University of Wisconsin-Madison is a well-known institution. It has a selective admission process. The acceptance rate of University of Wisconsin-Madison is 49.06%. This means that 49 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
How Competitive are University of Wisconsin-Madison Admissions?
- Moderately Competitive: Applicants need good academics and extracurriculars.
- GPA, SAT/ACT, and AP/IB courses significantly impact admission chances.
- A holistic review considers essays, recommendations, and leadership roles.
Since the acceptance rate is low, you need to perform exceptionally well in academics and other activities. However, since it is not below 20%, you still have a chance if your GPA isn't excellent. You can compensate for a lower GPA by scoring high on the SAT, and ACT, and taking IB or AP courses.
Additionally, a well-written letter of recommendation, your participation in co-curricular and extracurricular activities, and your interpersonal communication skills can enhance your admission chances.
University of Wisconsin-Madison Admission Requirements
University of Wisconsin-Madison GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at University of Wisconsin-Madison is 3.88. This indicates extreme selectivity in admissions.
To have strong chances, you must aim for straight A’s in all courses.
If your GPA is between 3.58 and 3.88, then you need a high SAT or ACT score to compensate. You need a minimum of 3.48 GPA to have a realistic chance of admission.
Can I Get Into University of Wisconsin-Madison Without SAT Or ACT?: University of Wisconsin-Madison considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 4 to 5 times to improve their scores. Hence you are required to plan early and appear in upcoming SAT / ACT tests. Check the schedule of the test and plan accordingly. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students, as given below.
University of Wisconsin-Madison SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. Only a few schools require the SAT or ACT, but many consider your scores if you choose to submit them. The test score policy is already mentioned.
University of Wisconsin-Madison Average SAT Score: 1374
The average SAT score of the admitted students at University of Wisconsin-Madison is 1374 on the 1600 SAT scale.
University of Wisconsin-Madison SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it Competitive for SAT scores. You need to do well to score 1374 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1510 SAT or 32 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. University of Wisconsin-Madison allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1340, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to University of Wisconsin-Madison. It is not strange to appear multiple times for the SAT to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have appeared multiple times, but not more than 5 times.
University of Wisconsin-Madison SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 735 | 690 | 780 |
| SAT Reading | 690 | 650 | 730 |
| SAT Composite | 1374 | 1340 | 1510 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1340 then you are below most of the admitted students at University of Wisconsin-Madison and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1510 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students. View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1350
Can I get into University of Wisconsin-Madison with a 1500 SAT?
With a 1500 SAT Score, your chances of admission at University of Wisconsin-Madison are good but the admission staff at University of Wisconsin-Madison tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
University of Wisconsin-Madison ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at University of Wisconsin-Madison is 29.
University of Wisconsin-Madison ACT Competitiveness
This score makes University of Wisconsin-Madison Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do well to score 29 on the ACT.
University of Wisconsin-Madison ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 28 | 25 | 31 |
| ACT English | 29 | 25 | 33 |
| ACT Composite | 29 | 26 | 32 |
Can I get into University of Wisconsin-Madison with a 32 ACT?
With a 32 ACT Score, your chances of admission at University of Wisconsin-Madison are good but the admission staff does not check your ACT Score only. The College Admission process tests your all-around personality and academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission.
SAT Vs ACT: Which score to send
You can compare your scores in SAT and ACT to the average SAT and ACT Scores of the admitted students at University of Wisconsin-Madison. More importantly, comparing your scores with the 25th and 75th percentiles of SAT and ACT scores will give you a better understanding of where you stand. If your score on the SAT is near the 75th percentile SAT score, then you must send your SAT score. If your ACT score is near the 75th percentile, then you must send your ACT Score.
But there is more, if both of your scores are in the same range, then it is better to send an ACT Score, as in the case of ACT, you can control which score to send as opposed to SAT.
Here is how: When sending the ACT Score, you can decide which score you want to send to the colleges. You could take 8 ACT tests, and only send your highest one. This is not the case with the SAT, where your score report mentions all of your attempts.
View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 29.University of Wisconsin-Madison Profile
Name: University of Wisconsin-Madison
Accredited by: Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
How to Improve Your Chances of Getting into University of Wisconsin-Madison
Boost Your Test Scores: Retake the SAT/ACT if needed. Use resources to improve your score.
Focus on Academics: Maintain a high GPA and take challenging courses.
Extracurricular Activities: University of Wisconsin-Madison values well-rounded students who make meaningful contributions to their communities. Here’s how to showcase your strengths:
- Highlight long-term commitments, and unique accomplishments.
- Leaderships: Demonstrate clear leadership experience. This is not only true for University of Wisconsin-Madison but also other schools. If you cannot demonstrate strong leadership qualities, your chances of acceptance will be low. Work on your weak areas, and improve your communication and interpersonal skills. Also, include your work experiences where you were given leadership responsibilities, and write down your achievements and how you were able to contribute as a team leader and team member.
- Community Service: Show how you have influenced change in the community and have a strong desire to do so in the future. Also, if you are planning to apply for University of Wisconsin-Madison, participate in relevant activities. Work for social welfare and look for opportunities where you can make an impact. Start with your school or student council. Those having positions like president, secretary generals etc… in students councils have better chances. Network with notable people and develop your social media profile accordingly.
- Passion Projects: Whether it’s starting a club, publishing research, or excelling in the arts, show what sets you apart. Example: If you’ve founded a nonprofit or won a national competition, make sure it’s prominently featured in your application.
- Align your goals with University of Wisconsin-Madison’s mission. Carefully read the objectives and mission of University of Wisconsin-Madison on their official website and plan accordingly for each specific point. See how well your profile matches their objectives and goals, and work on the areas where you are lacking.
- Secure Strong Recommendations: Get letters from professors or employers who know your abilities well. Share your achievements and goals with them for a stronger, more personalized recommendation. If personal statement and recommendations align, your chances of success will be higher.
- Build a Strong Network: Engage with University of Wisconsin-Madison Alumni and current students. Ask them how they planned their scholarship journey, what challenges they faced, and how they overcame them. Learn about the key factors behind their success and how they secured their selection.
- Craft Strong Essays: Tell your story authentically and highlight what makes you unique. College Essay is a very important document. Unlike your transcripts, which just show your numbers or grades, the essay reflects your true personality as a human being. Take considerable time to refine and craft your statement of purpose. Here are the detailed guidelines for writing a winning College Essay form our experts.
Does a degree from University of Wisconsin-Madison Worth It?
Getting into University of Wisconsin-Madison can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. University of Wisconsin-Madison offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision. Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at University of Wisconsin-Madison is USD: 71185.17 and unemployment rate is 2.83%.
How much does a degree from University of Wisconsin-Madison Cost?The average annual cost of the degree at University of Wisconsin-Madison is USD: 27100. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at University of Wisconsin-Madison is USD: 16834
How can I get a scholarship?
14.95% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 21.54 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to University of Wisconsin-Madison and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At University of Wisconsin-Madison, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist University of Wisconsin-Madison as your choice in the form.
How much a University of Wisconsin-Madison Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the University of Wisconsin-Madison graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 73792. An average University of Wisconsin-Madison graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than University of Wisconsin-Madison. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower than the requirements of University of Wisconsin-Madison, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thomas Aquinas College | Thomas Aquinas College, CA | 1328 | 30 |
| University of Denver | University of Denver, CO | 1348 | 30 |
| University of Connecticut | University of Connecticut, CT | 1340 | 31 |
| Fairfield University | Fairfield University, CT | 1325 | 30 |
| University of Georgia | University of Georgia, GA | 1335 | 30 |
| Illinois Institute of Technology | Illinois Institute of Technology, IL | 1328 | 30 |
| United States Naval Academy | United States Naval Academy, MD | 1326 | 29 |
| Bentley University | Bentley University, MA | 1346 | 30 |
| College of the Holy Cross | College of the Holy Cross, MA | 1361 | 30 |
| Wheaton College (Massachusetts) | Wheaton College (Massachusetts), MA | 1346 | 30 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as University of Wisconsin-Madison. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive for University of Wisconsin-Madison, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loyola Marymount University | Loyola Marymount University, CA | 1378 | 31 |
| Santa Clara University | Santa Clara University, CA | 1379 | 31 |
| Westmont College | Westmont College, CA | 1380 | 32 |
| Wheaton College | Wheaton College, IL | 1367 | 31 |
| Centre College | Centre College, KY | 1366 | 30 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than University of Wisconsin-Madison. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Occidental College | Occidental College, CA | 1434 | 33 |
| Connecticut College | Connecticut College, CT | 1427 | 32 |
| Wesleyan University | Wesleyan University, CT | 1426 | 33 |
| George Washington University | George Washington University, DC | 1420 | 33 |
| University of Miami | University of Miami, FL | 1409 | 32 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Accounting and Related Services
- African Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Agricultural Business and Management
- Agricultural Engineering
- Agricultural Public Services
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Animal Sciences
- Anthropology
- Apparel and Textiles
- Applied Mathematics
Full list of All degree programs offered by University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2024, US Department of Education's latest 2024 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.