The role that parents, family members, and supports play in the college admissions process varies widely, but some level of involvement is important, as students will benefit from your support, encouragement, and input. College admissions can, at times, seem confusing or even overwhelming.
Supports can assist by working to take away some of the pressure. Accompany your student on campus visits, help with reminders about deadlines, and provide some perspective and a dose of reality throughout the process.
We’ve compiled this page to help you understand our admissions process and what it means to be the parent, family, or supporter of a future Badger.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What does UW–Madison look for in applications and what can students do in middle/high school to get in?
UW–Madison’s application review process is holistic. Students who have continually challenged themselves in the curriculum available in their schools would be considered competitive applicants and may be a good fit for the university. That could include: taking honors, advanced placement (AP), and International Baccalaureate (IB) classes (especially in core areas of math, English, science, social studies, and world language), when available, and receiving A/B grades in those classes; and sustaining commitments outside the classroom (extracurricular activities, work, family responsibilities, leadership).
Who has priority to come to UW? Students from Wisconsin or from outside the state?
As a public, state flagship institution, we have a commitment to the Board of Regents for in-state students that compels us to make 3,600 of our incoming student population Wisconsin state residents. The remaining seats in our incoming first-year class are made up of students from across the country and around the world.
What does "first generation" mean?
“First generation” is defined by the University of Wisconsin System as neither parent having graduated with a bachelor’s degree (i.e., four-year undergraduate degree from a higher education institution).
Are students required to live on campus?
Students are not required to live on campus at UW–Madison but over 90 percent of our first-year students do. There are over 20 residence halls on campus and a variety of off-campus housing options throughout the area.
Is it easy to get involved and meet new people?
We offer over 1,000 student organizations along with Big 10 Badger sports, intramurals and sport clubs, arts and cultural opportunities (like concerts, comedians, and movie nights), and tons of other opportunities to meet new people and try new things!
Do students apply for scholarships/financial aid before or after completing the college application?
The FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is available each year. Students may apply online at fafsa.gov before or after they submit an application for admission. Note that the family income information (i.e., federal income tax) is used from the prior tax year.
Students should explore scholarship opportunities through the Wisconsin Scholarship Hub (WiSH) to find all scholarships that applicants may be eligible for. Students do not need to be accepted to apply for scholarships. The deadline for most scholarships is February 1.
Can international or undocumented students apply for financial aid?
Students who are undocumented or international cannot submit a FAFSA but may be eligible for partial tuition scholarships. For questions or more information, contact 608-262-3060 or email finaid@finaid.wisc.edu.
Is a high school counselor a good resource for questions about financial aid?
Yes, and so are we. The Office of Student Financial Aid is open for financial aid questions, even for students who do not necessarily plan to attend UW–Madison. Students and families may visit their website at financialaid.wisc.edu to learn about events and drop-in hours and locations for students and families seeking additional information.
Connect With the Parent and Family Program
The University of Wisconsin–Madison recognizes that you are a very important partner in your student's success. The Parent and Family Program helps you stay connected to campus and serves as your ongoing resource throughout your student's college career.