For admissions in the fall of 2025, the top 5% of the current junior graduating class is guaranteed admission to UW-Madison, assuming they meet all other graduation requirements, such as a minimum of two years of foreign language classes; the top 10% is guaranteed admission to all other UW schools. This policy applies to all high schools in Wisconsin as per UW-Madison’s new “Wisconsin Guarantee” to incentivize admission. In past years, UW-system schools have utilized guaranteed admission to high school valedictorians, but this new Guarantee will continue indefinitely.
Homeschooled Wisconsin students, since they do not fit under these categories, will instead be evaluated for direct admissions based on their ACT Score; those in the top 98th percentile will qualify. Homeschooled National Merit Scholarship finalists will also qualify for direct admissions.
In addition to UW system colleges using this as an incentive for students to attend their schools, it can also serve as an incentive for students to get their grades up for the final semester of junior year.
Xavier Vogt, a current junior at Stoughton High School, is attempting to utilize the direct admissions policy to improve his chances of getting into UW-Madison.
“As someone with an average GPA and someone who has been wanting to go to UW-Madison, I’m planning on attempting to improve my GPA,” Vogt said.
Although UW-system colleges are a target for many SHS students, UW-Madison is the most competitive university in the system, so it’s sensible for them to have the strictest direct admissions requirements.
“With how competitive it is to get into UW Madison, it gives an incentive to those who thought they had zero chance to even go to college. I personally was incredibly scared of having no chance of getting in, but with direct admissions, I am not only trying harder in school, but I’m also much more excited for my future,” Vogt said.
Current juniors will have one quarter left to raise their GPA to meet admission requirements, as Wisconsin colleges will use junior-year GPAs to evaluate who meets requirements. As of current standings, only those with a 4.0 will qualify for direct admission, as 29 out of 218 students in the class of 2025 have a perfect GPA.
However, those with a lower GPA should be encouraged; there are no official GPA requirements to attend any UW-system colleges. UW-Madison usually accepts students with GPAs around 3.4 through normal admissions.
According to an e-mail sent by SHS counseling staff, current juniors planning to attend UW-Madison utilizing direct admission must apply by the early action deadline of November 1st.
Students should note that some universities are participating with only main campuses, and some are participating with branch campuses. Current juniors are encouraged to look for more information about direct admission coming out in the spring.