Paths to UW Schools

Students who choose the traditional application process for the Universities of Wisconsin must submit applications to individual universities and pay application fees (if applicable). Application decisions will be based on a holistic review of multiple factors, as determined by each university, and students will receive admission decisions beginning August 1 depending on their application date and the university’s decision date. Students can opt to share their ACT/SAT scores as part of the application process and may have to write an essay (depending on the university they are applying to). All Universities of Wisconsin participate in the traditional application process.

The Direct Admit Wisconsin process offers early admission to participating Universities of Wisconsin (all except UW-Madison, Eau Claire and LaCrosse) for rising seniors (current juniors). The UWs collaborate with Hudson High School to review student academic records (high school courses and GPA) at the end of a student’s junior year and make offers of admission to participating UW universities without the need to submit a traditional admission application. Students will receive offers of admission from universities near the end of July, prior to their senior year, via Skyward. Students do not need to complete college applications, pay application fees or submit ACT scores.

It is important to note that students must meet the minimum admission criteria of the university and that this program does not provide guaranteed admission into a specific major, program, school, or college (such as engineering, business, dance or music).

The Wisconsin Guarantee offers guaranteed admission to all Universities of Wisconsin universities for all students who qualify. First-year applicants from Wisconsin high schools who are in the top 10% of their class at the end of 11th grade, or Wisconsin residents who are homeschooled and receive an ACT score in the national 90th percentile ranking or higher, or are a National Merit Scholarship finalist will be guaranteed admission to all UW universities except UW-Madison.

First-year applicants from Wisconsin high schools who are in the top 5% of their class at the end of 11th grade, or Wisconsin residents who are homeschooled and receive an ACT score in the national 98th percentile ranking or higher or are a National Merit Scholarship finalist will be guaranteed admission to UW-Madison provided they apply on or before the Early Action deadline.

It is important to note that students must meet the minimum admission criteria of the university and that this program does not provide guaranteed admission into a specific major, program, school, or college (such as engineering, business, dance or music). 

As part of Act 95, which established The Wisconsin Guarantee, school boards are obligated to determine the top 10% and 5% of their 11th grade classes — using only a students’ GPA — upon completion of the school year. Students must be notified by Hudson High School if they have earned a spot in the top 5% or 10%, and the percentage ranking (5% or 10%) at the end of the student’s junior year must be included on their transcript. 

To qualify for The Wisconsin Guarantee, you must attend high school in Wisconsin, meet at least one of the eligibility requirements listed and apply by the appropriate deadline.