Chances of Getting Into University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, Wisconsin • Public University • #35 National • Founded 1848
UW-Madison Admissions Statistics 2025–2026
UW-Madison SAT & ACT Scores
SAT Scores (Middle 50%)
ACT Scores (Middle 50%)
About University of Wisconsin-Madison
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is a flagship public research university consistently ranked among the top public universities in the nation. Located in Madison, one of America's best college towns, UW-Madison offers world-class programs in engineering, computer science, and business with a vibrant campus on the shores of Lake Mendota.
Top Programs
What Makes UW-Madison Unique
- Beautiful campus between Lake Mendota and Lake Monona in downtown Madison
- Top-ranked programs in computer science, engineering, and business
- Madison consistently ranked as one of the best college towns in America
- Big Ten athletics with legendary traditions (Jump Around, Bucky Badger)
- Over $1.3 billion in annual research funding — 4th highest among U.S. universities
UW-Madison Cost & Financial Aid
Cost of Attendance
Financial Aid
UW-Madison Application Deadlines
How to Get Into UW-Madison: Admission Tips
Apply by November 1 for Early Action consideration
Wisconsin residents have priority but UW recruits heavily nationally
Business (WSB) and Engineering have more competitive direct admission
Strong academic record in rigorous courses is the most important factor
Show fit with specific programs and explain why Madison is right for you
The Brutal Truth About UW-Madison Admissions
The numbers are brutal. With a 43% acceptance rate, UW-Madison rejected over 34,200 applicants in the most recent cycle. Many of those rejected students had perfect GPAs and 1550+ SATs.
Stats are table stakes, not differentiators. At UW-Madison, having a 3.82 GPA and 1420 SAT puts you at average — not above average. What separates admitted students from rejected ones is everything else: essays, activities, recommendations, and authentic passion.
The biggest mistake applicants make: Treating their application like a résumé. UW-Madison doesn't want a list of accomplishments — they want to understand who you are as a person and what you'll contribute to their community.
Bottom line: Apply if UW-Madison genuinely excites you — but build a balanced college list. Don't put all your eggs in one 43%-acceptance-rate basket.
UW-Madison Admissions FAQ
What is the acceptance rate at University of Wisconsin-Madison?
University of Wisconsin-Madison has an acceptance rate of 43% as of the most recent admissions cycle. Out of 60,000+ applicants, approximately 8,200 students were admitted to the incoming class.
What GPA do I need to get into UW-Madison?
The average GPA of admitted students at University of Wisconsin-Madison is 3.82. Most successful applicants have GPAs above 3.67, with many in the top 5-10% of their high school class.
What SAT score do I need for UW-Madison?
The middle 50% SAT range for admitted UW-Madison students is 1340–1490. The average SAT score is 1420. For ACT, the range is 29–33 with an average of 31.
Is UW-Madison hard to get into?
Yes, University of Wisconsin-Madison is selective with an acceptance rate of just 43%. Even students with perfect GPAs and test scores are not guaranteed admission. Holistic review means essays, extracurriculars, and recommendations all play critical roles.
How much does UW-Madison cost?
Tuition at University of Wisconsin-Madison is $11,205 (in-state) / $40,603 (out-of-state) per year, with total cost of attendance at $27,994 (in-state) / $57,392 (out-of-state). However, 45% of students receive financial aid, with the average aid package exceeding $15,000+.
What are my chances of getting into UW-Madison?
Your chances of getting into University of Wisconsin-Madison depend on your GPA, test scores, extracurricular activities, essays, and more. With a 43% overall acceptance rate, admissions are highly competitive. Use AdmitOdds to get a personalized assessment of your chances based on your actual profile.
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