The University of Wisconsin-Madison is one of the public institutions with a moderate acceptance rate, but its requirements for high school grades are more competitive.
In this article, we have analyzed the admission chances at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the requirements for first-year applicants, tuition, what to include in your application profile, and lots more.
If you are a long-time admirer of the University of Wisconsin-Madison and your aspirations remain to enrol in any of the programs offered at the university? Then you should read this article thoroughly for the latest facts, statistics, and admission strategies.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is one of the top public institutions and the earliest in the United States. The University was established in the mid-19th century and since its inception, has provided education to a multitude of generational inquisitive students.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is a perfect research institution for undergraduate, graduate, and professional students interested in intensive research in engineering, medicine, pharmacy, and computer data and information sciences.
Madison has a large number of undergraduate students enrolled in various degree programs across schools and colleges on its main campus. The recent admission statistics show over fifty-three thousand first-year applications received at Madison in the fall of the previous academic year.
The admitted applicants were more than half of the overall applications received at Madison. Madison’s requirements for high school grades are not aligned with its admit rate as they are on a selective standard.
To find out the requirement for GPA and what your application profile should contain, kindly read the article till the end.
About the University of Wisconsin Madison
The University of Wisconsin Madison is a public research institution located in Madison, Wisconsin. Established in 1848, Madison is the oldest and largest public research institution in Wisconsin.
The University’s main campus sits on 933 acres and it functions on a semester-based academic calendar.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison has a total enrollment of 33,506 undergraduates, 9,772 graduates, 1,968 special, and 2,686 professional students as of the fall of 2021. Madison offers a collection of decorative degree programs at undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an institution for advanced scientific research. It has some of the best research facilities to engage students in intense research in any field of study. The Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF), was established for the sole purpose of innovative research in graduate education.
Additionally, Madison also has various undergraduate research scholarships, fellowships, programs, and apprenticeships.
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University of Wisconsin Madison Schools, Colleges, and Institutes
You will find various degree programs in these Madison schools, colleges, and institutes.
- College of Agricultural and Life Sciences
- Division of the Arts
- School of Business
- School of Computer Data and Information Sciences
- Division of Continuing Studies
- School of Education
- College of Engineering
- Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies
- Graduate School
- School of Human Ecology
- Information School
- School of Journalism and Mass Communication
- Language Institute
- College of Letters and Science
- Law School
- School of Medicine and Public Health
- School of Music
- School of Nursing
- School of Public Affairs
- School of Pharmacy
- School of Social Work
- School of Veterinary Medicine
Popular Programs at Madison
- Applied Math, Engineering and Physics
- Chemistry
- Civil and Environmental Engineering
- Economics
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Medicine
- Nursing
University of Wisconsin Madison Rankings
Below are the state and national rankings of the University of Wisconsin Madison, according to Niche.com.
National Rankings
- 3rd in Top Party Schools in America
- 4th in Colleges with the Best Student Life in America
- 10th in Best Colleges for Agricultural Sciences in America
- 12th in Best Colleges for Communication in America
- 12th in Best Greek Life Colleges in America
- 12th in Top Public Universities in America
- 13th in Best Big Colleges in America
- 15th in Best Colleges for Education in America
State Rankings
- 1st in Best Colleges in Wisconsin
- 1st in Colleges with the Best Academics in Wisconsin
- 1st in Colleges with the Best Professors in Wisconsin
- 1st in Hardest Colleges to Get Into in Wisconsin
- 1st in Best Colleges for Students Athletes in Wisconsin
- 1st in Best Colleges for Business in Wisconsin
- 1st in Best Colleges for Biology in Wisconsin
- 1st in Best Colleges for Computer Science in Wisconsin
University of Wisconsin Madison Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at the University of Wisconsin-Madison has been at an average of 50%. The past few years had an admit rate of 52.6% in 2016-2017 and 54.4% in the 2019-2020 admission cycle.
Currently, the acceptance rate at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is 60.3%. Madison will admit 60 applicants out of every 100.
In the last admission cycle at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, 60.3% out of the 53,829 undergraduate applicants were admitted into various degree programs. The new students had GPA, SAT, and ACT scores that were up to the standard at Madison.
Despite having an acceptance rate that meets the national average for universities in the United States, the University of Wisconsin-Madison has a selective standard for high school GPA and a bit for SAT and ACT.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison Yield Rate
The yield rate of any college or university is the percentage of admitted students who decided to enrol, divided by the total number of students admitted in the admission cycle.
The yield rate at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is 26.1% which is lower than most state universities.
GPA Requirement
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is less selective, with an acceptance rate that admits more than half of its applicants. The newly admitted first-year applicants had a GPA of 3.55-3.78.
The average GPA at Madison stands at 3.86 which is quite selective for most high school applicants.
SAT Requirement
The average SAT score composite at Madison is 1390 on the 1600 SAT scale.
Here are the statistics for the new SAT scores.
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
| Math | 725 | 670 | 780 |
| Reading and Writing | 665 | 630 | 700 |
| Composite | 1390 | 1300 | 1480 |
ACT Requirement
The average ACT score at Madison is 30.
Here are the statistics for the ACT scores range.
| Act | Score Range |
| English | 26-34 |
| Math | 26-31 |
| Composite Score | 27-32 |
Application Requirement
The University of Wisconsin-Madison has an acceptance rate which attracts thousands of applicants, including domestic and international. Those who applied to Madison in the last admission cycle provided essential secondary/high school documents during their online application.
First-Year Application Requirement
For a successful application to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, you must provide these application requirements.
Application Options
The University of Wisconsin-Madison uses the UW System Application and Common Application platform.
Madison recommends that you apply with your email rather than a high school email.
Application Fee or Fee Waiver
The application fee at Madison is a non-refundable fee of $60. The payment can be made online with credit cards. If you are applying via the UW System Application, the application fee can be paid by check or money order.
Fee waivers are also available for applicants with financial needs. Eligible applicants can request a waiver during their application.
Two Essay
If you are applying via the Common Application, you will have to respond to any of the first-year Common Application Essays. While those applying with the UW System Application will respond to two prompt essays.
Course and Grade Information
If you have obtained your General Education Development (GED) certificate or High School Equivalent Diploma (HSE), you can submit your official score report together with your transcript.
Letter of Recommendation
The University of Wisconsin- Madison requires a letter of recommendation written either by your school teacher, faculty member, or counsellor. An additional letter of recommendation from your mentors or individuals who can give a good account of your behaviour outside the classroom is also accepted.
Standardized Testing
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is test-optional through the spring 2025 term.
English Proficiency Test
This requirement is for international applicants who are non-native English speakers or applicants who received academic instructions in a different language.
If this requirement applies to you, you must take the following English proficiency test.
- TOEFL iBT; Minimum score- 80+
- IELTS; Minimum score- 6.5+
- Duolingo English Test; Minimum score- 105+
You can get more information on these application requirements by visiting Madison’s official website via the link below.
University of Wisconsin-Madison First-Year Application and Materials Deadlines
| DECISION PLAN | APPLICATION DEADLINE | MATERIALS DEADLINE | DECISION |
| Spring Regular Decision | October 1* | October 8 | On or before December 31 |
| Fall Early Action | November 1* | November 8 | On or before January 31 |
| Fall Regular Decision | January 15* | January 22* | On or before March 31 |
How to Increase Your Chances of Getting Into Madison
The University of Wisconsin-Madison has a flexible acceptance rate and a selective requirement for high school grades and test scores. Your chances of getting into Madison will be at an advantage by considering these factors.
#1. Apply During Early Action
The University of Wisconsin has an acceptance rate that admits more than half of its overall applicants. However, you can increase the admit rate at Madison by almost 100%.
An application in Early Action to Madison will enhance your chances of admission. The admit rate for Early Action is higher than that of Regular Action.
If you are certain that Madison is your first choice, then you should apply in Early Action.
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#2. Aim for a 3.86 GPA While Taking Hard Classes
The GPA required at Madison is 3.86 on average. If you are still a high schooler, such a standard requires that you be at the top of your class with more A’s in your courses.
To convince the admission committee at Madison that you are a worthy candidate, you should take hard classes (AP or IB courses) available at your school.
#. 3 Write Interesting Essays
One of the most important factors during application is an essay. The University of Wisconsin-Madison considers essays an important tool to evaluate your personality, passion, goals, intellectual interest, and commitment.
Write a unique essay portraying your intellect and why you fit in perfectly on the Madison campus.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison Tuition and Fee
Here is the estimated cost of attendance at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
| Expense Category | Wisconsin Resident | Non Resident | Minnesota Resident | Commuter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | $10,766.00 | $38,654.00 | $14,812.00 | $10,766.00 |
| Required Course Material & Educational Supplies | $1,150.00 | $1,150.00 | $1,150.00 | $1,150.00 |
| Housing & Meals | $12,548.00 | $12,548.00 | $12,548.00 | $2,294.00 |
| Personal | $2,250.00 | $2,250.00 | $2,250.00 | $2,250.00 |
| Transportation | $750.00 | $1,220.00 | $1,030.00 | $750.00 |
| Loan Fees | $66.00 | $66.00 | $66.00 | $66.00 |
| Total | $27,530.00 | $55,888.00 | $31,856.00 | $17,276.00 |
Student Life at the University of Wisconsin-Madison
The University of Wisconsin-Madison has an atmosphere of opportunities for students to explore and find meaning to ignite and rekindle their passion for life. Madison provides the medium for students to share diverse opinions from different perspectives with each other.
Madison housing includes 21 University Residence Halls located in two serene neighbourhoods, and you have a preference on any.
Is the University of Wisconsin-Madison a Good School?
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is among the top public universities in the United States. Madison is a public university for students who are interested in intensive research in engineering, medicine, natural sciences, business, and computer data and information.
Madison is a powerhouse of research for undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. The Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation is an initiative to propagate innovative research in graduate education.
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What is Madison Known For?
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is the largest public research institution in the state of Wisconsin. Madison’s popularity is its intense research in various fields of study to solve problems in today’s society.
Madison is more often referred to as a public ivy due to its diversity, heritage, academics, and student life.
What is the University of Wisconsin-Madison Searching for in Students?
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is searching for students with convincing application profiles. Providing good grades and high test scores in your application materials are not the only factors considered during your application evaluation.
Madison wants to know more about your extracurricular activities, work experience, personal interest and your involvement in community service.
It is highly recommended that you include these factors while writing your essay, to convince the application readers at Madison that you envision the prospect of academics at the university community.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison Contact Address
- School Address: Madison, WI, United States
- Phone: +1 608-263-2400
Frequently Asked Questions about the Acceptance Rate at the University of Wisconsin-Madison
Here are the frequently asked questions about the acceptance rate at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
What GPA do you need to get into the University of Wisconsin-Madison?
The required GPA at Madison is an average of 3.86. Those who were admitted in the last admission cycle had an average GPA of 3.55-3.75.
If your GPA is lower than Madison standards, you will need a high standardized test of 1390 on the SAT and 30 on the ACT.
Is it difficult to get into Madison?
The acceptance rate at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is on a less selective standard of 60.3%. Madison admits 60 applicants out of every 100.
Despite having an acceptance rate that meets the national average for American universities, the University of Wisconsin-Madison has a selective requirement for GPA, SAT and ACT.
Can I get into the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a 3.3 GPA?
With a 3.3 GPA, it will be difficult to get into Madison. The newly admitted students at Madison had high school GPAs of 3.55-3.78.
Conclusion
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is one of the prominent public research institutions in America.
Madison is the largest public research institution in all of Wisconsin, providing the opportunity for students to discover new possibilities in academics.
Madison is well known and heavily involved in academic research for undergrad and graduate studies. Its acceptance rate is flexible but, you will need to provide an impressive application profile to get through admissions.
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