Follow the instruction on the How Do I Apply document above for details.
Apply Early
Apply to more than just one school. Suggestions would be to apply to a Safe School, a Reach School and a Dream School.
Have someone look over your application before you submit it to make sure that you do not have any errors.
Fill out the Letter of Recommendation Cover Sheet above and provide a copy to each person writing a letter on your behalf.
Ask for letter of recommendation early!
All campuses use the following essay:
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 like influence you, and how will it continue to influence you as yu pursue your college education?
A couple of campuses have additional essays:
UW-La Crosse
Please respond to one of the following:
How will your life experiences, commitments, and/or characteristics enrich the UW-La Crosse campus community?
Tell us why you are interested in attending the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and what aspects of the campus are especially important to you.
UW-Madison
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.
A few tips for writing your essay:
Campuses recommend that essays be 250 to 650 words
Guidance on what to write about:
Academic and personal hurdles and/or challenges you'd like campuses to know about.
Any information that is inclusive of your family or your community experiences.
Address any academic issues you faced during your high school career that impacted your transcript.
Check your spelling and grammar.
Ask someone to proofread your final version
Click on the links below to access virtual tours all over the nation. This is a great first step in researching what college campuses have to offer you as a student!
The Common Application is a not-for-profit organization that serves students and member institutions by providing an admission application – online and in print – that students may submit to any of the 488 members.
Comprehensive site for all UW System college and universities with direct links to individual campuses
Comprehensive college planning information
College Goal Wisconsin is a national event that provides free information and assistance to families who are filling out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
Information and registration for prospective student athletes
The ACT is America's most widely used college entrance exam in the midwest. College-bound juniors test once or more beginning with the early winter test dates junior year to the early fall dates senior year. The ACT assesses high school students' general educational development and their ability to complete college-level work. The multiple-choice tests cover four skill areas: English, mathematics, reading, and science. The Writing Test, which is optional, measures skill in planning and writing a short essay. Some colleges require the Writing Test; others do not. You should check with the institutions to which you might apply, or with a school counselor, to decide whether you should take the Writing Test.
To mark test dates, locate test sites, register for the test, take practice tests, learn about the writing test option, or find test prep resources, go to:
The SAT is widely accepted across America for college admission purposes. Students do not need to take both the ACT and SAT, but may choose to take both, or select the one that is preferred by their college(s) of choice. A few highly selected colleges use the SAT Subject Tests for admission, scholarship competition, or for course placement and to advise students about course selection.
This pre-SAT and National Merit Qualifying Test (NMSQT) is for juniors.