Applying to College - Start Here!

The Fall 2023 undergraduate application for the University of Wisconsin System will be accessible beginning August 1 and now you can submit August 1!

Application fee is $70 for UW-Madison and $25 for UW-Eau Claire and UW-La Crosse. You will submit a payment to schools you apply to after you submit your online application. (If you receive free/reduced lunch - You are able to get your application fee waived. There is a section at the end of the application to fill out on your own.)

A good goal is to have all applications completed by Halloween. It is important that you apply to college early as this is the only way to guarantee that your application will be considered. Individual campuses may not publish priority dates or deadlines for applications; rather applications will be processed on a rolling basis and admissions will be closed when the university has admitted enough students to generate its freshman class. It is in your best interest to get your applications in sooner rather than later!

For a complete listing of all campus guidelines, deadlines, and requirements, click here: https://uwhelp.wisconsin.edu/counselors/admission-process/ 

Universities consider the courses that you are currently enrolled in when making their decision to admit you into their school. If you want to make changes to your senior schedule after you have applied to a university, you need to email their admissions department to inform them of your changes. And keep in mind - SENIOR YEAR GRADES MATTER!!

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

 Academic factors:

• Quality of high school coursework

• Class rank

• Grade Point Average (GPA)

• ACT/SAT scores (Many schools are test optional until Spring 2025)

Other factors considered:

• Work experience

• Leadership qualities

• Motivation, creativity, resourcefulness, etc.

• Community service

• Special talents

• Socioeconomic status

• Member of a historically underrepresented racial or ethnic group

A Completed College Application: The Four Main Parts 

1.  Online Application

   • UW Schools: https://apply.wisconsin.edu/ 

   • Common App: www.commonapp.org 

   • Madison College: https://madisoncollege.edu/apply

   • Other Universities - visit their website and "Apply Now"

2. Application Fee

   • Submit online immediately following submission of application. 

   • Fee waiver for UW and other Schools - At the end of the application, you will need to request a fee waiver.

3. ACT Scores

   • Log into your account at www.actstudent.org and click on "Send Your Scores." If you chose to have your scores sent when you originally signed up to take the ACT, you do not need to worry about sending them now.

4. Transcripts - Xello

   • Request your transcripts through Xello. Stop by if you have questions.

Application Statement - Writing Tips for Personal Statements

 This is an essential part of your application, and we want to help you write the best possible statement. Here are some quick tips:

• Keep your statement between 300 to 600 words. Clear, concise writing matters more than length.

• This is your chance to explain any life events that might have impacted your academic performance.

• Read the question/prompts closely and answer accordingly. That act alone is a positive statement.

• Imagine responding to questions during an in-person interview. Use your own voice, tell your story, and don’t ramble.

• Proofread. Proofread. And proofread. Ask a friend or teacher to read your statement to help point out inconsistencies, grammar mistakes, etc. Then proofread it again.

• You should hear within a few business days from the campus via email once you have successfully completed your application. There will be additional instructions, so please follow them carefully.

APPLICATION STATEMENTS - Click on the links below to access.

Here’s your chance to tell your story based on specific questions or prompts. Each campus has their own prompts for you to follow when writing your statements. 

UW System Application Essay Questions and Prompts                                                                           Common Application Essay Prompts

How To Report Dual Credit Classes on Applications

Belleville High School offers several dual credit courses that you need to report on your UW (and other college) applications. You have to include all institutions of higher education currently or previously attended.  You will need to request transcripts from those dual credit schools (Madison College, UW-RiverFalls, etc.) to report those credits to your college.

Letters of Recommendation

Whom Should I Ask?

Core subject area teachers usually make good candidates, however you can ask any school staff member. Colleges generally prefer recommendations that speak towards your academic abilities. Recommendations from employers, coaches, faith leaders, or neighbors may be useful in terms of scholarship applications, but these types of recommendations are not academic. Make sure the person writing the recommendation knows you personally and is able to communicate your strengths. Please be considerate: school staff are happy to provide you with letters of recommendation, and it is important that you ask in person if possible.

When Should I Ask?

Make sure you give your recommendation writers plenty of time (at least one month before letters are due) as they may be writing for multiple students. 

How To Get the Best Results

Talk to your recommendation writers. Provide them with a copy of the Accomplishments Resume and be sure to let them know your future plans (intended major/career). The best letters include specific examples and stories rather than vague praise.

Make sure your recommendation writers have everything they need to write your letters and submit them on time:

●    Deadline information

●    Completed Accomplishments Resume

• • • The more detailed your accomplishments resume, the better.

●    A copy of your complete essays/personal statement 

●    Name(s) of specific college/university that requires a letter of recommendation

Helpful Tips for You

●    Be polite! People are usually happy to help you with recommendations if you ask politely and give them enough advance notice.

●    Do NOT ask family or close relatives for letters

●    On the application form, waive your right to view the recommendation letters

●    Make sure your recommendation writer knows your deadline(s). Follow up with that person after a few weeks to make sure they are aware of your deadline.

●    Write thank you notes to your recommendation writers, and later, tell them where you’ve decided to go to college

Financial Aid Information 

FAFSA presentation will be on November 29th @ 6pm in the HS Auditorium

Katie Sprunger

Financial Aid Counselor - Edgewood College

KSprunger@edgewood.edu 

Website to get your FSA ID: https://fsaid.ed.gov/npas/index.htm

Complete your FAFSA: https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/fafsa 

College Goal Wisconsin

*Provides free information and assistance to families who need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)