Is UW-Madison hard to get into?

I'm currently researching colleges, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison has caught my eye. Just wondering, is UW-Madison really hard to get in? What kind of stats or ECs would I need to have a shot at admission?

UW-Madison is a moderately selective public university. While it may not be as difficult to get into as more selective private institutions, it still requires competitive academic performance and extracurricular involvement from applicants.

As of the 2024-2025 application cycle, UW-Madison has a test-optional policy, which means you can choose whether or not to submit an SAT or ACT score as part of your application. For reference, students admitted to UW-Madison in previous years had an average SAT range of 1280-1450 and an average ACT range of 27-31. However, keep in mind that test scores are only one component of the application, and since the policy is test-optional, your other qualifications will also play a significant role.

Your high school GPA should ideally be within the range of admitted students. In recent years, the average unweighted high school GPA for admitted students has been around 3.8, but UW-Madison also reviews your transcript holistically, considering the rigor of the courses you've taken.

Extracurricular involvement is essential to demonstrating your commitment to personal growth and development outside the classroom. While UW-Madison does not have a specific set of extracurricular requirements, involvement in a mix of activities, such as leadership positions, clubs, sports, community service, or pursuing a personal passion, will give you a better chance at admission. Quality is more important than quantity—try to highlight your most impactful and meaningful activities. Developing a "spike," or a highly-developed specialty, can also be advantageous in distinguishing you from other applicants.

Lastly, make sure to write thoughtful and well-crafted essays that showcase your personality, values, and goals. The admissions committee will be looking for a genuine insight into who you are and what kind of contribution you would make to the University.

In summary, UW-Madison is moderately selective, and a strong application will involve competitive academics, meaningful extracurricular involvement, and compelling essays. It's important to focus on enhancing these aspects of your application to improve your chances of admission.