter
• Deadlines Met At Every Stage
• Unique And Plagiarism Free

What We Look For in Our Applicants

At UW–Madison, our holistic application process is designed to help us find remarkable students—students who will add to the legacy of UW–Madison. We don’t use formulas or charts. We read each application thoroughly, one by one.

First, we focus on academic excellence and preparation. Beyond academics, we look for qualities such as leadership, contributions to your community, and achievement in the arts, athletics, and other areas. We’re also seeking diversity in personal background and experience and your potential for positive contribution to the Wisconsin community.

We truly believe in this model, and because of that, we are not able to tell a student whether they will be admitted until their admission decision is made. Instead, we can give you some insight into what makes students competitive for admission.

• Academics More
• What We Look For More
• How to Apply More
• Finance Your Education More
• Student Life More
• Plan Your Visit More

What Are We Looking For in an Applicant?

Grades and coursework.

First-Year Students:   When we consider your grades, we are looking both at the grades you earn and the level of difficulty of the courses you take (rigor) throughout your high school career. We look for you to be earning top grades—mostly As—in challenging courses, including honors, IB, and/or AP, when available. While we don’t specifically base a decision on your GPA or your class rank, we do consider your academic performance in the context of the available offerings at your school.

Your high school record should demonstrate both rigor and breadth in the types of coursework you pursue. Applicants must meet the minimum course requirements listed below to be eligible for admission to UW–Madison. Competitive applicants often take additional credits in the core subject areas, including the most challenging advanced-level work offered at or through your school in as many areas as possible, while maintaining a strong GPA.

Note: For trimester schools, two trimesters is considered one year/credit. One trimester is considered 0.5 years/credits.

*Math requirement includes at least one year each of algebra, geometry, and advanced math with algebra or geometry prerequisites. If you take any of these courses in middle school, that will count toward the requirement. Courses that will not fulfill this requirement include statistics, business math, and computer classes.

** Taking two years of the same world language in high school is highly recommended, as this can fulfill the world language requirement as a student at UW–Madison.

Students who do not fulfill the university world language requirement with high school work will be required to do so as a student at UW–Madison.

To meet the requirement in high school, world language credit must be on your high school transcript as credit earned at an accredited institution. Online language programs or applications such as Rosetta Stone will not be accepted.

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

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

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

• Rigor of coursework: Appropriate for continued study at UW–Madison and increasing in difficulty.
• Course breadth: Showing a combination of English, math, science, literature, social science, and world language.
• Grade trends and patterns: Steady or improving trends and patterns that show consistency across all academic areas.
• High school performance: 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.
• 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 1 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. 

ACT/SAT Test Scores

The University of Wisconsin–Madison received authorization from the University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents to waive the requirement for first-year applicants to submit an ACT or SAT test score as a part of their application to the university through the spring 2027 term. During this time, including scores from either the ACT or the SAT with your application is optional, and you will not be disadvantaged in our evaluation process if you choose to not include these scores for consideration in your application. You can indicate your choice regarding including test scores at the time of application.

ACT/SAT scores are optional for transfer students.

More information can be found by viewing the news release  and our ACT/SAT Score FAQs .

Extracurriculars

We also review your extracurriculars and the positive impact they have had on you as a student. If they matter to you, they matter to us. On your application, you can list your extracurriculars, including activities and involvement, leadership, service, employment, talents, and interests.

As part of our holistic review, we ask for two essays to understand more about you. What you choose to share gives us an idea of who you are, why you want to be a #FutureBadger, and what you want to accomplish as part of our community. Tell us about you and your unique story.

Admissions FAQs

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

What Does Direct Entry Mean?

While most majors at UW–Madison you apply to as a current student, direct entry majors officially accept students into the program at the time of the application. These are majors in the Wisconsin School of Business , the College of Engineering , and music and dance majors.

How Do I Apply for a Direct Entry Program?

If you are interested in being considered for a direct entry program, you must indicate that program as your first choice major on your application. Your application will be reviewed for direct entry along with admission to the university as a whole. It is possible to be admitted to the University of Wisconsin–Madison but not be directly admitted to a direct entry program.

Music and dance majors are required to complete an audition with the program for direct entry.

Apply as a First-Year Student

Apply as a Transfer Student

Apply as a Reentry Student

Apply as a Second Degree Student

University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-Madison) Supplemental Essays Guide: 2021-2022

Not sure how to approach the UW-Madison essay prompts? With tips from an Ivy League graduate, CollegeAdvisor.com’s guide to the UW-Madison essay prompts will show you exactly how to write engaging essays for your UW-Madison application and maximize your chances against the UW-Madison acceptance rate.

Want help crafting your UW-Madison essay prompts? Create your free  account  or  schedule a free consultation  by calling (844) 343-6272.

UW-Madison  Supplemental Essay Guide Quick Facts:

• The UW-Madison acceptance rate is 57%— U.S. News  ranks UW-Madison as a  competitive  school.
• We recommend answering all UW-Madison supplemental essays comprehensively and thoughtfully.

What is the acceptance rate for the University of Wisconsin-Madison?

According to U.S. News, the UW-Madison acceptance rate is 57%. Last year, over 53,000 students applied to the school, which was a  17% increase  over the previous year. While the UW-Madison acceptance rate increased temporarily to about 60%, the normal rate falls near 57%. Like most schools, UW-Madison was  test-optional  last year in response to COVID. This year, they’ve continued the test-optional policy. Admissions experts believe that changes in testing requirements have caused the spike in applications that most schools have experienced.

So, what does this mean for you? Well, it does indicate that the UW-Madison supplemental essays will be an important part of your application. Without mandatory test scores and given the rise in applications, admissions officers will pay more attention to other aspects of your application.

In other words, for your best chance against the UW-Madison acceptance rate, we recommend that you take time to make sure that your responses to the UW-Madison essay prompts reflect your strengths.

Additionally, remember that the UW-Madison acceptance rate is not the only factor to consider when building your school list. Make sure that you’re looking at schools holistically. For more information on how to evaluate the UW-Madison acceptance rate (and more details on the data behind acceptance rates), read  our article .

What is the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s ranking?

The UW-Madison ranking is #42 in  National Universities , according to U.S. News.

Other U.S. News UW-Madison rankings: the UW-Madison ranking in  Best Undergraduate Teaching  is #71; UW-Madison ranking in  Best Value Schools  is #81; and the UW-Madison ranking in  Top Public Schools  is #14.

In terms of specific programs, the UW-Madison ranking is #15 in  Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs , and the US Madison ranking is #19 in  Nursing .

Finally, the UW-Madison ranking is #64 in  First-Year Experiences .

These are just some of the UW-Madison rankings. However, a school’s rankings should not be the only thing you take into consideration when compiling your college list. You should also consider other factors—including the school’s location, programs available, and size—when you look at schools. The UW-Madison rankings are not the only important factor in deciding to apply.

Keep in mind that the best college for you may not be the one you expected! There are a lot of different resources available when it comes to researching colleges; be sure to consult a few to ensure you create a comprehensive list.

Need help creating a college list? Check out our resources on the college list process  here .

Does the University of Wisconsin-Madison require essays?

Yes. In addition to the  Common App   personal essay, there are specific UW-Madison essay prompts. The UW-Madison supplemental essays differ depending on how you submit your application. The Common Application and  UW System Application  are available for all applicants. You will be required to write a “Why UW-Madison” essay no matter how you submit your application.

Need tips on writing your Common App essay? Check out our  blog article .

How many essays does the University of Wisconsin-Madison require?

In addition to the Common Application Personal Statement, there is one required UW-Madison essay that all applicants must complete: the “Why UW-Madison” essay.

However, if you apply through the UW application portal rather than the Common App, you will have to submit a second UW-Madison essay. This second essay functions as a replacement for the Common App essay. If you apply via the UW application portal, give yourself ample to complete both UW-Madison essay prompts.

Does the University of Wisconsin-Madison care about essays?

Yes, all colleges care about your essays, UW-Madison included. The UW-Madison essay prompts are a great chance to show admissions officers something new about yourself. When responding to the UW-Madison essay prompts, you will want to demonstrate that you would be a great fit for their UW-Madison. This is especially true when writing the “Why UW-Madison” essay. This is referred to as demonstrated interest (DI). DI is a tool the admissions officers use to determine how interested a student is in attending their particular school. By writing specific “Why UW-Madison” essays, students can show their DI in attending UW-Madison and increase their admissions odds.

The high UW-Madison ranking indicates that students may apply just because of UW-Madison’s prestige. In response to this, admissions officers will be on the lookout for students whose interest in the school runs deeper than its reputation. For more information on DI and how to use it to your advantage, check out this article from  Forbes .

Finally, in light of the UW-Madison acceptance rate, well-crafted responses to the UW-Madison essay prompts will strengthen your application. Don’t underestimate the UW-Madison essays and their impact.

Does the University of Wisconsin-Madison have a “Why UW-Madison” essay?

Yes. This is the classic supplemental essay question, and the UW-Madison essay prompts are no exception—all colleges want to know what makes them special to you. The “Why UW-Madison” essay is your chance to showcase any research you have done about UW-Madison while you’ve been writing your UW-Madison supplemental essay or as you’ve been completing the rest of the application.

Given the UW-Madison acceptance rate, your research will be an important part of acing the why UW-Madison essay. Why? When it comes down to two candidates with similar GPAs and extracurriculars, a strong “Why UW-Madison” essay can be the determining factor in who is admitted.

UW-Madison Essay Prompts – Question 1 (required)

Tell us why you decided to apply to 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. (650 words maximum).

How do I write a good essay for UW-Madison?

The rest of this guide will show you how to write engaging UW-Madison supplemental essays.

Let’s start with the first UW-Madison essay, which is required of all applicants. You have 650 words to respond to this why UW-Madison essay, which is the same length as the Common Application’s personal statement. You should be prepared to spend a fair bit of time both researching and writing this UW-Madison essay, considering its length.

For this UW-Madison essay, avoid over-generalizing with statements like “The campus is beautiful” or “I just feel like I belong there.” Instead, offer concrete examples of why you belong there. You should do research into specific aspects of the UW-Madison community that appeal to you.

This UW-Madison essay prompt has two parts. First, the prompt asks why you decided to apply to UW-Madison. Then, it asks why you are interested in your chosen academic field. You’ll want to ensure you respond to both parts of the question. If you are undecided in your major, you will still want to address your academic interests and explain how attending UW-Madison would help you to hone these interests and discover a major that excites you.

Do your research

Before answering the first part of this UW-Madison essay prompt, do some reading. For example, you can look into  extracurricular activities , research, or  travel opportunities  that only UW-Madison offers to its students. You might also review the  calendar  of student events. The  list of student organizations  on their website can be a great resource to find campus organizations you’d like to join.

If you want to get your finger on the pulse of student life, check out UW-Madison’s student publications. Additionally, leverage the alumni network to ask questions about previous students’ experiences. This can help you learn about student-specific traditions and events that you can’t read about on the website.

Start free-writing

If all of these options seem overwhelming, try starting with a structured free-write session. Take about 15-20 minutes and create two lists. Under one, list every reason why you want to attend UW-Madison. Under the second list, list every reason why you selected your major. If you’re unsure of your major, list every area of academic interest that you may want to pursue. Then, take an additional 15 minutes and draw connections between the two. Perhaps you listed that you want to participate in UW-Madison’s  DSE Mentorship Program  for undergraduate engineers. If you also engineering as a possible major, that’s a great connection to highlight in your essay.

The second part of this UW-Madison essay prompt is a great way to demonstrate your academic and intellectual goals. Take a look at their list of 9,192 courses and 288 undergraduate majors and certificates. Pick three courses that look interesting and explain why each of those courses appeals to you. How would you benefit from taking these courses? How do your previous academic experiences set you up for success?

Avoid statistics

You want to avoid listing out numbers and statistics that admissions officers already know. For instance, instead of spending words talking about how the average class size is 31, explain specifically which professors you would be excited to learn from in such a personal teaching environment. If you are interested in two contrasting majors, you should support both of them with anecdotes about your academic experiences.

This is the space to show off your expert investigation skills and name-drop courses, clubs, professors, and research opportunities only available at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Colleges can tell when you swap out their name for another University and submit the same “Why here?” answer. Your application will be stronger if your answer to this “why UW-Madison” essay could not be swapped with any other schools’ applications.

UW-Madison Essay Draft Key Questions:

• Do you prove that you’ve done research on the school?
• Do you explain what unique opportunities UW-Madison would provide you that you could not get anywhere else?
• Does your draft provide specific details about what you hope to do while on UW-Madison’s campus?

UW-Madison Essay Prompts – Question 2

If you apply using the Common Application, you will be asked to respond to one of the freshman Common Application essays. If you apply within the UW System Application, you will need to answer the following prompt:

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 your education? (650 words maximum).

Who completes this prompt?

Not everyone applying to UW-Madison will complete this UW-Madison essay. If you are applying to UW-Madison through the Common App, you will  not need  to respond to this UW-Madison essay prompt. If you are applying through the UW Systems Admissions Application then this UW-Madison essay will be the substitute for your Common App personal essay. This means you will want to spend a fair amount of time drafting your response to this UW-Madison essay prompt, since UW-Madison will not read your Common App personal essay if you apply through their college-specific portal.

There are several different parts to this UW-Madison essay prompt. At first glance, it may seem quite general. “Something you’ve done” is a pretty broad topic. However, the follow-up questions might qualify your chosen topic a bit more. You’ll need to describe how you learned from the situation. Was it something you succeeded in or was it a challenge you overcame? Did you find it to be a turning point that pushed you into a new phase of your life? You should be sure to address the final part of this UW-Madison essay prompt—about the event’s influence—and discuss how it will influence your education moving forward.

Avoid cliches

For this UW-Madison essay prompt, you could expand on something that is already present in your application. However, make sure that your topic is proportional to the length of this UW-Madison supplemental essay. For example, if you decide to write about an extracurricular, you will want to select something that you have a large role in. You should then discuss an anecdote that really challenged you, and as a result, prompted you to grow. Topics such as scoring an A on a big exam or winning an important sports game can be a little clichéd. Try to think of a unique situation that you overcame and the skills that you gained from that experience.

One of the most important parts of this UW-Madison essay is how your topic will impact your education. Make sure you discuss how you will contribute to academic life at UW-Madison. However, don’t repeat anything you already said in your “Why UW-Madison” essay. Overall, you want to make sure this UW-Madison supplemental essay shows who you are as a person and how you have grown. Given the relatively low UW-Madison acceptance rate, you should present detailed, well-written answers to the UW-Madison essay prompts.

UW-Madison Essay Prompts: Final Thoughts

Completing the UW-Madison essay prompts can seem daunting in light of the UW-Madison acceptance rate and high UW-Madison rankings. However, you shouldn’t let that discourage you from applying. The UW-Madison supplemental essays are a great opportunity to introduce yourself to UW-Madison admissions officers. With the lower UW-Madison acceptance rate, these UW-Madison essay prompts can boost your application if you have a lower-than-average GPA or  SAT score .

Use this guide as a step-by-step aid when approaching the UW-Madison supplemental essays, and start earlier than you think you should. Don’t be afraid to ask for revisions from someone; it’s helpful to have another set of eyes checking your UW-Madison supplemental essays for grammatical errors, tone, and clarity. Good luck!

This 2021-2022 essay guide on UW-Madison was written by  Laura Frustaci , Harvard ‘21. For your best chance against the UW-Madison acceptance rate, and more CollegeAdvisor.com resources, click  here . Want help crafting your UW-Madison supplemental essays? Create your free  account  or  schedule a free consultation  by calling (844) 343-6272.

Personalized and effective college advising for high school students.

• Advisor Application
• Popular Colleges
• Privacy Policy and Cookie Notice
• Student Login
• California Privacy Notice
• Terms and Conditions
• Your Privacy Choices

By using the College Advisor site and/or working with College Advisor, you agree to our updated Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy , including an arbitration clause that covers any disputes relating to our policies and your use of our products and services.

Remote Reader

• Madison, Wisconsin
• ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT/ADMISSIONS
• Academic Services and Student Experience
• Opening at: Jun 7 2024 at 14:25 CDT
• Closing at: Jun 23 2024 at 23:55 CDT

Job Summary:

Come join our team in the Office of Admissions and Recruitment! We are admissions professionals dedicated to recruiting, admitting, and enrolling the next generation of UW-Madison undergraduates. The Office of Admissions and Recruitment is seeking temporary application readers. Readers have the flexibility to work remotely and will receive thorough training in holistic application review which entails the detailed review of transcripts, school profiles, activities, essays, letters of recommendation, and test scores if provided. Readers should have the availability to work 20 hours per week during peak fall and winter reading season, with most hours worked during the traditional business hours of their time zone. Prior experience in the field of college admissions, higher education or high school education is preferred but not required. The University of Wisconsin-Madison is a public research university and the flagship institution of the Universities of Wisconsin. Located within the Division of Enrollment Management, the Office of Admissions and Recruitment receives 65,000+ applications annually from prospective undergraduate students.

Responsibilities:

• 90% Conducts comprehensive application review and selection for assigned programs
• 5% DEM is committed to the highest standard of service. This position will be a role model by practicing exemplary and respectful behaviors in all interactions. Participation in community and culture building activities are mandatory
• 5% Other duties as assigned
• Conduct a thorough first review of undergraduate applications.
• Attend training and meetings as required.
• Data entry and correction in SIS (Student Information System) as needed.
• Other duties as assigned, which may include on-campus event support for readers in the Madison area.

Institutional Statement on Diversity:

Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals. The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world. For more information on diversity and inclusion on campus, please visit: Diversity and Inclusion

Preferred H.S. Diploma

Qualifications:

Please note the following applicant restrictions: To avoid a conflict of interest, candidates must not be currently employed as an admissions professional, high school counselor, or independent college counselor/coach/agent. Candidates should not be the parent of a current junior or senior in high school. Required Qualifications: 1. Appreciation for the diverse identities, experiences, and perspectives of applicants. 2. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in writing. 3. Exceptional attention to detail. 4. Ability to work independently and efficiently around multiple deadlines. 5. Must have the availability to work 20 hours per week during peak fall and winter reading season, with most hours worked during the traditional business hours of your time zone. 8. Proficiency with computer office applications and software, email, and web-based communication. 9. Can be seated at a computer for 4-8 hours per day. 10. Ability to set up a private office space with high speed internet access. 11. Demonstrate high level of sensitivity and confidentiality around the review process and adherence to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA). Preferred Qualifications: 1. Prior experience in the field of college admissions, higher education, or high school education preferred.

It is anticipated this position will be remote and requires work be performed at an offsite, non-campus work location. Remote Work Agreements require Remote Readers to be physically located in the United States.

Appointment Type, Duration:

Terminal appointment. This position has the possibility to be extended based on need and/or funding.

$21.00 HOURLY Fixed

Additional Information:

Additional Information: --Laptop and software will be provided. --Some remote readers will also be asked to support international and transfer application review. --Initial training is mandatory and will be held online Tuesday, October 1st, Thursday, October 3rd, Tuesday, October 8th, Thursday, October 10th and Tuesday, October 15th (9:00am-12:00pm Central Time each day). --Pay will be $21/hour for all newly hired remote readers.

How to Apply:

To apply for this position, please click on the "Apply Now" button to start the application process. You will be asked to upload in one complete file upload a current resume/cv and cover letter briefly describing your qualifications relevant to the position. In addition please provide three (3) professional references. Applications must be received by the application deadline for ensured consideration. Failure to submit complete application materials may result in ineligibility for this position. Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment and must be able to sustain eligibility, without sponsorship, throughout the duration of their employment.

Heidi Updegrove [email protected] 608-265-2068 Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.

Official Title:

Application Review Specialist(AE068)

Department(s):

A05-ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT/ADMISSIONS

Employment Class:

Temporary Employment

Job Number:

The university of wisconsin-madison is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer..

You will be redirected to the application to launch your career momentarily. Thank you!

Frequently Asked Questions

Applicant Tutorial

Disability Accommodations

Pay Transparency Policy Statement

Refer a Friend

You've sent this job to a friend!

Website feedback, questions or accessibility issues: [email protected] .

Learn more about accessibility at UW–Madison .

© 2016–2024 Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System • Privacy Statement

W crest logo for the university .cls-12{fill:#c5050c;}.cls-1{fill:#c5050c;}.cls-2{fill:#282728;}.cls-200{fill:#282728;}.cls-30{fill:url(#Web_Shield_blend);}.cls-4{fill:#fff;}

Search people and pages.

This search returns up to five matches as you type. The matches can be found immediately after the search input field.

• Admissions & Aid
• Student Life

Utility Menu

• Email/calendar
• Google Apps

Launch your future at UW

Key next steps, on campus news and features.

The millennia before UW–Madison

The First Nations Cultural Landscape Tour celebrates a time when thousands of Ho-Chunk people flourished on what is now the UW campus.

Read full story

Forbes names UW–Madison as ‘new Ivy’

Student organizations prepare Badgers for life outside the classroom

New UW website tracks cicadas in Wisconsin

The best summer spots on campus

Pushing beyond boundaries for 175 years

Since 1848, the University of Wisconsin–Madison has been home to Badgers who believe in the power of discovery and the value of service. Because this campus is where an idea can change the world.

Be part of our 175th anniversary celebration

We’re a public university guided by public service

UW–Madison’s longest and proudest tradition is the Wisconsin Idea: the principle that our work should improve people’s lives beyond the boundaries of campus. This century-old guiding philosophy applies to our academics, research, and outreach.

Learn more about the Wisconsin Idea

We value a diversity of identities, ideas, and experiences

Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW–Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinions enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.

• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
• Multicultural Student Center

We believe that one Badger can change the world

#12 Best public university

#1 Peace Corps volunteers

20 Nobel Prize winners

One of the things I really like about working in biotech is that what I’m doing today, what I do every day, has a real tangible benefit on the health of human lives.

Our research solves mysteries and transforms lives

UW–Madison is one of the 10 largest research institutions in the country, allocating more than $1 billion annually to groundbreaking inquiry. Spanning the humanities to the hard sciences, our vast research enterprise has a singular mission: to better understand ourselves and the world around us.

• Research at UW–Madison
• Read impact stories

Discovering stem cells

Origins of life in South Africa

Cosmic rays at the South Pole

Tomorrow’s Yellowstone

Madison, WI: The ultimate college town

This is where big-city opportunities meet small-town conveniences. Where vibrant streetscapes lead to lakeside retreats. Where a Big Ten college and capital city blend together, creating an atmosphere unlike anywhere else. Welcome to Madison.

• Tour campus virtually
• Explore Madison in every season

Are you searching for something specific?

RSVP for A Paradox of Memory: Memorial Union & UW-Madison's War Dead

Jun 24, 2024

UW Memorial Union 800 Langdon St. , Madison , Wisconsin 53706

June 7, 2024

media release: You are invited to attend this unusual lecture-luncheon: Visiting Scholar, Eliana Chavkin (U. of MN), discusses her research: A PARADOX OF MEMORY: Memorial Union & UW-Madison’s War Dead

Thursday, June 27, 2024, 11:30 A.M. – 12:30 P.M., Memorial Student Union, 800 Langdon Street, Room TBD

Free and open to the public; space is limited . Boxed lunches provided with R.S.V.P. by June 24

https://go.wisc.edu/3405e2

Hosted in partnership with the George L. Mosse Program in History

Chavkin’s dissertation project tells the story of America’s World War I memorials, which proliferated across the country in the years between the First and Second World Wars. She says, “In 1928, the University of Wisconsin-Madison dedicated Memorial Union to its students who had fallen in World War I and in the earlier wars of the United States. This in and itself was not unusual: memorial unions were dedicated in the 1920s on campuses across the country. What was unusual, however, was  der Rathskeller , the German beer hall in the center of the building. Most of the men honored on the walls of Memorial Union had died fighting Germany. How exactly did the University square these two conflicted messages?” While in Madison, Chavkin will review oral history interviews with Porter Butts (longtime director of the Wisconsin Union) in the UW Archives to reveal the origins of the union idea and how that idea was made reality. She will also review student and local newspaper coverage of the event in the Wisconsin Historical Society Library’s holdings to see how the public responded to the Union’s dedication.

ISTHMUS is © 2021 Isthmus Community Media, Inc. | All rights reserved. | Madison, Wisconsin | USA

You've read infinite of infinite articles.

That's right. Wisconsin Watch has no paywall and is free for everyone to read forever. To keep it that way, donate today.

We watch Wisconsin for you

Get our free newsletter, The Wednesday Report, to see what we find.

Wisconsin Watch

Nonprofit, nonpartisan news about Wisconsin

Former Waupun prison warden and employees charged in prisoner deaths

Share this:

• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)

The former warden of a Wisconsin prison and eight other prison employees were charged on Wednesday in connection with multiple prisoner deaths over the last year, the local sheriff said.

The prison, Waupun Correctional Institution, about 70 miles northwest of Milwaukee, was the subject of a 2023 report by The New York Times and Wisconsin Watch that found that prisoners had been confined to their cells for months and denied access to medical care.

The prison’s former warden, Randall Hepp, had left his job earlier this week. He was charged with misconduct in public office, a felony. Hepp’s arrest was first reported by The Associated Press . His attorney could not immediately be reached for comment.

The other prison employees, most of whom worked as correctional officers and registered nurses, were charged with abuse of a prisoner. Two of the correctional officers and a sergeant were also charged with misconduct.

In announcing the arrests during a Wednesday news conference, Dale Schmidt, the sheriff for Dodge County, Wisconsin, said Hepp and the other employees had failed to adequately care for prisoners in their custody. Schmidt described in detail four recent deaths, including one involving a prisoner who had not eaten in days and was “drinking sewage water” and “played in the toilet.” The medical examiner said the cause of death was malnutrition and probable dehydration and ruled it a homicide.

Schmidt identified a host of problems, including inadequate staffing, inside the facility that he said had contributed to the deaths.

The Times and Wisconsin Watch reported in February that state lawmakers and prison officials knew for years that they were headed toward a staffing crisis , but took little action to address the shortages.

In a statement issued Wednesday, Gov. Tony Evers, a Democrat, called for accountability and justice. “Each and every person who’s failed to do their job to the high level that we expect or treat people in our care with the dignity, humanity, and respect they deserve should be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law — it’s that simple,” he said.

The Times and Wisconsin Watch were the first to report that staffing shortages at the prison, a maximum-security facility, had caused it to be locked down for months . Prisoners were confined mostly to their cells, went without regular fresh air and family visits, and faced significant delays in medical care and psychological services. Inmates told The Times and Wisconsin Watch that prisoners who said that they planned to take their lives were ignored.

More from Wisconsin Watch

10 guards, 900 inmates: Wisconsin prisons see dire results of ignored warnings

Second prisoner dies during Waupun Correctional Institution lockdown; restrictions linger at two additional prisons

In the months that followed, The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel chronicled the four deaths that occurred at the prison, including the suicide of Dean Hoffman , who in June 2023 died in his cell after prison employees failed to give him psychiatric medication, the newspaper reported.

The newspaper also examined the deaths of Cameron Williams, who died in October of a stroke; Tyshun Lemons, who died in October from a drug overdose, and Donald Maier, who died in February from malnutrition and dehydration.

Schmidt said that no employee misconduct was found to be at fault in the overdose death. “Of great concern, however, is the quantity and frequency of contraband being able to be smuggled into Waupun Correctional Facility,” he said.

A recent federal investigation into the smuggling of drugs, cellphones and other items into the prison led to the suspension of 11 prison employees , The Journal Sentinel reported.

During his remarks on Wednesday, Schmidt raised broader concerns about accountability, saying that he alerted Kevin Carr, the secretary of the state Corrections Department at the time, to the problems in February. Schmidt said Carr declined to take personal responsibility and resigned a week later. “I did not find that to be a coincidence,” the sheriff added.

Carr said in an interview that he left his position for family reasons and because he had reached retirement age. He said he made the decision before Maier’s death. Carr also pushed back against Schmidt’s accusation that he had taken no responsibility. “If you look at the number of people we’ve investigated, either fired or disciplined for misconduct at that facility, it’s totally contrary to what he’s saying,” he said.

Schmidt said he was aware of similar concerns at another state maximum-security prison, Green Bay Correctional Institution. He called on state leaders to consider closing and replacing the two facilities and to create new statewide standards for prisons.

When asked if the yearlong lockdown at Waupun played a role in the deaths, Schmidt was adamant that it did not. He acknowledged, however, that the state Corrections Department had failed to properly staff the prison, which is the reason prison officials said they had put the lockdown in place. Vacancy rates for correctional officers at Waupun have dropped in recent months, but are still higher than 42%.

Lonnie Story, a lawyer who is representing several Waupun prisoners in a class-action lawsuit that accuses prison officials of failing to provide adequate physical and mental health care, believes differently.

“The lockdowns aided and abetted the abuse of my clients,” he said. “If it weren’t for the lockdowns, they wouldn’t have had the issues with staffing or medical issues.”

Inside the prison, Kevin Burkes, a prisoner, said he and other prisoners watched on television as news of the warden’s arrest broke.

“We all got to clapping,” he said. “The thing is, he wasn’t the only one responsible.”

Burkes said that despite the news coverage and a pledge from the governor to address the problems, conditions have remained largely unchanged over the past year.

Mario Koran is examining the Wisconsin Department of Corrections as part of The New York Times’ Local Investigations Fellowship.

Popular stories from Wisconsin Watch

Mario Koran / The New York Times / Wisconsin Watch Local Investigations Fellow Local Investigations Fellow

Mario Koran is currently a visiting local investigations fellow for The New York Times. He joined Wisconsin Watch in July 2021 as a reporter, and was a 2021 Knight Wallace fellow at the University of Michigan. Previously, he was a west coast correspondent for the Guardian US and covered education for Voice of San Diego, where he was named 2016 reporter of the year by the San Diego Society of Professional Journalists. His work has appeared in The New York Times, The Appeal, and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, and he was a Wisconsin Watch intern in 2013. He holds a BA in Spanish literature and MA in journalism from UW-Madison.

Jump to navigation

• Undergraduate Admissions
• Transfer Admissions
• Graduate Admissions
• Honors and Scholars Admissions
• International Admissions
• Law Admissions
• Office of Financial Aid
• Orientation
• Pre-College Programs
• Scholarships
• Tuition & Fees
• Academic Calendar
• Academic Colleges
• Degree Programs
• Online Programs
• Class Schedule
• Workforce Development
• Sponsored Programs and Research Services
• Technology Transfer
• Faculty Expertise Database
• Research Centers
• College of Graduate Studies
• Institutional Research and Analysis
• At a Glance
• Concerned Vikes
• Free Speech on Campus
• Policies and Procedures
• Messages & Updates
• In the News
• Board of Trustees
• Senior Leadership Team
• Services Near CSU

Cleveland State University

Search this site

2024 distinguished professor richard m. perloff honored for more than 40 years of service to csu.

Posted on June 6, 2024 at 11:36 AM, updated June 6, 2024 at 12:25 PM Print

The name Richard M. Perloff, Ph.D. has become synonymous with Cleveland State University since he first stepped on campus in 1979, which is one of the many reasons why CSU proudly named him Distinguished Professor at the 2024 Spring Service Awards.

It is the highest honor conferred by the University, awarded to only one professor per year. The recognition first went to Samantha Baskind, Ph.D. of the College of Arts and Sciences in 2022, then to Milena Sterio, J.D. of the College of Law in 2023.

Dr. Perloff has spent nearly 45 years serving the CSU community as a nationally recognized scholar in communication, psychology and political science, and it’s no surprise that his accolades also span decades. 

He was honored by the Press Club of Cleveland with the award for Best in Ohio Essay Writing in 2018. Dr. Perloff also earned an Excellence in Scholarship Award and Excellence in Teaching Award in 2016. His theoretical article in communication theory won the 2014 University of Amsterdam School of Communication Research McQuail Award for the best article advancing communication theory, and he earned15 first or second-place awards for feature and essay writing from the Press Club of Cleveland and the Ohio Society of Professional Journalists from 2009-19. Dr. Perloff also won a Distinguished Faculty Award for Research in 1999. The Dynamics of Persuasion, Dr. Perloff's scholarly persuasion text, was named Outstanding Book of 1993 by Choice, a division of the American Library Association that published a yearly list of Outstanding Academic Titles. Its 8th edition was released in June 2023.

Dr. Perloff is a frequent contributor to an assortment of news outlets, including Cleveland.com and The New York Times. He has also been published in Academe, the magazine of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP).

“It’s a challenge, but really lots of fun, to write pieces that everyone can relate to, think about, perhaps reflect differently on or disagree with, but maybe, I hope, with a little more understanding of a different view of the issue,” said Dr. Perloff.

Midwestern born and raised

A native of West Lafayette, Ind., Dr. Perloff earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan, where he wrote for The Michigan Daily, the University’s independent student newspaper that has operated for more than 130 years. He would move on to the University of Pittsburgh, Wisconsin-Madison and Ohio State University for his Master’s, Ph.D. and postdoctoral fellowship, respectively, before making his way to CSU as a visiting assistant professor.  

"I have been at Cleveland State for all of my professional life," Dr. Perloff said. "My professional and intellectual affiliation has been here at Cleveland State, where I have really developed as a person, as a scholar and as a writer." 

Dr. Perloff was continuously selected to take on leadership roles at CSU as the School of Communication evolved. He was elected the final chairperson of the Communication Department in 2003, then became the University's first-ever director of the School of Communication when it officially transitioned from the Department of Communication in 2004. During his seven years as director, the school added three new majors: Film & Digital Media, Journalism & Promotional Communication and Communication Management.  

"I never thought I'd really like teaching, but it's infectious; it keeps you healthy and happy, and you hope you do some good," Dr. Perloff said. "You're sharing what you love with students, but you can't be in your world—you have to partake in where they are." 

Renowned for his work in persuasion, Dr. Perloff teaches courses in persuasive communications and attitudes, as well as political communication. He has written a handful of books on the dynamics of news and political communication, including the award-winning The Dynamics of Persuasion. 

"Persuasion has been one of my loves, having taught the course for decades, making it a mainstay on the grad level, and teaching, I think, the only undergrad persuasion course on campus," Dr. Perloff said. "I love persuasion theory, and so I'll focus on things like tattoos to help students appreciate that attitude objects serve functions or help people cope, a part of attitude functions theory, a classic in the field."

Not surprisingly, excellence runs in the family. Dr. Perloff’s son, Michael, is an attorney at the American Civil Liberties Union of Washington, D.C. His daughter, Catherine, works as a platforms reporter for Adweek, an advertising publication based in New York, N.Y.  

From chalk and whiteboards to digital classrooms

Four decades of experience have allowed Dr. Perloff to showcase his talents in connecting different topics and relating them to student experiences in the classroom and beyond, mastering the art of engaging a classroom.

“If I were to pinpoint what I would consider to be his most remarkable, polished skillset, it’s his ability to see linkages between different fields of expertise, how what he does can relate to others and vice versa,” said Robert Whitbred, Ph.D., the director of CSU’s School of Communication. 

“When he’s giving an example of a persuasion theory, the direct one-to-one match is there and easy for the class to understand. That takes time. That takes expertise. That takes a willingness to continually look for ways to improve and revise things to make it better.”

The decades-long Viking has become a maestro during his multiple weekly lectures. He conducts an ensemble of student voices and responses, quickly applying them to real-world scenarios. Even during virtual sessions, Dr. Perloff continuously keeps students involved with discussions and presentations and encourages student answers during lecture times. 

“He has been remarkably adaptable to integrating new technologies into his teaching,” Dr. Whitbred said. “He does it in a seamless way that is meeting students’ expectations for what an effective college course should be.”

Dr. Whitbred also noted Dr. Perloff’s ability to mentor and work with undergraduate and graduate students to produce work and articles that are presented in state, regional and, in some cases, international conferences. 

“That’s providing opportunities for not only working with students but helping them create the next generation of scholars in the field,” he said.

Join CSU in congratulating Dr. Richard M. Perloff for being named the 2024 Distinguished Professor!

©2024 Cleveland State University | 2121 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115-2214 | (216) 687-2000. Cleveland State University is an equal opportunity educator and employer. Affirmative Action | Diversity | Employment  | Tobacco Free  | Non-Discrimination Statement  | Web Privacy Statement  | Accreditations

• Share full article

Advertisement

Subscriber-only Newsletter

Frank Bruni

The absolute worst argument for why trump won’t win.

By Frank Bruni

Mr. Bruni is a contributing Opinion writer who was on the staff of The Times for more than 25 years.

I’m routinely gobsmacked by how many people — including influential Democrats — tell me that they can’t imagine a victory by Donald Trump in November. I’m even more astounded by their reasoning.

Most of them don’t parse the economy and augur an end to the “ vibecession ” that’s distorting assessments of the country’s welfare under Joe Biden. They don’t talk about abortion rights and women’s votes.

They say some version of this:

Americans won’t be that reckless with the country’s future and won’t stoop that crudely and cruelly low. When it’s finally time to cast ballots — when the full weight of that decision hits them — they’ll realize that whatever their disappointment in the current president, it’s no match for the disgust that the former one elicits. They’ll recognize, however grudgingly, that Trump is an unserious person, unfit for a serious country.

You could file that perspective under idealism.

I call it amnesia.

It’s a dangerous reprise of the (greater) confidence that Democrats felt about Hillary Clinton back in 2016. And look how that turned out.

I understand that this time is different, in no small part because of Trump’s conviction last week. He’s a bona fide felon now. Back in 2016, it was somewhat easier for Americans itching to cast a protest vote to see the vilest of Trump’s behavior and the most vicious of his remarks as theatrical provocations, as a flamboyant show of defiance that wouldn’t amount to all that much. The line between mischief and malice could be blurry, at least if you didn’t care to look closely.

Eight years later? There’s nothing blurry about Trump. There’s no mistaking or minimizing the Nazi echoes in his talk of immigrants poisoning the blood of the country or his reference to his critics on the left as vermin . There’s no shrugging off his invitation to Vladimir Putin to invade NATO allies who didn’t pay their dues and his pledge to use the presidency to take revenge on his enemies.

In an article in Axios on Wednesday morning, Mike Allen and Jim VandeHei quoted Trump’s former chief strategist, Steve Bannon, saying that Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg would be at the top of that hit list and that he “should be — and will be — jailed.” In an article in The Times also published on Wednesday morning, Jonathan Swan, Maggie Haberman and Charlie Savage surveyed like-spirited statements by other Trump backers, writing that the “open desire for using the criminal justice system against Democrats after the verdict surpasses anything seen before in Mr. Trump’s tumultuous years in national politics.”

There’s also no ignoring the amorality of Trump’s associates. After Trump’s guilty verdicts, the popular sports talk radio host Colin Cowherd, who’s not a usual Trump critic, treated his listeners to an inventory of the criminals around Trump: “His campaign chairman was a felon. So is his deputy campaign manager, his personal lawyer, his chief strategist, his national security adviser, his trade adviser, his foreign policy adviser, his campaign fixer and his company C.F.O. They’re all felons. Judged by the company you keep. It’s a cabal of convicts.”

What’s more, Trump had four years to prove his presidential mettle. That was when he mused about treating Covid by injecting bleach; behaved so imperiously, ignorantly and erratically that many cabinet members and aides ran for the hills; and topped it all off by rejecting the outcome of the 2020 election and trying to subvert it, including with his role in inciting the violence of Jan. 6, 2021.

So, yes, the possibility of Americans signing up for more of that can seem fantastical.

But I’d point out that when he lost in 2020, we were mid-pandemic — that surely hurt him — and Biden was the one who represented change. Now, weirdly, Trump does.

I’d point out that to go by opinion polls , more voters have reservations about Biden’s age (81) than about Trump’s (77 until next week). And those reservations are deep.

I’d point out that while Biden received roughly seven million more votes than Trump did four years ago, about 45,000 votes in Georgia, Arizona and Wisconsin were the difference between Biden’s victory in the Electoral College and a tie with Trump. Those states — along with Pennsylvania, Nevada and a few others — could be decided as closely this time around.

Last, I’d point out that many of the voters who will give Biden or Trump his margin of victory aren’t attuned to the scariest and most negative details about Trump that I’ve just laid out. And in a fragmented and chaotic news environment, they may be supping on information entirely different from what the crowd who cannot envision Trump’s election consumes.

These shallowly and sporadically engaged voters might just gasp at the prices of groceries and houses, dismiss the verbal crossfire between Biden and Trump as a more intense version of familiar political warfare and choose Trump. Not acknowledging the very real possibility of that is dangerously complacent, and it fails to recognize how forcefully Biden and his supporters need to make the argument for him. The case against Trump is indisputably damning — but it may not be enough.

For the Love of Sentences

In The Times, Maureen Dowd sized up many Republican politicians’ meltdown over Donald Trump’s conviction: “The party of law and order evidently doesn’t like any law it didn’t order.” (Thanks to Rob Fitzpatrick of West Orange, N.J., and Kay Windsor of Winston-Salem, N.C., among many others, for nominating this.)

Also in The Times, A.O. Scott evaluated Trump’s reality-free remarks about the trial and verdict: “Some witnesses were ‘literally crucified’ by the judge, Juan Merchan, ‘who looks like an angel, but he’s really a devil.’ As a longtime journalist (and lifelong pedant), I’m compelled to point out that nobody was literally crucified. And as a student of Renaissance love poetry, I’m tempted to linger over Mr. Trump’s oddly tender description of the ‘highly conflicted’ judge: ‘He looks so nice and soft.’” (Lisa Smith, Sacramento)

William K. Rashbaum provided a peek into the room where the Trump jurors deliberated: “The walls are painted a hue best described as municipal.” (Sally Quigley, Richmond, Va., and Jane Yahr Shepard, Madison, Wis.)

And Gail Collins cracked the strategy and appeal of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a buff fitness buff: “If voters decide they want a president who can welcome foreign dignitaries at the White House naked from the waist up, he’s definitely your guy.” (Trish Hooven Brown, Philadelphia, and Helen C. Gagel, Evanston, Ill.)

In The Times of London, Hadley Freeman pondered the recent invisibility of Trump’s once-ubiquitous older daughter. “After the jury’s verdict was read out, Ivanka sent a message of love directly to her father — oh, wait, I stand corrected: She posted it on her Instagram Stories, which automatically delete after a day,” Freeman wrote. “Brings a tear to the eye, that. Perhaps she learned during her father’s trial that it’s best not to leave a paper trail.” (Sandra Notarangelo, London)

In The New Yorker, Rivka Galchen identified a group on which our political dysfunctions will have special impact: “Young people live on the highest floors of the teetering tower of our civilization, and they will be the last ones to leave the building. They have the most to lose if the stairwells start to crumble.” (Michael Schooler, Washington)

On NOLA.com, Clancy DuBos questioned the claims of a “mandate” by Gov. Jeff Landry of Louisiana by wondering if Landry knew the term’s meaning: “Given his obsession with anti-L.G.B.T.Q. legislation, one could even conceive that the first time he heard someone say ‘mandate,’ he thought it was two words — and recoiled in priggish disgust.” (Lorraine Gardella, New Orleans)

On Wirecutter, which is owned by The Times, Jon Chase marveled at the interior life of a newfangled washing machine: “After a month, an email appeared with usage statistics (how many cycles we’d used, what modes we favored) and — get this — a series of diagnostics confirming that the water supply, drain and all the various internal mechanicals were all in fine working order. This blew my mind: I can’t be bothered to get a physical on the reg, and now I’ve got a washer with its own Mayo Clinic built in.” (Judith Grey, Monhegan, Maine)

Last, in a post titled “Deep Reading Will Save Your Soul” in the newsletter Persuasion, William Deresiewicz described the motivations of applicants to a special learning project intended as an alternative to the superficialities of some college instruction today: “Beneath their talk of education, of unplugging from technology, of having time for creativity and solitude, I detected a desire to be free of forces and agendas: the university’s agenda of ‘relevance,’ the professoriate’s agenda of political mobilization, the market’s agenda of productivity, the internet’s agenda of surveillance and addiction. In short, the whole capitalistic algorithmic ideological hairball of coerced homogeneity. The desire is to not be recruited, to not be instrumentalized, to remain (or become) an individual, to resist regression toward the mean, or meme.” (Cornelia Schuh, Toronto)

To nominate favorite bits of recent writing from The Times or other publications to be mentioned in “For the Love of Sentences,” please email me here and include your name and place of residence.

What I’m Reading

You’ll find a smorgasbord of delicious sentences and some superb characterizations of our country’s mood and moment in James Parker’s article in The Atlantic about Theo Von, a comedian and podcaster who both is and isn’t cut from Joe Rogan’s cloth.

There are many good reasons to read my Times colleague Jessica Testa’s recent profile of Brooke Shields, but none better than the way in which Brooke’s mother, Teri Shields, is introduced. It’s deft and delightful. Do check it out.

After a rare sort of stroke in late 2017 robbed me of vision in my right eye, I spent many hours talking with Judge David S. Tatel, who was then serving on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. (He has since retired.) But our conversations weren’t about the law or his legal career, so distinguished that his name had once come up in relation to a possible appointment to the Supreme Court. They were about blindness. Tatel had lost sight in both eyes in his 30s — and had adjusted to that with such tenacity and nimbleness that many of his peers didn’t even know about his disability. He discussed it some with me for an Opinion essay I wrote in early 2018 and for my 2022 book, “ The Beauty of Dusk .” He has now told his story in rich detail in a memoir of his own, “Vision,” to be released on Tuesday. It’s deeply moving and packed with wisdom, as this terrific recent article about the judge and his book by my Times colleague Adam Liptak made clear. The book has a bonus for us dog lovers: Tatel’s reflections on integrating a service dog, Vixen, into his life in 2019.

Speaking of dogs: I assume you’ve read my Times colleague Sam Anderson’s gorgeous tribute to Moby and Walnut, his family’s dachshunds. As best I can tell, it went deservedly viral, but in case you missed it, here it is , with splendid illustrations by Gaia Alari and a design (compliments to everyone involved!) that’s totally enchanting.

Bonus Regan Picture!

If we’re going to have such a doggy day, newsletter-wise, I’m letting Regan in on the action. Besides, it has been about a month and a half since I mentioned her, and many of you write in to chide me — sweetly — when I fail to provide new photos of her or fresh updates. Some of you even wonder if she’s OK. So here you have it: proof of life. Or, rather, proof of leisure. Proof of languidness. Proof that Regan enjoys the cushions, comfort and time for optimal relaxation. And that she takes full, splayed advantage of that.

On a Personal Note

My colleague Mike Baker wrote last week about a 20-year-old Seattle resident who on many nights drives around the city in his modified Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat, the backfire from its tailpipes so loud that windows rattle and people reel. Making noise, breaking the speed limit and creating a nuisance-cum-spectacle are the point. He has more than 750,000 Instagram followers .

“For all the aggravated residents who view him with increasing disdain — ‘Entire neighborhoods are angry and sleep deprived,’ one resident wrote their local council member — many more are tracking his escapades on social media, celebrating a life unencumbered by self-consciousness or regret,” Mike reported.

I can’t get past that celebration. What this prankster’s fans see as freedom from self-consciousness can as easily be regarded as just plain selfishness. And in his amassing of admirers by rejecting common courtesy and flouting the law (what happens when he plows into someone because he can’t brake fast enough?), he reminds me of too many figures and dynamics in American life.

Like a certain politician poised to get the Republican presidential nomination.

Like Americans who treat any and every government edict as an affront to their liberty if not an insufferable injustice.

A sane society and a sustainable democracy are balancing acts between self-expression and respect for everyone else, between individualism (rugged or otherwise) and the common good. We’re unbalanced these days. And the hellion in his Hellcat isn’t just a rebel without a cause. He’s a rebel without a conscience.

Frank Bruni is a professor of journalism and public policy at Duke University, the author of the book "The Age of Grievance" and a contributing Opinion writer. He writes a weekly email newsletter .   Instagram   Threads   @ FrankBruni • Facebook