What Else Is Important? Frequently Asked Questions

As a student, you have your own individual needs, requirements for, and concerns about where you go to college. It’s important to learn all you can about an institution and its offerings.

What does UW–Madison look for in an application 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 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). We also look for student who will live out the Wisconsin Idea – our guiding principal that what is learned here should go beyond the walls of our classroom to positively impact our state, country, and the world.

When are applications due?

First-Year Application and Materials Deadlines

Decision Plan	Application Deadline	Materials Deadline	Decision Release
Spring Regular Decision	October 1	October 15	On or before December 31
Fall Early Action	November 1	November 10	On or before January 31
Fall Regular Decision	January 15	January 22	On or before March 31

First-year fall and spring term applications open August 1.

Applications and all required application materials must arrive in our office by 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time on the noted deadline dates.

Please note that it may take up to 72 hours for our system to reflect that you have submitted an application; you will receive an email the next business day acknowledging its receipt.

Students who submit their application within 5 days of the deadline will not receive a reminder of materials that are missing from their application.

Early Action is non-binding. You’ll receive your admissions decision earlier but will not be required to commit until the national deadline of May 1.

Transfer Application and Materials Deadlines

Decision Plan	Application Opens	Application Deadline	Materials Deadline	Decision Release
Spring Regular Decision	August 1	October 1	October 15	On or before December 31
Fall Priority Decision	December 1	February 1	February 17	On or before March 31
Fall Regular Decision	December 1	March 1	March 16	On or before April 30

Applications and all required application materials must arrive in our office by 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time on the noted deadline dates.

Please note that it may take up to 72 hours for our system to reflect that you have submitted an application; you will receive an email the next business day acknowledging its receipt.

Students who submit their application within 5 days of the deadline will not receive a reminder of materials that are missing from their application.

What does "first generation" mean?

“First generation” is defined by the Universities of Wisconsin 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 Ten 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 I 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.

The FAFSA opens on October 1 each year, and UW–Madison’s priority deadline is December 1.

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.