ACT and SAT Test Optional FAQs

The University of Wisconsin–Madison received authorization from the University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents to waive the requirement for first-year applicants to submit an ACT or SAT test score as a part of their application to the university through the spring 2027 term. Including scores from either the ACT or the SAT with your application is optional and you will not be disadvantaged in our evaluation process if you choose to not include these scores for consideration in your application. You can indicate your choice regarding including test scores at the time of application.

ACT and/or SAT scores are not considered for transfer admission.

Students who are applying for admission in spring 2026, fall 2026, and spring 2027 will not be required to submit an ACT or SAT score as part of their application for admission.

Our holistic review process considers multiple factors in making admission decisions. A student’s day-to-day performance is the most important information. We consider a student’s grades, the courses they have taken, and the rigor of those courses. The course and grade information is supplemented by essays, a letter of recommendation from an academic source, and other materials provided by the applicant. ACT and SAT scores have always been only one factor in our overall holistic review. If you choose not to have your scores considered, you will not be disadvantaged, as we will continue to review all aspects of the application.

As a first-year applicant, you will indicate whether you want your test scores considered at the time of application. Both the Common Application and the UW System Application allow you to select whether you want your test score(s) included in your application evaluation. Your request at the time of application submission is final.

ACT and/or SAT scores are not considered for transfer admission.

If choosing to include ACT or SAT test scores with your application, submit your official scores directly from the testing site.

Please note sending official test scores from the testing agency does have an additional costs and will add 2–4 weeks to the application completion process.  Our test code is 4656 for the ACT and 1846 for the SAT. Do not send your results rush (SAT) or priority (ACT); we receive all scores electronically on a daily basis so there is not an advantage to rush or priority delivery.

How to Send Official Test Scores

Statement on Score Choice: Only your top composite score is considered in the admissions review, regardless of if multiple scores are sent. Superscores are not considered in our review.

Official scores must be received by our deadlines.

ACT and/or SAT scores are not considered for transfer admission, even if they are submitted.

Yes, you may apply without an ACT or SAT score.

As a first-year student, you will be able to specify if you’d like your scores used in your admission review or not. Even if your scores were already sent, we will honor your decision on the application regarding test scores. ACT and/or SAT scores are not considered for transfer admission, even if they were already submitted.

We do not accept self-reported test scores. Scores must be sent officially from the testing agency.

How to Send Official Test Scores

ACT/SAT scores are not required for scholarship consideration, however, they may be used in consideration for a first-year scholarship, if provided by the student.

If you are a first-year applicant, and you believe test scores will further illustrate a particular talent, skill set, or academic aspirations you have for being a Badger, then let us know you want us to review them. Conversely, if you do not want us to consider your scores, or you do not send them, you will not be disadvantaged during the application review process.

ACT and/or SAT scores are not considered for transfer admission even if they are submitted.

Applicants whose native language is not English must submit a TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test (DET) score (effective for 2021) unless English was the primary language of instruction in all four years of secondary school (grades 9–12).

Only your top composite score is considered in the admissions review, regardless of if multiple scores are sent. Superscores are not considered in our review.

No, we do not superscore for the ACT or SAT. We will only consider your highest score (by test date).

We do encourage students who have been homeschooled or graded in a competency-based system to provide scores to give us a better understanding of their mastery in subjects like English and math, however, it is not required.

Wisconsin students who were homeschooled and wish to be considered for the Wisconsin Guarantee, must submit official test scores with their application.

Once you have received an initial decision, you may send your official scores directly from the testing agency.

You may send new or updated official scores directly from the testing agency.