What are the application requirements for University of Wisconsin-Madison?

Hi all! I'm planning on applying to the University of Wisconsin-Madison and was hoping to get some information on their application requirements. Any extra advice on making my application stand out would be appreciated too!

Hi there! I'm glad you're interested in the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Here are the main application requirements:

1. Application: UW-Madison accepts either the Common Application or the UW System Application.

2. Application Fee: You'll need to pay a $70 non-refundable application fee, but fee waivers are available if you qualify.

3. Essays: UW-Madison usually requires three essays: a main personal statement, and two school-specific prompts. You can read up on how to tackle their current essay requirements on CollegeVine's blog: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-university-of-wisconsin-madison-essays

4. High School Transcripts: Your high school transcripts should demonstrate strong academic performance and a rigorous course load.

5. Standardized Test Scores: UW-Madison is test-optional, so you can choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. If you think your scores emphasize your strengths, feel free to submit them, but not submitting will not negatively affect your application. If you want more detailed guidance on how to navigate test-optional policies, check out this blog post from CollegeVine: https://blog.collegevine.com/does-test-optional-mean-test-optional

6. Letters of Recommendation: It is required that you submit at least one letter of recommendation, preferably from a teacher in a core subject who can speak to your academic abilities and personal qualities. You can submit additional letters, but be sure that they genuinely enhance your application and don't just repeat information that can already be found elsewhere in your application.

7. Extracurricular Activities: In the activities section, highlight your involvement in clubs, organizations, sports teams, and community service. Aim to showcase depth and commitment in your activities rather than just listing many diverse activities. Providing details about your leadership roles and individual achievements can help make your application stand out.

To make your application stand out, focus on your essays and showcase passion for your chosen major or area of interest. Dare to be personal and specific in your essays, by highlighting your unique experiences, goals, and how you plan to contribute to the UW-Madison community. In addition, demonstrate intellectual curiosity and commitment to diving deep into your chosen field by mentioning relevant coursework, projects, or extracurriculars you've participated in.

Lastly, don't forget to proofread your application and ask for feedback from a trusted mentor, teacher, or counselor if you can. CollegeVine also has a team of expert college admissions advisors available on their marketplace, who can look over your application before submission and provide you with any final tips for improving it.

Best of luck with your application!