uw system essay requirements

• Faculty & Staff

How to apply

Follow this checklist to make sure you have everything you need to submit a complete application for admission.

The applications

Self-report your courses and complete cadrs, choose your program, the writing section, additional information about yourself or your circumstances, the application fee, send test scores, send transcripts, students impacted by disasters and emergencies.

Make sure you also know what’s not considered .

The UW application for freshman autumn admission opens September 1 each year. (See dates and deadlines for additional information.) You may apply to the UW using one of two applications — ApplyWeb or the Common App. Please apply with only one application . The UW does not have a preference of application platform. The deadline for both is November 15, and decisions will be released March 1–15.

Ready to get started?

• Apply using ApplyWeb
• Apply using the Common App

Questions about the applications?

• Instructions for ApplyWeb
• Instructions for the Common App
• Join us for a webinar about applying with the Common App.

NOTE : The UW will not accept the Coalition application for the autumn 2023 – 24 application cycle.

All freshman applicants will self-report their courses on the application. A minimum level of preparation in six subject areas must be met for admission. (Learn more about satisfying CADRs .) You are required to provide complete and accurate information when self-reporting. Although official transcripts are not required at the time of application, you will be required to provide a final official high school transcript if you are admitted and plan to enroll at the UW.

If your first-choice major participates in Direct to Major or Direct to College admission, be sure to select it as your first choice on the application to be automatically considered. Second-choice majors are not considered for direct admission programs.

The writing section is a required and important part of your application. Learn more about the essays , including prompts and word count. Please note that the UW essay questions must be answered within our application. For the Common App, that means within our UW questions. We do not consider the Common App essay.

Maximum length : 200 words

You are not required to write anything in this section, but you may include additional information here if something has particular significance to you. For example, you may use this space if:

• You have experienced personal hardships in attaining your education
• Your activities have been limited because of work or family obligations
• You have experienced unusual limitations or opportunities unique to the schools you attended

U.S. freshman students

The application fee is nonrefundable and must be submitted each time you apply for admission. It cannot be transferred to another quarter, campus of the UW or to another student.

• Application fee: $80
• Fee waivers available
• Spring: freshman applications not accepted

Learn more about the application fee .

International freshman students

The application fee is nonrefundable, and must be submitted each time you apply for admission. It cannot be transferred to another quarter, campus of the UW or to another student.

• Application fee: $90
• Fee waivers not available
• Winter/Spring: international freshman applications not accepted

The UW no longer requires SAT or ACT scores for most applicants. Homeschooled applicants and applicants who come from schools with non-standard grading practices that do not have letter or numeric grades are still required to submit SAT or ACT scores. Learn more about SAT/ACT scores .

International freshman students — English proficiency

International students must submit English proficiency test scores that meet the minimum requirement for admission. Learn more about English proficiency .

U.S. schools and international schools that follow a U.S.-style curriculum

Do not send high school or college transcripts unless you receive a request from the Office of Admissions. The application asks you to provide a detailed account of your academic coursework, and that’s all we need to review your application.

Schools outside the U.S. that follow a national/local curriculum

Regardless of whether you are applying as a U.S. or international student, if you have attended a school outside of the U.S. that follows a national compulsory curriculum, you are required to upload a scanned, unofficial copy of your transcript for grade levels 9 and higher as part of your application.

Do not mail high school transcripts or mid-year school reports to the Office of Admissions.

Natural disasters and emergency situations, including international conflicts, have impacted the lives of many students and their families. While entirely optional, you may share information regarding how any of these events have affected you or your family circumstances in a specific question on the application or as part of your essay response. If your circumstances prevent you from submitting your application by the deadline, please contact the Office of Admissions.

We welcome applications primarily from undergraduate students displaced from their universities by the conflict in Gaza. Please contact the Office of Admissions for more information.

Things we do not consider

No interviews/demonstrated interest.

The UW does not conduct formal interviews or consider demonstrated interest in the admission decision.

No letters of recommendation

We ask that you not send letters of recommendation or other supplemental materials such as drawings, CDs, DVDs, books or other portfolio-type items. We will learn everything we need to know about you through your essay responses.

No Common App personal essay

The Common App personal essay will not be reviewed as part of your application to the UW. Be sure to complete the UW writing section to tell us everything you want us to know.

How To Write The UW System Essay: What You'll Bring to Campus

This guide has been updated and is accurate for the 2024-2025 essay prompts.

Understanding the Prompt: Each student is unique. Please tell us about the particular life experiences, talents, commitments, and/or interests you will bring to our campus.

Before you start writing your essay, it’s essential to fully understand what the UW System is asking of you. The prompt is an opportunity for you to share the distinctive life experiences, talents, commitments, and interests that set you apart. Here’s how you can break down the prompt and prepare to showcase your unique qualities:

1- Read the Prompt Thoroughly: Ensure you understand exactly what the prompt is asking. Read it multiple times to catch all nuances, ensuring you capture the essence of the question.

2- Highlight Key Components: Identify key words like “unique life experiences,” “talents,” “commitments,” and “interests.” These terms will guide your essay and help you focus on what to share.

3- Analyze the Prompt: Consider the broader implications of the question. The admissions committee is interested not just in what you’ve done but in how these experiences have shaped you and how they will continue to influence your time on campus.

4- Research the University: Understand the University of Wisconsin System’s values, mission, and community. Aligning your response with what the university looks for in its students will help demonstrate your fit.

5- Clarify if Necessary: If any part of the prompt is unclear, don’t hesitate to seek clarification from a guidance counselor or the admissions office.

A clear understanding of the prompt will allow you to develop a focused essay that highlights your individuality and how you will contribute to the UW System community.

Identifying Your Unique Attributes

To effectively respond to the UW System essay prompt, you need to identify what makes you unique. This includes your life experiences, talents, commitments, and interests. Here’s how you can identify and articulate these attributes:

1- Brainstorming: Start by listing all the experiences, talents, and interests that have significantly shaped who you are. Consider activities like volunteering, leadership roles, creative pursuits, academic achievements, and personal challenges.

2- Reflect on Impact: Think about how each item on your list has impacted you. What lessons did you learn? How did these experiences shape your perspectives or goals?

3- Select Key Attributes: Narrow down your list to the attributes that best represent who you are and what you’ll bring to the UW System. Choose aspects of your life that are not only significant to you but also demonstrate qualities that will contribute to the university community.

4- Ensure Relevance: Make sure the attributes you choose align with the prompt and can be clearly connected to what the University of Wisconsin values in its students.

By carefully selecting the experiences and qualities that define you, you’ll be able to craft a compelling narrative that showcases your individuality.

Analyzing Your Unique Attributes

Once you’ve identified the key experiences, talents, and interests you want to highlight, it’s important to analyze them in a way that makes your essay impactful. Here’s how to do that:

1- Determine the Nature of Each Attribute: Is each experience or talent something that came naturally to you, or did it require hard work and perseverance? Did these attributes emerge from challenges or successes?

2- Reflect on the Learning Process: Consider what you’ve learned from these experiences. Have they changed your outlook on life, influenced your goals, or helped you develop specific skills?

3- Assess Their Influence on Your Future: Think about how these attributes will continue to influence you as you enter college. Will they drive your academic and extracurricular pursuits? How will they help you contribute to the campus community?

4- Connect to Broader Themes: Tie your unique attributes to broader themes such as personal growth, leadership, or resilience. This will help convey depth and make your essay resonate with the reader.

Analyzing your unique attributes will enable you to provide a thoughtful and engaging response that captures your essence and demonstrates your potential as a UW System student.

Connecting Your Attributes to Your Future at UW

The next step is to connect your unique attributes to your future college education and life at the University of Wisconsin. This will show the admissions committee how your past experiences will shape your contributions to their campus. Here’s how to do it:

1- Explain the Influence of Your Attributes: Discuss how your unique life experiences, talents, and interests have shaped your values, beliefs, and academic aspirations. Explain how these attributes will influence your approach to your college education.

2- Highlight Relevant Skills and Knowledge: Identify the skills and insights you’ve gained from your experiences that will be relevant to your college education. Discuss how these will help you succeed academically and socially at the UW System.

3- Connect to UW Opportunities: Research specific programs, clubs, or opportunities at the UW System that align with your unique attributes. Discuss how you plan to engage with these opportunities and how your experiences will allow you to contribute to them.

4- Emphasize Your Growth Mindset: Demonstrate your commitment to personal growth by discussing how you plan to build on your unique experiences in college. Show enthusiasm for continuing to develop your talents and exploring new interests.

By connecting your unique attributes to your future at the University of Wisconsin, you’ll create a narrative that shows you’re not only prepared for college but also eager to make a meaningful impact on the campus community.

Writing and Reviewing Your Essay

With your attributes identified and connected to your future goals, it’s time to focus on writing and reviewing your essay. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you craft and polish your final draft:

Essay Basics According to UW

1- Write your essay in a program like Microsoft Word or Google Docs so you can simply copy and paste it into your online application.

2- Keep your essay between 250 and 650 words (UW–Madison requires all essays to strictly follow these guidelines).

3- Ask a friend or teacher to look for inconsistencies, grammatical mistakes, and typos.

4- Proofread, proofread, proofread. You don’t want some small mistake to accidentally make it look like you don’t care.

5- Proofread again.

Structuring Your Essay

1- Introduction: Start with an engaging opening that introduces your unique attributes and sets the tone for the essay.

2- Body Paragraphs: Organize your essay around the key experiences, talents, and interests you’ve chosen to highlight. Ensure each paragraph flows logically and contributes to the overall narrative.

3- Conclusion: Summarize how your unique attributes have prepared you for success at the UW System and express your excitement about the opportunities ahead.

Writing Your First Draft

1- Start with a clear thesis statement that captures the main idea of your essay.

2- Use vivid descriptions and examples to bring your experiences and talents to life.

3- Be authentic and let your personality shine through your writing.

4- Provide specific evidence to support your claims and demonstrate the impact of your experiences.

Reviewing and Revising Your Essay

1- Take a break before revising your first draft to approach it with fresh eyes.

2- Read your essay aloud to catch awkward phrasing or unclear sections.

3- Seek feedback from teachers, mentors, or family members and incorporate their suggestions.

4- Ensure the overall flow of your essay is smooth, with clear connections between paragraphs.

5- Proofread carefully for any remaining errors and make sure your final draft is polished and professional.

By following these steps, you’ll be able to craft a well-structured and compelling essay that effectively communicates your unique experiences and how they will contribute to the UW System. Remember, revising and refining your essay is just as important as writing it, so give yourself plenty of time to perfect your submission.

Final Thoughts

Answering the UW System essay prompt requires introspection and a clear articulation of what makes you unique. Your life experiences, talents, commitments, and interests are key to showcasing your individuality and potential contributions to the UW System community. Focus on authenticity, be thorough in your analysis and connections, and present a narrative that not only highlights your uniqueness but also vividly shows how you’ll make an impact on campus. Best of luck in your application process!

I hope you found this guide useful. Navigating campus life can be daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone. Once you're accepted into college, hop onto MeetYourClass – your go-to platform to find roommates, friends, and your community. Connect with like-minded students, find your perfect roommate, and immerse yourself in campus culture. As you embark on your application journey, remember: your next chapter of friendships and experiences is just a click away. Best of luck, and we hope to see you soon on MeetYourClass!

Find Your College Roommate!

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Each UW school and college interprets the General Education requirements somewhat differently. If you have not yet decided on a major, we recommend working toward the requirements for the College of Arts and Sciences. If no foreign language is indicated, it means that no college coursework is required if the undergraduate admission requirement (two high school years or two college quarters of one foreign language) has been met.  

Students entering the University in Autumn of 2014 (or later) must also meet a Diversity requirement . These credits will simultaneously satisfy other Areas of Inquiry requirements and do not add to the total number of credits you need to graduate.

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Application Essays

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University of Wisconsin System Freshman Admissions Policy

Regent policy document 7-3 (formerly 07-1), effective june 29, 2023, regent policy document 7-3, section ii.c. is superseded by u.s. supreme court opinions no. 20-1199 ad no. 21-707, and as a result the mention of underrepresented racial or ethnic groups has been struck from the policy., temporary suspension of act/sat requirements.

UW System Board of Regents Resolution 12172 (adopted April 5, 2024)  

“That, upon the recommendation of the President of the University of Wisconsin System, the Board of Regents extends the temporary suspension of the requirement for freshman applicants to provide an ACT or SAT score as part of their application referenced in Regent Policy Document 7-3, Sections I. C. and II. B. This action extends the suspension through the 2026-27 academic year for all of the Universities of Wisconsin. ”

That, upon recommendation of the President of the University of Wisconsin System, the Board of Regents adopts the attached UW System Freshman Admissions Policy as amended, replacing and hereby superseding Regent Policies 72-5 on Nonresident Undergraduate Quotas, 72-11 on the Freshman Admissions Policy, 86-5 on the Use of the American College Test, 87-8 on Traditional and Nontraditional Freshman Admissions Policy, and 97-4 on Competency Based Admissions.

UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN SYSTEM FRESHMAN ADMISSIONS POLICY

The University of Wisconsin System has long recognized that higher education serves as a crucial pathway for advancing individual self-knowledge and knowledge of the world, fostering new knowledge and ideas, preparing individuals for future leadership positions, and for promoting the economic vitality of the entire state.  To provide the highest quality educational opportunity for all students in a diverse learning environment, this policy allows each institution to admit students whose academic preparation, background and personal experience suggest that the student will succeed at the institution, benefit from that educational experience, and contribute to the educational environment.

This policy provides minimum requirements for freshman admissions, and broad criteria for evaluating qualified applicants through a comprehensive, individualized review process.  In the implementation of this policy, individual UW institutions may establish more specific requirements, consistent with the principles and requirements of this systemwide policy.

I.  Admissions Requirements

Freshman applicants, both resident and non-resident, must satisfy the following minimum requirements to be eligible for consideration for admission:

• A recognized high school is one which either (a) is accredited by a regional accrediting association or state university or (b) is recognized or accredited by a state department of public instruction or its equivalent.
• An applicant who has not graduated from a recognized high school must provide evidence of satisfactory completion of the requirements for a high school equivalency certificate or a diploma from a recognized high school, school system, or state department of public instruction based on the GED examination, the Wisconsin High School Equivalency Examination, or other established criteria.  Applicants from alternative educational backgrounds, including home-schooled students, should contact the Admissions Office at the campus of interest for admissions information.  Additional documents, testing, and a personal interview may be required.
• Completion of the UW application for admission and submission to the institution(s) by the required deadline.
• Submission of ACT or SAT scores to the institution.
• For students graduating from high school in spring, 1995 and thereafter, a minimum of 17 high school units is required.  (One unit equals one year of high school study or the equivalent.)  Thirteen of the 17 units must be distributed as follows:

The remaining four units will be:

Each institution may specify additional unit requirements for the remaining four units and may specify required content for all 17 units.  Students graduating from high school prior to spring, 1995, should consult with the Admissions Office at the UW institution(s) for the appropriate academic unit requirements.

2.  In recognition of curricular initiatives occurring in many high schools that depart from a traditional Carnegie unit structure, the UW System Board of Regents has approved an alternative method by which an applicant may demonstrate that he or she has satisfied the academic unit requirement.  This is referred to as Competency-Based Admission.

High school officials may elect to prepare a UW System Competency-Based Admission profile in addition to, or in lieu of, the traditional high-school transcript for those students whose high school curriculum is not well described by the traditional Carnegie unit structure.  The combination of the student’s credentials must indicate evidence of preparation in English, social sciences, mathematics, and natural science at a level comparable to that assumed by the traditional academic unit requirements.  The admission requirements at each institution for students who apply using Competency-Based Admission will be equivalent to the admission requirements for students who apply under the Carnegie unit system.

E.  An institution has the discretion to waive one or more of the minimum requirements for particular applicants where appropriate, based on the sound educational judgment that the student will succeed at the institution, benefit from that educational experience, and contribute to the educational environment.

II.  Admissions Criteria

Freshman applicants must demonstrate that they are prepared to do satisfactory academic work at the institution to which they are applying, and that, as members of the campus community, they will benefit from and enrich the educational environment and enhance the quality of the institution.  In making this determination, applicants will be given a comprehensive review based upon the following criteria:

A. Academics.

Academic factors are the most important consideration in making admissions decisions. Factors that will be considered include, but are not limited to, the quality and rigor of the applicant’s college-preparatory coursework, grade point average, class rank and trend in grades.

B. Standardized Test Scores.

ACT or SAT scores are used to provide additional academic information about the quality of the applicant’s qualifications, but cannot be the sole criteria for admission.  An institution may require additional test scores of some or all applicants as supplemental information.

C. Other factors.

Other considerations include, but are not limited to, student experiences, work experience, leadership qualities, motivation, community service, special talents, status as a non-traditional or returning adult, status as a veteran of the U.S. military, whether the applicant is socio-economically disadvantaged, and whether the applicant is a member of an historically underrepresented racial or ethnic group .

III.  Non-resident Enrollment

Based on a three-year average, the non-resident undergraduate enrollment shall not exceed 27.5% of the total undergraduate enrollment at any UW institution. This limitation does not include Minnesota reciprocity students. This non-resident undergraduate enrollment limit does not apply to UW-Madison.

UW-Madison must enroll a minimum of 5,200 new in-state undergraduate students each calendar year, based on a three-year rolling average. The Board of Regents expects UW-Madison to continue to honor its commitment to enroll 3,600 Wisconsin freshmen within this broader policy but recognizes UW-Madison’s commitment to in-state students is best measured by more than just incoming freshmen and should include reciprocity and transfer students alike.

IV.  Admissions Appeals

Applicants who are not accepted for admission may appeal for special consideration through a process defined by the institution.

V.  Admissions Policy Review

The Board of Regents shall review this policy every five years.

History:  Res. 9290, adopted 02/09/2007, created Regent Policy Document 07-1; subsequently renumbered 7-3. Res. 10142, adopted 12/07/2012, amended Regent Policy Document 7-3. Res. 11346, adopted 12/06/2019, amended Regent Policy Document 7-3. Res. 11430, adopted 05/07/2020, Res. 11489, adopted 08/20/2020, Res. 11591, adopted 02/05/2021, and Res. 11754, adopted 12/10/2021, approved the temporary suspension of provisions of Regent Policy Document 7-3 related to ACT/SAT testing requirements. Res. 12172, adopted 04/05/2024, approved the extension of the temporary suspension of provisions of Regent Policy Document 7-3 related to ACT/SAT testing requirements.

Apply as a First-Year Student

A first-year student includes anyone who is currently a student in high school or who has not taken college coursework since graduating from high school.

Starting on August 1 every year, you can begin applying to the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

As a first-year applicant, you can apply using either the Common Application or the  Universities of Wisconsin Application . There is no preference between applications.

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First-Year Application and Materials Deadline

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 15.

Required First-Year Application Materials

We cannot begin to review your application until all required materials are received. These deadlines and requirements pertain to both domestic and international applicants.

Application requirements for admission to the university are the same for all students, regardless of the academic major/area of interest.*

*Students who wish to be considered for direct entry to a program in the areas of dance or music, will also need to complete an additional application and an audition. Learn more about our Direct Entry  process.

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1. Admissions Application

First-year applicants can apply using either the Common Application  or the Universities of Wisconsin Application

UW–Madison does not prefer one application over the other. Please choose only one application and use only that application all the way through to submission.

We strongly recommend that you apply with an email that is not affiliated with your high school and that you check often.

Please note that we do not start processing fall term applications until September 1.

Applicants will be asked to identify both a first and second choice major when completing the application for admission. If we are unable to offer you admission to your first choice major, your second choice will be considered in our application review to assess interest and preparation. Due to the competitive nature of some of our programs, admissions expectations may be different for students pursuing majors in business, engineering, dance, and music. We encourage you to visit our direct entry page to learn more.

2. Application Fee

The application fee is $70.00 US and is non-refundable.

Electronic payment is preferred. If you apply using the Universities of Wisconsin Application, the fee can be paid by check or money order, drawn on a bank located in the United States and payable to the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Send the check or money order to the Office of Admissions and Recruitment . Please include the applicant’s name with payment. Do not send cash.

Application fee waivers are available for applicants with financial hardship. Eligible students can request a fee waiver as part of their application. If you did not request an application fee waiver at the time of application, but are eligible to have your fee waived, you may print the Application Fee Waiver Request Form and have your counselor/advisor submit it to the Office of Admissions and Recruitment. If the College Board or ACT grant you a fee waiver, we will also accept it.

3. Two Essays

As part of our holistic review, we refer to the essays you submit to understand more about you. What you choose to share gives us an idea of who you are and what you want to accomplish as part of our community. Tell us about you and your unique story to help us know you beyond your GPA and test scores. Your essays might also be used for campus program and scholarship review.

If you apply using the Common Application, you will be asked to respond to one of the  first-year Common Application essays . If you apply with the Universities of Wisconsin Application, you will need to answer the following prompt:

• Each student is unique. Please tell us about the particular life experiences, talents, commitments, and/or interests you will bring to our campus.

All applicants will also need to respond to this prompt:

• Tell us why you would like to attend the University of Wisconsin–Madison. In addition, please include why you are interested in studying the major(s) you have selected. If you selected undecided, please describe your areas of possible academic interest.

Keep these tips in mind as you work on your writing:

• Develop your thoughts before you begin the writing process, and create an outline.
• The maximum word count for each essay is 650, but we recommend planning for 300–500 words.
• Do not type directly into the web form. Instead, work on your draft in word processing software.
• Allow time to develop and revisit your writing.
• Check for spelling mistakes and ask someone to proofread your final version.
• Be genuine and honest in your writing.

4. Course and Grade Information

We require course and grade information from all schools you attended for grades 9–12.

If you apply via the Common Application, you may meet this requirement one of two ways*:

• Self-report your coursework within the application to meet the course and grade information requirement to complete your application for admission

– OR – 

• Have your school submit an official transcript from your school(s).

If you apply via the Universities of Wisconsin Application, you may meet this requirement one of two ways*:

• Submit an unofficial transcript within the Universities of Wisconsin Application at the time you complete it

       – OR – 

*If you have already graduated from high school, an official final transcript with your graduation date is needed to meet this requirement.

How to Send Official Transcripts

Students applying from outside the United States can find country-specific official transcript requirements here .

If you were or are homeschooled, we will need additional documentation to complete a full, holistic review of your application. Learn more about specific application policies and requirements and how to send your official materials.

If you earned your General Educational Development (GED) certificate or a High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED) , submit your official score report in addition to all high school or home school transcripts.

Note: official transcripts from all schools and colleges attended (including dual credit) will be required prior to enrollment. Incorrect reporting of courses and/or grades may result in your admission offer being revoked and scholarship awards being forfeited. Official college transcripts are also required to award college credit. Official transcripts should be sent directly from each school attended.

GPA and Class Rank:  Applicants are expected to achieve a high level of performance in the course work they pursue and an increasingly strong academic record. We ask for your GPA and class rank. We also realize that many schools consider GPA on different scales and some do not report GPA or class rank at all. We consider both GPA and rank in the context of your school. We typically see unweighted, academic GPAs between a 3.8 and a 4.0, and a class rank in the 85–97 percentile.

5. One Required Letter of Recommendation

We require you to submit one letter of recommendation written by someone who can attest to your academic ability, such as a teacher, school counselor, or faculty member. If you choose, you can also submit another letter of recommendation from an additional source, such as an employer, coach, research mentor, community leader, or clergy. Students with an interest in engineering are encouraged to obtain a letter of recommendation from a math or science teacher. Remember to have a discussion with your chosen recommender first to see if they are willing and able to provide a letter.

We encourage applicants who have been away from formal classroom teaching for an extended period to request a letter of recommendation from someone who can speak to their academic potential, such as an employer (preferably a supervisor or manager), a program or departmental trainer, or some other individual in an official instructional capacity.

Those who apply using the Common Application should request a recommendation through that system.

If you apply using the Universities of Wisconsin Application, select the link that best describes your situation:

• Invite someone to submit a recommendation  (I have my NetID)
• Invite someone to submit a recommendation  (no NetID)

Recommendations that are mailed to our office  Letters of recommendation must be sent directly from the school and/or recommender, in a sealed envelope. Recommendations  must include the applicant’s full name, birth date, and campus ID number (if known). Additionally, letters of recommendation from a school staff member may also be sent through Naviance. Please note that letters of recommendation expire after one year from the date it is written.

6. TOEFL, IELTS, AND DET Scores (English Language Proficiency)

First-year applicants educated in non-English speaking countries must submit an official TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test (DET) score, unless English was the primary language of instruction in all four years of secondary school.

All English proficiency exams should be sent electronically, directly from the testing service.

Please note: Sending official test scores from the testing agency does have an additional costs and will add 3-6 weeks to the application completion process. Plan to send your test scores early to ensure your scores arrive before the the materials deadline.

How to Send Official Test Scores

We do not superscore any English Proficiency exam and score reports cannot be older than two years from the time you apply.

Duolingo English Test (DET)

• Minimum accepted score: 115+.
• When submitting your score(s): Search category should be “Undergraduate,” then select “University of Wisconsin–Madison.”
• Please do not send to offices listed under “Other,” as we are unable to retrieve those scores.
• The DET should be sent with sub-scores.
• Minimum accepted score: 6.5+.
• IELTS does not require a code.
• Select our account name, “University of Wisconsin, Madison Undergraduate”
• Please do not send paper copies of your IELTS scores.
• We do accept the IELTS Indicator.
• Minimum accepted score: 80+.
• When submitting your score(s): TOEFL test code is 1846.
• We do not accept “MyBest” score from TOEFL nor any English Proficiency exam.
• For each TOEFL you submit, we will require the full score report. Wisconsin does not accept the TOEFL iTP Plus for China but we will accept the iBT Special Home Edition.

If you feel that you qualify for an English Proficiency Exam waiver based upon the requirements above, please submit all required transcripts to our office. Other test scores such as ACT, SAT, or AP (Advanced Placement) scores do not meet the requirements for a waiver. Once your transcripts are received in our office (are no longer displayed on your to-do list in your Student Center), we will determine your waiver eligibility. Waivers will not be processed prior to receipt of both the admissions application and transcripts.

Optional First-Year Application Materials

Act and sat scores (test optional through the spring 2027 term).

Including scores from either the ACT or the SAT with your application is optional for students applying for admission through the spring 2027 term, with an application deadline of October 1, 2026.

You will not be disadvantaged in our evaluation process if you do not include these scores for consideration in your application.

More information on our test optional policy can be found by viewing our  ACT/SAT Test Optional FAQs .

You will indicate your choice regarding including test scores at the time of application. The choice that you indicate on your application is final.

If choosing to include ACT or SAT test scores with your application, submit your official scores directly from the testing site.

Please note sending official test scores from the testing agency does have an additional costs and will add 2–4 weeks to the application completion process.  Our test code is 4656 for the ACT and 1846 for the SAT. Do not send your results rush (SAT) or priority (ACT); we receive all scores electronically on a daily basis so there is not an advantage to rush or priority delivery.

Statement on Score Choice:  Students choosing to include test scores with their application are encouraged to submit all exam scores. It can be a benefit to see your complete testing history as part of our comprehensive review, and since we will only consider your highest score (by test date), there is nothing to be gained by suppressing scores through Score Choice. However, applicants are free to use the College Board’s Score Choice option for the SAT and/or the similar option offered by ACT. Superscores are not considered in our review.

The Wisconsin Guarantee

Beginning in the fall 2025 semester, first-year applicants from Wisconsin high schools who are in the top 5% of their class at the end of 11th grade, or Wisconsin residents who are homeschooled and receive an ACT score in the top 98th percentile of the nation,  or are a National Merit Scholarship finalist will be guaranteed admission to the University of Wisconsin–Madison through the Wisconsin Guarantee .

Academic Requirements

Required coursework.

An applicant’s high school record should demonstrate both rigor and breadth in the types of coursework they pursue. Applicants must meet the minimum course requirements listed below to be eligible for admission to UW–Madison. Competitive applicants often take additional credits in the core subject areas, including the most challenging advanced-level work offered at or through their school in as many areas as possible, while maintaining a strong GPA.

Note: For trimester schools, two trimesters is considered one year/credit. One trimester is considered 0.5 years/credits.

*Math requirement includes at least one year each of algebra, geometry, and advanced math with algebra or geometry prerequisites. If an applicant takes any of these courses in middle school, that will count toward the requirement. Courses that will not fulfill this requirement include statistics, business math, and computer classes.

** Taking two years of the same world language in high school is highly recommended, as this can fulfill the world language requirement as a student at UW–Madison.

Students who do not fulfill the university world language requirement with high school work will be required to do so as a student at UW–Madison.

To meet the requirement in high school, world language credit must be on the student’s high school transcript as credit earned at an accredited institution. Online language programs or applications such as Rosetta Stone will not be accepted.

American Sign Language (ASL) may be accepted if it is taken through the student’s school and is reflected on an official transcript.

Students who are not native English language speakers can satisfy world language with an official transcript verifying their education in that language. If they were educated in their native language through grade seven, they will receive two units of world language. Non-native English language speakers who were educated in their native language through grade eight will be awarded four units.

English Language Proficiency

First-year applicants educated in non-English speaking countries must  submit an official  TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test (DET) score, unless English was the primary language of instruction in all four years of secondary school. Applicants must meet the minimum required score for admission consideration.

Integrity in Applying

Academic integrity is valued in our community and in the admission process. By signing your application, you certify that it is complete and accurate. We hold you accountable to ensure the authenticity and honesty of your application; essays; self-reported grades, courses, and test scores; and additional materials subsequently submitted.

Senior Course Changes

The University of Wisconsin–Madison Office of Admissions and Recruitment does not “approve” or “deny” senior-year course schedule changes. You should consult with your high school counselor and other advisors and consider the pros, cons, and repercussions of a course change. Once you have made course changes, please submit the Senior Year Course Change Webform to notify us of the change. Please note that you may only submit this form once.

Be aware that a change that results in a drastically less academically rigorous course of study may jeopardize your admissibility or offer of admission. Admission to UW–Madison is based on our evaluation of a number of factors, including reported senior-year (or college) course work and your predicted continued academic success. Any changes in curriculum or declining grades may be cause for revoking admission prior to the start of the term.

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UW-Madison Essay Example from an Accepted Student

With over 30,000 undergraduates, the flagship university of the Wisconsin public system is known for its top-tier academics, high-achieving sports teams, party life. The University of Wisconsin Madison is considered one of the best 50 schools in the nation, thus making gaining admission a difficult task. You’ll need more than good grades to get into this school—your essays will have to shine as well. 

In this post, we will share a real essay an accepted UW Madison student submitted. We will also go over what this essay did well, and where there is room for improvement.

Please note: Looking at examples of real essays students have submitted to colleges can be very beneficial to get inspiration for your essays. You should never copy or plagiarize from these examples when writing your own essays. Colleges can tell when an essay isn’t genuine and will not view students favorably if they plagiarized. 

Read our UW Madison essay breakdown to get a comprehensive overview of this year’s supplemental prompts.

Essay Example – Why UW Madison, and Why This Major? 

As a student from Wisconsin, I have grown up with a high degree of exposure to discussions surrounding the University of Wisconsin-Madison. As a result of the assortment of compliments I frequently heard describing its academics, I have always held the university in high regard.

Additionally, I have heard of the stellar location and value that comes along with the university being in the state capital. Through the combination of the two previous factors, the University of Wisconsin-Madison has become the center of my search for my ideal college experience. While exploring further, however, I have found that there is more about the university that causes my desire to attend. From the array of libraries and study spaces, a large student body in which I can find like-minded people, to the excellent campus I saw during a visit, there are countless aspects about the university that I find alluring. However, one element of the university stands out from the rest— the Wisconsin Idea.

I would describe myself as curious due to my constant attempts to learn new information; the more knowledge about current or former events I can achieve, the better. When a person has consistent access to accurate, unbiased information, I believe they can grow as a person, academically or socially. As new information is gathered and shared, new ideas can develop.

These novel ideas can lead to innovation and problem-solving. Unbiased and unpersuasive reports allow for thinking for oneself, forcing originality. I am interested in entering the field of journalism because of its capacity to prompt these thoughts. Beyond any encouragement of self- reliance, journalism can be an agent of change. Through reporting on issues afflicting society, widespread awareness is created. A society’s recognition of its problems enables attempts to fix them through methods such as civic engagement. Through these characteristics of journalism, better people and communities develop, showing its connection to the Wisconsin Idea. A bettering of society is something meaningful to me, and I believe journalism is the pathway to do so. The University of Wisconsin-Madison will allow me to explore all my interests involving journalism.

Growing up, I appreciated the coverage of sportswriters, from national writers such as ESPN’s Jeff Passan to local writers such as University of Wisconsin-Madison alumnus Curt Hogg with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. The work of these sportswriters is also valuable to society, helping provide moments of respite from the stresses of life. Through the sports communication certificate program, I will be able to discover if this branch of journalism is the niche meant for me.

Additionally, the University of Wisconsin-Madison has the resources that will allow me to succeed in journalism. Being in the journalism program with a focus on reporting and multimedia journalism, I will be able to strengthen my ability to inform the public in conjunction with the Wisconsin Idea. Education on how to vet sources and how to properly engage with audiences will allow for the merging of reporting with the mentioned principles and values. Through the university, I am confident that I will be able to leave a positive mark on the world.

I know that the University of Wisconsin-Madison will be able to cultivate my interests and help me grow as a person. Through the totality of its resources and classes, I will be well-prepared for my career as a journalist and ready to contribute positively to society.

What the Essay Did Well

Since this essay combines the “ Why School? ” and “ Why Major? ” supplements, it’s important to answer both questions while still ensuring the essay feels like one cohesive unit. This student has done exactly that, by highlighting the Wisconsin Idea and using that thread to tie his ideas together throughout the essay. That anchor also allows for a smooth transition between the student’s interest in the school and their interest in the major.

In addition to doing an excellent job crafting a unified essay, the student gives a lot of background on their decision to major in journalism, which shows that they are a thoughtful, dedicated student who is prepared to get the most out of a Wisconsin education. They start off by telling us why they see journalism as important in the big picture: “ Through these characteristics of journalism, better people and communities develop, showing its connection to the Wisconsin Idea. ” 

But in the next paragraph, they zoom in from the abstract ideals of journalism, to their personal interest in sports journalism specifically. By mentioning particular sportswriters they find inspiring, plus the “ focus on reporting and multimedia journalism ” they aspire towards, we get a more detailed picture of how they will contribute to the world of journalism, which is further evidence that this is a motivated student who is prepared to hit the ground running in college.

Although this essay is more detailed when answering the “Why Major?” question than the “Why School?” one, that isn’t a huge issue because they bring in school-specific programs while discussing their major. That, in effect, answers the “Why School?” question, because this student would not be able to get the same education in journalism at a different school. As highlighted at the beginning of this section, this essay’s biggest strength is that seamless blend of school opportunities and the student’s interest in journalism as a major.

What Could Be Improved

There are two weaknesses to this essay: the response to the “Why School?” half of the prompt, and the lack of personal details.

As noted above, the student does a good job of addressing “Why School?” in the part of their essay that focuses on “Why Major?” but the essay would be even stronger if they took some time to answer “Why School?” directly.

The first two paragraphs are in theory doing that, but they are wildly vague and provide few substantive examples of why UW Madison is a good fit for this student. As a rule of thumb, the school’s reputation and location, generic resources like libraries, and general campus aesthetic are not valid answers for why you want to attend, because lots of other schools have strong reputations, good locations, beautiful libraries, etc.

Instead, when answering this prompt you want to hone in on opportunities that can only be found at that school and explain how they connect to your current interests or will help you accomplish your goals. That shows admissions officers that you want to attend their school specifically, rather than that you’d be happy at any college in a state capital.

A better response would have looked something like this: “I look forward to sitting in on panel discussions hosted by UW’s Center for Journalism Ethics and working under Professor Culver to broaden my perspectives when I report on difficult topics like racial injustice, a topic which has particularly contentious in Wisconsin since the shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha. ”

This version shows that the student already has a clear, concrete vision of how they would fit into UW Madison’s campus community, which in turn gives admissions officers a more detailed sense of what this student would bring to their school. 

This version also shows how the student being from Wisconsin makes them a stronger applicant than someone from another state, as they have a personal understanding of the same issues that have affected UW Madison. The original essay, in contrast, only showed that being from Wisconsin has helped the student know the school better, not how them being from Wisconsin would benefit UW Madison.

The other issue with this essay is that the reader learns very little about the student’s background and personality. Broad statements like “ A bettering of society is something meaningful to me, ” and “ Growing up, I appreciated the coverage of sportswriters, ” don’t have enough detail for the reader to understand this student, as these two statements could be true of thousands of other applicants. Remember, the whole point of the essay is to distinguish yourself from students whose more objective metrics, like grades and extracurriculars, are similar to yours.

A stronger essay would accomplish that by providing insight into the emotional connection this student has to journalism. Rather than vaguely stating that sports journalism “help[s] provide moments of respite from the stresses of life,” it would describe how the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s riveting coverage of the Milwaukee Bucks’ championship season gave the student something joyful to think about even as their grandfather’s dementia was worsening. 

Without that personal connection, even if admissions officers know what the student is interested in and even some of their beliefs about the world, they won’t know who the student truly is at their core. That deeper layer of understanding is what would take this essay from good to great.

Where to Get Feedback on Your Essay

Do you want feedback on your University of Wisconsin essays? After rereading your essays countless times, it can be difficult to evaluate your writing objectively. That’s why we created our free Peer Essay Review tool , where you can get a free review of your essay from another student. You can also improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays. 

If you want a college admissions expert to review your essay, advisors on CollegeVine have helped students refine their writing and submit successful applications to top schools. Find the right advisor for you to improve your chances of getting into your dream school!

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

University of Washington Information School

Informatics.

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Application Materials

Application.

In order to apply to the program, applicants who are current UW students or transfer students must complete an application and provide the information and materials listed below.

The Informatics program has two admissions cycles per year, spring and autumn.

• The application to start the program in Winter 2025 will open in September 2024, with a deadline in early October 2024.
• The application to start the program in Autumn 2025 will open in March 2025, with a deadline in early April 2025.
• Transfer students should also complete a UW transfer application for the quarter they wish to enter the program.

What you will need:

• Schools and Transcripts
• Prerequisites courses
• Informatics AI usage
• Application Limit
• What we Look for

Schools and transcripts

Applicants are required to provide information about all schools where they have earned academic credit and are required to provide an unofficial transcript for each. Please include all schools even if the courses appear on your UW transcript. If you have taken any UW Seattle courses, you also need to list and attach an unofficial transcript for the UW.

Prerequisite courses

Applicants will provide information about the prerequisite courses they took. They will be asked at which school they took the course, what term it was taken, and the course number. If they have taken more than one course that meets any prerequisite course requirement, it is recommended that they enter the course that has the highest grade.

• Current UW student prerequisites
• Transfer applicant prerequisites

Application essay

Essay prompts for the academic year Winter 2025 applications are below. Essay prompts are significantly changed from previous years; please read. 

In addition to providing information about prerequisite grades and academic history, applicants must submit an application essay composed of three sections. The essay is evaluated based on the 3 prompts below as well as the overall writing; all prompts are weighted equally.

Writing and Formatting Requirements:

We expect students to already be capable of writing clearly and coherently in English. Your response helps us evaluate that.

What we’re looking for: Clear communication is central to thriving in our courses, as most involve writing. Be sure to check your spelling. Do your best to avoid grammar errors, but note that we will not penalize you for them unless they significantly interfere with our ability to comprehend your writing.

You may include anything you want in your application essay, as long as it satisfies the following requirements:  

The structure of your responses is up to you. You will be asked to submit your response for each prompt separately.

Applicants will copy/paste their submission as plain text into a text box in the application. Be sure to test this before the deadline. This means that bold, italic, etc formatting will not be included. 

Do not include links to external information or websites. Additional information cannot be considered, so such links will just use up the word count.

Please tell us about yourself and why you want to study Informatics and join our community. Provide specific, concrete example(s) drawing from your lived experience, interests, and passions to convey why you want to learn with us. Please limit your response to 250 words.  

What we are looking for : We are looking for students who understand and appreciate Informatics, will contribute to our community and discipline, and who will thrive in our program. Such students demonstrate many of the following characteristics: 

They are interested in Informatics, the topics we investigate, and the problems we care about solving. 

They are creative thinkers who consider and explore novel approaches and ideas. 

They are resilient when things get challenging. 

They are good communicators and can effectively convey ideas through writing. 

They are effective collaborators who work well in teams and support their peers. 

They are actively engaged participants in class activities and discussions. 

You can’t talk about all your experiences or qualities in a short statement! As you write your application, consider what strengths you want to highlight in the limited space you have. We encourage you to pick one or two personal characteristics from the above list to highlight and give us specific, concrete experiences as examples to share with us. 

Information technologies and systems can have profound impacts of all kinds. Give us an example of an information technology or system that you think has been a success or a failure or both. What question(s) and/or implication(s) does this example raise for you? You may consider the context, complexity, and/or environment in which the success/failure occurred. Please limit your response to 250 words.  

What we are looking for : We are looking for students who think broadly and critically about information technologies and their impacts. Such students demonstrate many of the following characteristics: 

They are deep critical thinkers who can reason about and find connections between disparate ideas   

They are curious and able to ask insightful questions 

They are enthusiastic problem solvers who embrace solving complex challenges  

They are aware of and interested in the social impacts of information 

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Access, and Sovereignty are core values and foundational concepts in the Information School. The iSchool makes a commitment to IDEAS in all that we do.   

Tell us what experiences you have with  inclusion, diversity, equity, access, and/or sovereignty  in relation to information or information technology. These experiences might include learning, volunteering, activism, community organizing, mentoring, teaching, or personal experiences with exclusion or oppression. We are especially interested in experiences in which you took action to address issues of fairness, bias, or exclusion, whether advocacy or self-advocacy, social or technical. You may want to consider the  iSchool diversity statement  when composing your response. Please limit your response to 200 words.  

What we are looking for : It’s important that Informatics majors are attentive to ways that people can be excluded and oppressed by information and information technology and in general. We’re seeking students who are committed to making information technology more just, equitable, and inclusive. Such students demonstrate many of the following characteristics: 

They are aware of and interested in the social impacts of information. 

They share the iSchool beliefs in social justice, the importance of the quality of life for all people, embracing diversity, and making a difference in the world. 

They are enthusiastic problem solvers who embrace solving complex challenges. 

They take action. 

We encourage you to pick  specific, concrete experiences as examples to share with us. 

Informatics AI usage — ChatGPT or generative AI usage

ChatGPT and similar tools can be valuable in making your writing better and your thinking richer. But it cannot be used to replace writing and thinking. 

During the application process, you will be asked "Did you use ChatGPT and/or similar tools in writing this essay? If so, please indicate how you used the tool(s)."

Not acceptable:

Enter prompt and/or some notes into ChatGPT; submit some version of what comes out, even with some modifications. This will be considered plagiarism.

Acceptable:

• Use ChatGPT to find a better word (as you would a thesaurus)
• Use ChatGPT to assure your grammar is correct
• Use ChatGPT to find a better way to phrase an idea, a sentence or two

Note: two-application limit

Applicants will be allowed to apply to the Informatics major a maximum of two times. For this reason, applicants are encouraged to be selective and apply only when they have fulfilled all the criteria and feel that they can present a strong application.

First-year direct-to-major admission applications do not count toward the two-application limit. 

Only applications that are complete and considered for admission are counted in the two attempts. Starting an application or submitting without all prerequisite courses completed will not count toward your two attempts. 

What We Look for

As you write your responses, keep in mind that the admissions committee seeks a diverse range of students. We value various perspectives and backgrounds because they enrich our learning environment. Whether you’re passionate about people, technology, or information, we want to understand what makes you unique.

When reviewing your responses, the admissions committee will consider the three essay prompts. Therefore, as you share your story, aim for clarity and coherence. Remember to link your personal experiences to the Informatics major. Show us how your journey aligns with our program and why you’re a great fit for our community.

The Informatics admissions committee believes all students interested in information deserve to major in Informatics. However, meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. Admission is capacity-constrained because we have limited teaching capacity and space; thus, we can only admit a portion of the students who apply. 

Applications are evaluated based on the written essay (80% of the overall score) and a calculated average of grades in the prerequisite courses (20% of the overall score). An essay score is calculated with equal weight to the guideline for reviewers . We use statistical methods such as z-scoring to calculate the ranking of applications reviewed. All applicants are reviewed by at least two people on our admissions committee. We review the prerequisite course scores where students use AP, credit/no credit, or satisfactory/not satisfactory grades to ensure this is not disadvantaging a student's final rank.

If you have any questions while working on the application, please contact the admissions team at [email protected]  Do not wait until the due date to reach out to us if you do have questions!

Full Results

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Freshmen Application Process and Required Materials

• Find Your Major
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Already submitted an application?  Go to the Applicant page.

• Graduate (see program)
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• High School Student Programs

Complete the UW System Online Application

Create an account and start a new application for Parkside at  apply.wisconsin.edu.

We've added some tips for completing your essay at the bottom of the page.

We'll cover the cost

To support our future Rangers, the application fee is now free.

Submit official high school transcript, GED scores, or HSED

All transcripts must be official and come directly from the institution. 

• Your high school counselor can email your unofficial or official transcripts to  [email protected]
• You can submit unofficial high school transcripts during the application process to  [email protected]
• If sending your official transcript by mail, have it sent to:  UW-Parkside Admissions, 900 Wood Rd, Kenosha, WI 53144
• Transcripts submitted through an electronic service, such as Parchment, are accepted.

Applicants who wish to be admitted on the basis of high school equivalency must submit official documents such as Certification of General Education Development (GED), including the official GED score report. Complete the GED/HSED Request Form.

Submit official transcripts from all colleges and/or universities ever attended

Official transcripts must be submitted for all colleges/universities ever attended, whether courses will transfer or not. All transcripts must be official and come directly from the institution.

Submit transcripts to

UW-Parkside Admissions 900 Wood Rd Kenosha, WI 53144

or [email protected]

UW-Parkside is test optional . You are not required to submit ACT or SAT scores for admission purposes.

If you select to send ACT or SAT scores to UW-Parkside, follow the process below. Parkside's ACT code is 4690 and SAT code is 1860. Visit www.actstudent.org for information about testing. 

Access your ACT report   Access your SAT report

Submit your official or unofficial ACT report or your student ACT report, and/or your official or unofficial SAT report to  [email protected]

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the requirements for admission.

Parkside completes a  comprehensive review  with each application we receive. Thoroughly complete the entire application including the personal statement. Both academic and nonacademic factors that are presented in an application are used to make an admission decision. Academic factors include academic rigor, GPA, and class rank 

Nonacademic factors include, but are not limited to, leadership, community service, special talent and ability, and personal characteristics that contribute to the strengths and diversity of the university. The most competitive candidates for admission present positive factors in their application that are both academic and nonacademic. If you have been denied admission and wish to learn about the appeal process, please contact the Admissions Office

Freshmen who are likely to be admitted will have:

Completed the minimum of 17 or more high school units Rank in the upper 50th percentile of their high school class

Transfer students who are likely to be admitted will have:

At least 12 transferrable credits.   Find out how your credits transfer . Have a 2.0 or higher in transferrable course work

When is the application deadline?

Parkside operates on a rolling admission basis and, as such, we reserve the right to stop accepting applications when we believe the enrollment capacities for the campus can be satisfied by the number of students already admitted.  We encourage you to complete your application early.

Parkside anticipates closing admission for new freshmen and transfer students no later than August 1 for Fall semester and January 8 for Spring semester. All application materials (including the application, transcripts, fees, test scores, etc.) need to arrive to admissions before the end of business each of these days.

How can I find out what is missing for my application?

You can check your "To Do List" in SOLAR for missing materials.  Read the tutorial here .  

You can also call the Office of Admissions at 262-595-2355 or email  [email protected] .

How long does it take to make a decision?

Applications are reviewed once all application materials arrive.  If one item is missing, that will hold up the entire application review process.

Once all materials are received, a decision is typically made within 3-5 days.  At peak times and for students with a large number of transfer credits, additional days may be required.

Applicants typically receive their decision letter within two weeks of submitting all materials.

How will I find out the decision?

After all required application materials are submitted, a committee will review the application and make a decision. A decision letter is then sent by mail. Typically, this arrives within two weeks after all materials are submitted. You may also call us to check the status of your application: 262-595-2355. A decision can only be shared directly with the student who applied.

Should I submit Advanced Placement (AP) Test Results?

If any Advanced Placement (AP) courses exams were taken, scores must be sent prior to the start of the first semester of attendance to receive credit. View the  Advanced Placement score equivalencies . Scores are not required for an admissions decision.

Tips for completing your essay

This part is all about you! Tell us about something you've done — academically or personally — and what you've learned from it. Was it a success or a challenge? Did it represent a turning point in your life? How did this particular moment in your life influence you, and how will it continue to influence you as you pursue your college education?

• An essay should consist of 3 to 5 paragraphs that concisely answer the prompt.
• Read the prompt carefully and make bullet points of your thoughts, this will help you to organize your paragraphs.
• Proof read and use spell check , and then have someone you trust proof read.
• Tell us a story, but make a point as it relates to the prompt.
• It’s okay to talk about your challenges, also talk about how you will improve.
• DO NOT plagiarize. We want to hear about you,  in your voice .
• Starting your essay with a quote from a source you like (an inspiration) is a great way to begin – Just remember it is a quote and should be treated as such (i.e. quote marks and name of author). Often times this draws the reader in and even inspires them.
• Think of this as an essay you would submit in your English class, we look for the same things, grammar, punctuation, capitalization, spelling, etc.
• Don't use your phone to write your essay if you can avoid it.

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4 Tips for Writing Perfect University of Washington Essays

College Essays

The University of Washington is often ranked among public Ivy Leagues —that is, public schools with the academic clout and selectivity to elevate their reputations. So if you want to be a Husky, it's not just about good grades and test scores. You'll also need to prove yourself with a good University of Washington essay, combining your technical skill with your knowledge of the school and your reasons for wanting to attend to attract attention from admissions officers.

But to do that, you need to know how to write great UW essays. The University of Washington uses the Common Application , which can be submitted to multiple schools and includes an essay section with several different prompts. The supplemental UW essay prompts are pretty standard, but we have all the helpful tips you need to make sure your application is set to impress.

Feature Image: Cody Logan/ Wikimedia

What's Included in the University of Washington Essay Section?

There are two required essays you need to write for the University of Washington, along with an optional third essay. These essays are:

• Common App essay (650 words)
• Short response (300 words)
• Additional information (optional, 200 words)

Part of the Common App includes answering an essay prompt in 650 words or less. While there are seven Common App essay prompts, the University of Washington doesn't allow you to choose which prompt to answer; all applicants must answer the same prompt and submit them as part of their Common Application .  

The University of Washington application also includes a required short response question of 300 words and an optional short essay of 200 words.

Additional space is available, but it's recommended that you don't take it unless you absolutely need it. Show restraint when responding to UW essay prompts; it shows that you can be concise and follow directions , and you won't run the risk of volunteering too much information or making yourself memorable for the wrong reasons. That said, we'll cover some exceptions below!

What Is the Common Application Essay Prompt?

Although there are seven Common App essay prompts , the University of Washington requires you to answer a specific prompt; you don't get to choose. The maximum length of this essay is 650 words, but the University of Washington recommends the essay be closer to 300-400 words.

This is the Common App essay prompt you must answer:

Tell a story from your life, describing an experience that either demonstrates your character or helped to shape it.

This essay prompt is pretty broad; it allows you to focus on any significant experience in your life. To answer it effectively, you'll want to relate a specific anecdote or event that had a strong impact on you as a person and how you define yourself today.

When answering this prompt, you'll want to choose a particularly significant experience. It doesn't need to be super rare, but the experience should hold deep meaning for you. Ask yourself: what defines you? What do you find important? Can you connect a key part of your personality or a goal you have to a specific event in your life?

You should also focus on only one experience. Don't try to cram in as many stories as possible—concentrate on the one incident that's most important to you, and use this essay as a chance to really delve into the specifics of it. How did the experience make you feel at the time? Why did it have such an impact on you?

If you decide to write about a negative experience, try to put a positive spin on it. You don't need to stick with a happy-go-lucky story—maybe you lost a friend because of a heated argument, or forgot to pick up your little brother from school one day. Regardless of the incident, keep the focus on how this situation ultimately taught you something important about life, such as the value of responsibility or the meaning of maturity.

Tips For Brainstorming Topics for Your University of Washington Essay

If you're struggling to come up with an experience to write about, try these brainstorming ideas:

• A time you helped someone in need, such as a friend, a classmate, or a sibling, and how your assistance revealed to you the value of cooperation or compassion. For example, did you tutor a peer in math? Help your sibling recover from a bullying incident?
• A time you made a mistake or acted against your true character and what this taught you about morality and being true to yourself. Perhaps you lied about a grade you got to your parents or said something out of anger to a friend and later regretted it.
• An incident that emphasizes a particular skill or ability you have. For example, you could write about the time you organized a winter holiday food drive at your high school and how it highlights your leadership skills and passion for social work.
• A time you faced a challenge and how you ultimately overcame it. Maybe you struggled severely with geometry and were about to fail your math class, but because of a great friend who encouraged you to keep trying, you eventually raised your grade from a D- to a B.

When writing this essay, make sure to avoid pretending something is more important or unique than it actually is. Don't tell a story the admissions committee has likely heard hundreds of times. Choose an event that speaks to your life and has had a large impact on how you see yourself. Basically, don't write about what you think the admissions committee wants to read. For example, instead of discussing how you've been in Honor Society since 9th grade, it'll be a lot more interesting if you wrote about somebody you met through Honor Society or why you decided to drop out of it.

Also, don't focus too much on the negative part of the story. While it's OK to write about a time when you made a mistake, did something wrong, or faced a challenge, try to avoid writing only about the bad parts. Your story should overall be optimistic and reveal something positive about yourself.

What Is the Short Answer Prompt?

Once you've finished the Common Application essay, the University of Washington has an additional requirement for you—a short response question with a 300 word limit.

The University of Washington suggests that concise writing is particularly valuable, and recommends that the Common App essay be between 300 and 400 words rather than 650. Though they don't offer word count recommendations for the other prompts, it's best to assume they're looking for short answers. Cutting out 100 words might feel excessive, but do try to leave some breathing room within your essay rather than squeaking in right under the allotted 300 words .

Additionally, the University of Washington states that students tend to answer this essay more informally than the longer essay. However, they expect formal, polished essays for both prompts, so don't slack off on proofreading or editing this essay.

For the UW short response essay, here is the required prompt:

Our families and communities often define us and our individual worlds. Community might refer to your cultural group, extended family, religious group, neighborhood or school, sports team or club, co-workers, etc. Describe the world you come from and how you, as a product of it, might add to the diversity of the UW.

UW offers a helpful tip right below the prompt: "Keep in mind that the UW strives to create a community of students richly diverse in cultural backgrounds, experiences, values and viewpoints." What this means is that UW wants to see students who are going to be right at home in that diverse student body. When answering this question, consider specifically what you might add to the community. What perspective do you bring? What traits make you a good fit?

Some students might struggle with this, because it's easy to assume that UW means they're only looking for students from diverse backgrounds, such as students of color, LGBTQ+ students, or students of other marginalized identities. But the prompt doesn't at all mean that you have no chance if you don't belong to one of those communities. Students who fit into those groups may have an easier time of identifying what diversity they bring to the school, but belonging to a marginalized group doesn't in any way guarantee admission.

The University of Washington is looking for students who foster and embrace diversity, so be sure to think on those terms. Consider, for example, how your rambunctious family Thanksgiving taught you to embrace chaos, and how your ability to stop Great Aunt Kathy from throwing mashed potatoes at your cousin for bringing up a sensitive political issue translates to a college campus. Think about how having several different friend groups in high school—nerds and jocks, for example—taught you to move between spaces while always being your authentic self.

For students who are of marginalized backgrounds, the same advice still applies. You likely have different lived experiences than other students, but UW wants to know exactly what you're going to bring to the student community . You can discuss advocacy work, for example, or how your less advantageous upbringing taught you to work hard for everything you want. Always come back to that request to "Describe the world you come from and how you, as a product of it, might add to the diversity of the UW."

Embracing diversity isn't just about being a member of a marginalized community; think about how you participate in your social groups and how your experiences before college will help you have and, more importantly, create a good experience for others. Again, it's not about what identity you do or do not have, but rather about how you build communities and support others. UW is a big school, but you'll still be interacting with people from all walks of life on a daily basis—how will you navigate difference and fit into a student body made up of so many different people?

Let UW know exactly how they're going to help you make a slam dunk.

What Should You Add in the Additional Information Section?

The University of Washington essay prompt offers an additional 200 words for you to talk about yourself and your unique circumstances. This section is optional, and UW advises that the following types of students may benefit from taking the opportunity to expand on their application:

• You have experienced personal hardships in attaining your education
• Your activities have been limited because of work or family obligations
• You have experienced unusual limitations or opportunities unique to the schools you attended

Even if you don't fall into one of these groups, it's wise to take advantage of this additional space. Everyone has a goal that's important to them, after all, which is explicitly included in the second bullet point. However, you only have 200 words, so you'll need to make them count .

Again, UW mentions earlier in their guidelines for the writing section that they value brevity. Don't try to hit that 200 word mark just because it's there—use only the space that you need. Be succinct and clear about any obstacles you've overcome, what draws you to your major, and what makes you want to attend UW specifically.

For example, say you, like many prospective UW students, are interested in becoming a doctor. The University of Washington is highly ranked among medical schools , so saying you want to go there because it's a good medical program isn't doing any legwork in setting you apart from other students . Instead, use this space to talk about why your major is important to you, and why placement at UW is going to help you achieve more.

Following the medical school example, maybe your primary care doctor was a UW grad, and the depth of care they gave you convinced you it wasn't just what you know as a doctor that matters, but also how you deploy that knowledge. Because you want to make the same difference in somebody's life, you're applying to UW to have access to the same information and instruction that your doctor did. In essence, use this space to explain something you didn't have space to explain elsewhere, but make it count .

Be careful not to retread the same ground! This is an opportunity to flesh out your application, not to hammer something home. If you haven't had a chance to discuss that your grades slipped sophomore year because of a family illness or that your local library has a special box for you because of all the engineering books you keep checking out, now's the time to mention it. Keep it short, direct, and original—the admissions office is reading this supplemental section in the context of your application, so you don't need to revisit anything.

Careful not to fall into the trap of using more space than you need.

Should You Use the Additional Space? How?

It can be tempting to use UW's provided additional space to squeeze a few more words into your application, but resist it . Those word counts are there for a reason, and you should aim to get under, not exceed them.

That said, there are legitimate reasons to use this additional space. The University of Washington mentions clarifying answers from elsewhere on the application or providing extra information to the admissions office.

If you have special considerations as a student that you want to be sure the office is aware of, but that you didn't discuss in the previous additional information section, you could include that here. You could also include relevant awards or distinguishing recognition you've received. If your high school had an unusual grading system, it might be useful to explain how to interpret your grades.

But don't take the lack of a word requirement to mean that you can talk about whatever you want, or that you should use this space to expand on one of your earlier essays . Use only what you need, no more. Try to keep it under 200 words. Brevity is important!

Tips and Advice for the University of Washington Essays

Specific advice for each prompt will help you craft a better essay, but there are some general things to keep in mind, too !

Proofread Your UW Essays

It's a small space, so there should be fewer mistakes, right? Nope . You still need to proofread . Consider writing your essays by hand and then transcribing the drafts—it feels like more work, but turning written words into typed words is a great way to spot mistakes. Go through multiple drafts, and read your essay out loud before you submit it.

Don't let typos get through; no matter how good the rest of your essay is, a typo will make it look as though you didn't edit it at all, suggesting you didn't take your time. Do everything you can to avoid the perception that you wrote it up without thinking! On the UW admission website they are very specific that you should “write like it matters, not like you’re texting. This is an application for college, not a message to your friend.”

Get Editing Help

Seek feedback from those you trust, not just those who are going to tell you your essays are great . You want your essays to be as good as possible, so let people who are going to be truthful with you make suggestions. They'll help you write a better essay, and a fresh pair of eyes can spot holes in your logic and errors you might miss after repeated revisions.

Think about going to teachers or counselors rather than friends or family. Though they undoubtedly want to help you, they might also be worried about hurting your feelings. Someone who's a little more objective but still wants to see you succeed is the kind of editor you want.

Be Specific

Always remember that you're applying to the University of Washington. Don't just write an essay that could impress any college (that's what the Common Application essay is for!); write one that ties into UW's core values . Their vision includes an emphasis on discovery, research, community, optimism, and even celebrating the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. All of these are angles ripe for exploration in your essays . If one of your answers is lacking, try folding a little of this vision into it by finding parts of your essay that match the mission and making them stand out more.

Read Essays That Got Students Into UW

It can be tricky finding essays that got applicants into UW, but it can also be a great indicator of what the school values in an application. Take these essays by Issa Rice . Though written for a different set of prompts, it's not hard to see why Rice was accepted.

Notice how his essays could only come from him; they're so tied to personal experience that it's unlikely anyone else would have the same essay. That's the kind of personalization you want to strive for. Your essay should speak about your own unique experience and leave the admissions office with a clearer picture of who you are as a person, not just as a collection of grades and test scores.

What's Next?

Crafting a perfect essay is just one part of the admissions process to the University of Washington. Because UW is a moderately selective school, you need to be aware of all admissions requirements before applying to be sure that your application is up to snuff .

As you're writing and rewriting your UW essay, be sure that it meets all the guidelines of a good college essay in addition to the UW requirements. A little extra polish will go a long way to cementing your application in the admission office's memory!

If you're struggling to understand why UW uses the Coalition App and what that means, never fear! We have all the information on what distinguishes one application system from another , helping you plan your college applications with less stress.

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Melissa Brinks graduated from the University of Washington in 2014 with a Bachelor's in English with a creative writing emphasis. She has spent several years tutoring K-12 students in many subjects, including in SAT prep, to help them prepare for their college education.

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University of Washington Essay Prompts 2022-2023

University of washington essay prompts quick facts :.

• University of Washington acceptance rate: 53%— U.S. News ranks the University of Washington as a more selective school.
• 1 (~650 word) essay
• 1 (~300 word) short response
• 1 (~200 word) additional information essay (optional)
• University of Washington application: The University of Washington accepts applications via the Common App or ApplyWeb . The University of Washington Common App essay is not considered in the admissions process. Make sure to check all of the University of Washington application requirements. 
• University of Washington essay tip: Every UW application essay is important when it comes to impressing the UW admissions committee. Make sure to give each UW essay prompt your careful attention, no matter the word count. 

What are the University of Washington essay prompts?

You’ve completed the tedious work of finding your top colleges to apply to and now you’re working on your UW essay prompts. Before you start worrying about the college enrollment process, let’s break down each UW essay prompt so you can begin writing your UW application essays! 

There are three UW essay prompts .

Remember that UW admissions doesn’t consider the Common App essay in their writing section. Two of the UW essay prompts are required and one UW essay prompt is optional. While the University of Washington acceptance rate may not seem so intimidating compared to other colleges , your UW essay prompt responses can still make or break your application. 

We have provided all three UW essay prompts for the 2022-2023 University of Washington supplemental essays below. You’ll find a breakdown of how to approach each of the University of Washington essay prompts as well as tips for writing UW application essays that will stand out.

Importantly, the University of Washington does not review your Common App essay. Although the University of Washington Common App essay isn’t considered in the University of Washington admissions process (it won’t factor into your odds against the University of Washington acceptance rate), the Common App personal essay is still important in other universities’ application process. Check out all you need to know about writing a personal essay for the other schools that made your college list . 

University of Washington Essay Prompts #1 ( Required )

Tell a story from your life, describing an experience that either demonstrates your character or helped to shape it (650 words)..

Of all the University of Washington essay prompts, this one is the longest and the most open-ended. This UW application essay should focus on some part of your character: the qualities that determine how you move through the world. In this UW application essay, try to highlight who you are, what you value, and who you’d be on UW’s campus.

Identify your values

To begin your brainstorm for the first of the University of Washington essay prompts, write out your values. List any qualities you care about— honesty, compassion, curiosity, etc. For each characteristic, think of a moment that taught you something about this quality and a moment it was tested. For example, if your characteristic was honesty, you might think about a time when you lied and the consequences of your actions. Or, maybe you think of a moment where you had to choose between lying and being honest.

If you’re not sure which characteristic to highlight for this University of Washington essay, start by brainstorming potential stories. Try to think of a time when you were proud of yourself, when you were challenged, or when you learned a lesson.

You can also check out this list of personal achievements and characteristics from the University of Washington admissions page for ideas of what to discuss in this UW application essay.

Focus on action

Whatever story you tell in this UW application essay, make sure your experience involves you making a decision or taking action. A story with a conflict and resolution will make your essay more engaging . Once you have settled on your topic, without second-guessing yourself, write out what happened and, more importantly, what you got out of the situation. 

A great way to make sure you’ve answered this UW essay prompt is to have another person read your essay without reading the prompt. Then, ask what they learned about you from your essay. If they learned something about your character, then chances are you’ve successfully responded to the question. Then, you can move onto the other University of Washington essay prompts.

University of Washington Essay Prompts #2 ( Required )

Our families and communities often define us and our individual worlds. community might refer to your cultural group, extended family, religious group, neighborhood or school, sports team or club, co-workers, etc. describe the world you come from and how you, as a product of it, might add to the diversity of the uw (300 words)..

The second of the required University of Washington essay prompts revolves around community and how it creates unique perspectives. Because the UW essay prompts are quite general, brainstorm before you pick a topic. You’re likely part of many intersecting communities, so start by listing all the communities you belong to. Communities can be as big as a globally practiced religion or as small as a friendship group based on Dungeons and Dragons, so don’t leave anything out.

Focus on impact

Once you have your list for the second of the University of Washington essay prompts, think about how these communities impact your life. Remember, diversity is not just based on categories of identity; it also comes from differences in how we view and experience the world. For each community, do two free-writes : one detailing the important characteristics, beliefs, and events shared within that community and one detailing how that community impacts how you move through the world.

The UW essay prompt then asks you to imagine how you might add to the diversity of UW. Maybe you want to join a specific student group. Alternatively, you might even propose to start a new one. Maybe you want to bring your point of view into a field of study where it’s not typically included. For each community on your list, brainstorm how it would impact your time at UW.

Once you’ve done your brainstorm for this UW application essay, string your ideas together. If you’re having trouble organizing your thoughts, stick to the outline provided by the University of Washington essay prompts. Use the questions “what is your world,” “how are you a product of it,” and “how will you add to the diversity of UW” as guiding questions for the beginning, middle, and end of your University of Washington essay.

University of Washington Essay Prompts #3 ( Optional )

Additional information about yourself or your circumstances (200 words)..

This UW essay prompt is optional. The University of Washington application requirements don’t call for a response to this UW essay prompt. However, you may include additional information if something has particular significance to you and you’d like to share that information with the University of Washington admissions. 

Often, prompts listed as “optional” are still essentially required if you want to be a competitive applicant. This is not the case with the final UW essay prompt. If you don’t have any extenuating circumstances, feel free to disregard this University of Washington essay prompt. 

You may want to answer this optional UW application essay if:

• You have experienced personal hardships in attaining your education.
• Your activities have been limited because of work or family obligations.
• You have experienced unusual limitations or opportunities unique to the schools you attended.

Of all the University of Washington essay prompts, this one lets you fill in potential gaps in your University of Washington application due to various circumstances. If you have had to overcome challenges to get where you are today, the University of Washington admissions committee wants to hear about it.

Although this is the shortest of the University of Washington essay prompts, it is important you still craft a story and directly connect your experiences to your University of Washington application. For example, if you had to start working at a young age to support your family, be sure to include why it is important for the UW admissions team to know. Maybe you didn’t have time for extracurriculars , or maybe you had to make extra efforts to stay on top of your homework. 

Mention how you’ve grown

You should also make sure you include what the experience means to you if responding to this UW application essay. For instance, maybe your hardships taught you to be more responsible, or maybe you learned how to ask for help when you need it. If you choose to respond to this last of the University of Washington essay prompts, make sure your reader knows why you chose to include it. As with your other two University of Washington supplemental essays, remember to be brief, specific, and honest.

How do I write my University of Washington essays?

To make your essays count, remember to consider your audience. Your responses to the University of Washington essay prompts should convey who you are, how you’d succeed at UW, and what you might bring to UW’s campus. Are you a first generation college student? Did you take a meaningful gap year ? This is your opportunity to show what makes you unique. Remember that your responses to each UW essay prompt shouldn’t read like your college resume . Give each UW essay prompt response some personality and passion . 

Take time with the University of Washington essay prompts, and give the same amount of consideration to each UW application essay. While one of the University of Washington essay prompts is shorter than the other, that doesn’t mean it will be easier to write. Each UW application essay should be clear, concise, and captivating. It should also completely answer the University of Washington essay prompts. 

Follow the checklist below to be sure that you answer the University of Washington prompts to the best of your ability. 

UW Essay Prompts Checklist:

✔️ brainstorm.

Before you begin writing, create a list of topics related to the University of Washington essay prompts. Use the breakdowns of the University of Washington essay prompts above to help you get started.

Once you’ve chosen a topic for each of the University of Washington essay prompts, it is time to get writing. Don’t worry about making your first draft perfect—it doesn’t need to be! Don’t think about things like the University of Washington acceptance rate; just focus on getting your story down on paper

Ask yourself: does my UW application essay specifically answer the UW essay prompt? Am I telling a story? Is there a clear beginning, middle, and end? Does my essay show who I am? Because each UW essay prompt has a specific word limit, it’s important to make every word count.

✔️ Proofread

Read through each essay for any spelling or grammatical errors. The University of Washington admissions team will review thousands of responses to the University of Washington essay prompts, and we want your University of Washington essays to stand out for the right reasons. Make sure your responses to the UW essay prompts are as clear and easy to read so your personality can shine.

✔️ Get a second opinion

Have someone else—a family member, mentor, even a peer—read your essay. A second pair of eyes will notice how your UW essays read, whether your story flows, and how well you’ve addressed the UW essay prompts.

✔️ Repeat steps 3-4 until you are satisfied with your UW essay prompts

Remember, the writing process is a process. Give yourself enough time ahead of the deadline to think about the UW essay prompts. Draft each UW application essay, take a step away, and come back to them with fresh eyes.

After working through the checklist above, evaluate your progress. Keep reworking your responses to the University of Washington essay prompts until you can confidently say that the following statements are true:

• My UW essays tell a story with a beginning, middle, and end.
• Each of my essays answers the UW essay prompt.
• All of my UW essays emphasize who I am and what is important to me.
• My UW essays have no spelling or grammatical errors.

Does the University of Washington care about essays?

Yes! As the University of Washington acceptance rate tells us, not everyone gets into UW. Figuring out how to get into UW will be difficult without placing importance on the UW essay prompts. The University of Washington application essays are UW Admissions’ way of learning who you are as a person. 

The University of Washington admissions office uses a holistic review process. This means they consider your UW essays and extracurriculars alongside your academics. So, your responses to the University of Washington essay prompts are a vital part of your University of Washington application requirements. 

Specifically, UW breaks down their review into two categories: Preparation & Performance and Personal Achievements & Characteristics. While the first depends on your grades and courses, your University of Washington supplemental essays are the perfect place to emphasize the second. UW looks for students who will both succeed academically and contribute to campus life. Your UW application essays should capture who you are and how you will shine at UW. Each of the University of Washington essay prompts lets you share different aspects of what matters to you.

University of Washington Admissions Top Tips for Supplemental Essays

While Seattle may not be the stereotypical “college town,” the city certainly has a lot to offer. If you’re set on UW, which is a top ranking university globally, then we know you want to do everything you can to make your responses to the UW essay prompts stand out. 

To save you time as you begin working on your UW essays, we’ve provided the top ten tips from the University of Washington admissions for writing the UW essays below. We’ve also included tips on how to apply them to your University of Washington supplemental essays.

“Write to the prompt.”

Your University of Washington essays will only be successful if they completely answer the University of Washington essay prompts. Be sure to use our breakdowns of the University of Washington essay prompts, and keep each UW essay prompt in mind when editing your drafts.

“Avoid overused topics.”

Be thorough as you brainstorm topics for each of the UW essay prompts. If you read the UW essay prompts and choose to write about a common experience, use specific details in your UW application essays that show what makes your experience unique.

“Use language you can manage.”

When in doubt, always lean towards simple and straightforward language in your University of Washington essays. Your University of Washington application essays should be written in your voice. Don’t try to sound more intelligent as you respond to the UW essay prompts. Authenticity is key. 

“Keep it simple and real.”

Often, the little things in life have the biggest impact. As you brainstorm topics for your UW application essays, don’t feel pressured to construct the most complicated story. Remember, the University of Washington admissions office wants to be impressed by you! Just be yourself and show them exactly who you are when responding to the University of Washington essay prompts.

“Use humor, honesty, and humility.”

Respond to the UW essay prompts in your own voice. If you have a humorous voice, let that shine through, but only use humor if it feels natural. No matter your writing style, all of your University of Washington essays should be honest and authentic. If you choose to write about your accomplishments , try to do so without bragging or showing off.

“Make it memorable.”

Your University of Washington supplemental essays will be memorable if you are passionate about the story you are telling. Don’t worry about whether the UW admissions team will find your story interesting—if your UW application essays are honest, specific, and exciting to you, they’ll be exciting to read.

“Find the sweet spot.”

Each of the University of Washington essay prompts has a specific word count. While your UW application essays should not be over the word count, it isn’t a bad thing if they are under. For example, if you can tell your story in 400 words, don’t add fluff to reach the 650-word limit. Just be sure your responses to the University of Washington essay prompts are specific and detailed enough to paint a complete picture for your reader.

“Proofread.”

The last thing you want UW admissions thinking about as they finish reading your UW application essays is a typo. Make sure to double-check your responses to the University of Washington essay prompts for spelling and grammar. Try to complete your University of Washington essays ahead of the deadline so you can give yourself a few days away from each of your UW application essays before your final proofread. 

“Punctuate properly.”

Punctuation can change the entire meaning of a sentence, so it’s important you punctuate your University of Washington essays correctly. Try highlighting all your commas, periods, etc., and reading your responses to the University of Washington essay prompts out loud. If someone is helping you edit your UW essays, ask them to do a read-through specifically looking at punctuation.

“Write a punchy first line.”

While it is important your University of Washington essays have a strong opening, don’t let this tip trap you into trying to be overly funny or clever. Your UW application essays thrive on specificity, so write an opening line suited to your specific story and voice.

UW Essay Prompts: Final Thoughts

Remember, the University of Washington essay prompts are your chance to introduce yourself to UW admissions. While the University of Washington acceptance rate is not the highest, strong essays can make all the difference. 

Although your academic history is an important part of your University of Washington application requirements, your UW application essays let UW see who you are beyond numbers and statistics. If you feel your GPA or test scores don’t reflect the kind of student you are or hope to become, your University of Washington essays are the place to showcase your best self. And with so many universities deciding to go test-optiona l, your essays are of utmost importance when it comes to maximizing your odds against the University of Washington acceptance rate. 

Each essay is an opportunity

Think of each UW application essay as an opportunity to overcome the University of Washington acceptance rate and impress the University of Washington admissions. Write each UW application essay thoughtfully, passionately, and comprehensively. Each UW essay prompt response should be not only moving, but also mechanically impeccable. 

While the University of Washington essay prompts may seem like a challenge, remember you have complete control over your UW essays. The strength of your responses to each UW essay prompt relies entirely on how much time, effort, and care you put into them. Start thinking about the UW essay prompts early so you can make your essays the best they can be.

This University of Washington supplemental essays guide was written by Sarah Kaminski . Looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.

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Program-specific admission requirements, in this section, undergraduate program application requirements, new first-year students.

Students admitted as  Pre-Bachelor of Fine Arts (Pre-BFA) students will join an exciting community of first-year art and design students with classes and events geared towards preparing you for a successful application to the intended BFA program. 

As a student accepted into one of the six BFA programs, please be aware of the following:

• You will be required to submit a portfolio in the spring semester of your freshman year to apply for acceptance into the intended BFA program. Portfolios will be evaluated by School of Art and Design faculty. Through your first-year experience, you will be given the tools and skills required to prepare and submit the portfolio, and the necessary support to navigate the application process.

Transfer Students

• All transfer students will be admitted as a Pre-Bachelor of Fine Arts (Pre-BFA) student.  Upon acceptance information will be provided on how to submit a portfolio and essay  to be reviewed by a committee of School of Art & Design faculty, who will determine direct admissions into the BFA major of your choice. 
• Spring Admission: October 1 at 9 a.m. CST  
• Fall Admission: March 1 at 9 a.m. CST
• Submissions may be made after the priority date; however, there is no guarantee when it will be reviewed for a decision nor what art-specific coursework you may be able to get into after the review is completed and whether or not registration for the next semester has begun.  There is a $10 application fee assessed at the time you electronically submit your portfolio.

Transfer students are considered for both fall and spring. This includes portfolio and essay submission by the priority deadline.  Students applying for one of the BFA programs will remain admitted as a "Pre-BFA" student if you: 

• do not submit a portfolio/essay  or
• apply after the BFA program has closed  or
• are not approved for the BFA program after submission of a portfolio/essay. 

You may then apply for a change of major in subsequent semesters, depending upon available openings in the program. If needed, BFA Foundations courses will be available to "Pre-BFA" students pending seat availability. 

• There are no additional requirements for new first-year students.
• Earn a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher from the last institution attended.

Students who meet this requirement will be admitted to the university in their chosen Education major. Subsequent acceptance into a teacher education major and enrollment in professional education coursework will require successful completion of Benchmark I requirements. Additional information can be found at the  School of Education  website.

Students whose cumulative GPA is lower than the 2.75 will be reviewed and considered on a case-by-case basis for admission consideration.

Transfer Students 

• Earned a grade of C- or better in all college level science coursework previously taken.

If you do not meet one of the academic requirements above, you will be admitted as a Pre-Applied Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. You may then qualify for the Applied Biochemistry and Molecular Biology major by completing the appropriate courses at UW-Stout.

Applicants must transfer the following courses:

• MATH-120: College Algebra
• CHEM-135: College Algebra-based Chemistry
• BIO-234: Physiology and Anatomy

If you do not transfer these course, you will be admitted as Pre-Dietetics until these courses have been completed at UW-Stout.

This unique program is designed for returning adults, transfer, and reentry students seeking to advance their careers with degree completion. 

Eligibility

The Ideal Candidate:  Individuals enrolling in this program should have at least 45 credits from another institution or through prior learning. In addition, students should have a minimum of 3 years of professional work experience. Candidates for the BS Individualized Studies program are likely looking to advance their careers, change careers, or start a business.

Application

Within the essay portion of the UW-System application, please write a statement of interest, describing your professional goals and how this degree will help you reach your career goals. In addition, please attach/upload a current resume/curriculum vitae to the UW-System application, or email separately to [email protected] .  

Application Requirements

• Two-year A.S. or A.A.S. degree in a technical field or advanced career experience
• Progressive career experience - Four or more years of work experience

Transfer Credit

The Bachelor of Science in Management degree at UW-Stout is a degree completion program for people who already have associate degrees and professional work experience. Students who transfer from an accredited two- or four-year college can apply earned credits to the program. University regulations require that all students complete a minimum of 32 credits from UW-Stout. 

• Applying for Transfer
• Transferring Credits
• Articulation Agreements

Master's, Doctoral & Professional Degree Application Requirements

General uw-stout graduate school application.

All prospective graduate students at UW-Stout must follow a standard application process through our  Graduate School . Beyond that, each graduate program has specific requirements that must be met to be successfully admitted to the program:

To be admitted with full status to the M.S. Applied Mathematics and Data Science program, you must meet the following criteria:

• Interest in developing advanced technological solutions to industrial needs and problems
• Calculus 1: Single Variable Calculus
• Calculus 2: Techniques of Integration with Sequence and Series
• Calculus 3: Multivariable Calculus
• Differential Equations
• Linear Algebra / Matrix Methods
•  Introduction to Statistics
•  Introduction to Programming
• Students with deficiencies are generally admitted in the Spring Semester so they can join a cohort in the Fall. We can accept students who are deficient in Differential Equations, Linear Algebra, and/or Probability and Statistics.
• Have earned an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0.

General UW-System Application

All prospective graduate students at UW-Stout must follow a standard application process through our  Graduate Studies . Beyond that, each graduate program has specific requirements that must be met to be successfully admitted to the program:

Applicants must have an overall grade point average of 3.0 but may be admitted on probationary status if their overall grade point average is less than 3.0. These exceptions are individually negotiated with the recommendation of the program admission committee and approval of the Graduate School. 

The majority of applicants will have an undergraduate degree in Psychology; however, we are interested in students from other fields including but not limited to sociology, social work, and business. Students are recommended to have taken at least fifteen credits of psychology-related courses, especially statistics and research methods courses, but this is not a requirement.

Program-Specific Application Requirements

To successfully apply for the program, first complete the UW System Application and receive your Application ID. Then, use this ID to fill out the UW-Stout Graduate Studies Collection Form , where you will provide the following:

Required Materials:

• Statement of Interest. Detail your educational and professional background, outline your career goals, and express your interest in the MSAP program.
• Resume . 

Optional Materials:

• Candidate Recommendation Form  [PDF] OR a letter of recommendation
• Research paper or professional document
• Will only be reviewed if GPA does not meet minimum GPA of 3.0

Please submit optional materials, if applicable, by email to [email protected] .

If materials must be mailed (not preferred), send to:

Program Director, M.S. in Applied I/O Psychology Psychology Department University of Wisconsin-Stout Menomonie, WI 54751

To be admitted with full status to the program, you must:

• Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• Have earned an overall GPA of at least 2.75.
• Goal Statement  which demonstrates that your career goals align with the objectives of the program. Also state the concentration you plan to pursue: teaching, administration, or CTE Coordinator/Director of Instruction.
• Current resume.
• Two letters of recommendation,  including one from a current supervisor, indicating characteristics and experience that make you a good candidate for the program.

For the CTE Coordinator/Director of Instruction concentration only , the following additional steps are required:

• Include a copy of a current or previous teaching license with application materials submitted to the Graduate School.
• Complete a  National Background Check .

A deficiency in these requirements does not preclude admission but may involve additional steps to obtain full admission to the program.

All prospective graduate students at UW-Stout must follow a standard application process through UW-Stout Graduate Studies . Beyond that, each graduate program has specific requirements that must be met to be successfully admitted to the program:

The Ideal Candidate:  Students enrolling in this program should have experience as instructors, faculty, staff or leaders within CTE and/or workforce education, including public and private training, human resource development and support services.

• Curriculum Vita/Resume
• Letter of Application
• State your personal and professional goals, how you align with The Ideal Candidate Statement ( see above ). Why/how is this degree is a good fit for you?
• Address commitment to the cohort: How will you adjust your schedule to allow for three years of cohort doctoral program study?
• Address your ability to work collaboratively and contribute positively in a cohort environment. Describe what positive collaboration means to you; illustrate through evidence of past experiences.
• Identify and discuss a problem, opportunity, idea, trend or practice within the scope of Career & Technical Education/Workforce Development. Articulate a point of view and support it with evidence.
• Conform to current APA format.
• One letter should be from a current or former supervisor.

Application Deadlines

Ed.D. CTEL cohorts begin every fall semester. Applications are accepted starting on  August 1  and remain open until the cohort is full.

Non-Degree Seeking Students

Applicants who desire to begin doctoral coursework in a spring semester may elect to take courses that apply to the Ed.D. CTEL elective curriculum ( 700 level or above ) portion of the program. Applicants choosing this path will enter as a non-degree seeking Ed.D. CTEL students; meaning they are taking coursework, but are not officially admitted to the program. In March of the spring semester, the non-degree seeking students will need to apply to the Ed.D. CTEL program with the intent, if program admission is granted, for those credits to transfer into their program plan.

• Personal Statement
• Internal Application |  PDF
• Personal Reference Form | Word
• Background Check |  PDF

Review Process

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling faculty review all application materials. Applications are initially rated on:

• Coursework and transcripts
• Experience working with others (paid or volunteer)
• Extracurricular activities
• Written materials
• Letters of recommendation

Please note that  the GRE is  not  required  for admission into this program.

More students apply than we can admit to the program; therefore, admission is competitive. Twelve students are accepted into the program for the Fall and Spring. 

Based on the results of the application reviews, specific applicants are invited to participate in an on-campus interview. Applicants who are invited to interview are usually notified by email within ten days after the application deadline.

On-campus interviews are scheduled on Fridays, usually three to four weeks after the application deadline. Interviews are done in a group format and are required as a part of the application process. At the completion of the interview, all application materials and performance in the group interview are used to make decisions regarding admission to the program. Candidates are notified of their status as soon as possible after the interview process is completed, usually within one week of the interview.

Due to the high volume of applications, the program cannot provide individual feedback to those who were not accepted to the program, but applicants who are not admitted may reapply to the program. It is extremely important to strengthen your resume if you choose to reapply either through volunteering in your community and/or work in the helping professions. 

For those students who have struggled with personal addiction to alcohol or drugs, we strongly recommend 12 months of continuous sobriety prior to beginning the program.

• February 1:  Summer and fall admission
• October 1:  Spring admission

To be admitted to the P.S.M. Conservation Biology program, you must:

• Hold a bachelor’s degree in biology, environmental science or a science-related field from an accredited institution.
• Have earned a GPA of at least 3.0.

Those with a non-science related degree may be admitted if one of the three following conditions are met:

• Completion of minimum competency course(s) with a grade of B or better,
• Evidence of equivalent courses, or
• Evidence of professional knowledge in this area. 

To be admitted to this program, you must:

• Hold a bachelor’s degree in construction or a construction-related field from an accredited institution. Special consideration into the program may be reviewed upon communication with the program director.
• Have earned a GPA of at least 2.8.
• Preferred experience in the discipline as evidenced by a resume. 

The M.S. Construction Management program will favor applicants who possess a minimum overall undergraduate GPA of 2.8 as well as academic and workplace experience that aligns with the broad demands of the construction profession.

To successfully apply to the program, please submit your  resume  to:

Chang-Ray (Calvin) Chen Program Director 281F Jarvis Hall-Technology Wing 715-232-1161 [email protected]

To apply to the M.F.A. Design program, you will need to submit additional application materials through our SlideRoom account :

Visual Portfolio

10-15 examples of creative/professional work from your area(s) of expertise:

• A series of 10-15 images or documents of creative/professional work, and brief written descriptions. 
• A limit of 5 motion/video images will be accepted as part of the total 10-15 examples, each no more than 3 minutes in length. External video links accepted.

All work must be created by you, the applicant. Failure to follow this rule will result in immediate rejection. If your work is the result of a group project, highlight the role you played in its creation within the written description list.

Written Statement of Interest

This 2-3 page statement should describe your goals for graduate study, your topics of interest for research and exploration, and should provide context for your work included in the visual portfolio.  PDF preferred.

Resume or Curriculum Vitae

PDF Preferred, and titled with your last name ( i.e. Nelson_CurriculumVitae.pdf ).

Candidate Recommendation Form

Three letters of reference from individuals who can speak to your abilities or potential as a designer, creative practitioner, and graduate student.  PDF preferred.

All program application materials should be submitted digitally through SlideRoom .

Suggested Application Deadlines

The M.S. Education program admits students continuously throughout the year.  However, the suggested deadlines for applications are:   

• Fall Semester: August 15
• Spring Semester: January 15
• Summer Semester: June 1
• A Philosophy of Education/Statement of Purpose. This 500-word statement describes your philosophy of education, goals as an educator, and examples of your commitment to learning, excellence, and respect for others. Include efforts to create an inclusive learning environment and relevant accomplishments that strengthen your candidacy. Grammar, spelling, and attention to detail are expected.
• Spring Term: September 1 (Priority)
• Fall Term: February 15 (Priority)

To be admitted with full status to the M.S. Food Science and Technology program, you must:

• Have earned a minimum GPA of 3.0
• Minimum paper-based of 550, or a minimum iBT score of 79
• Minimum score of 6.5
• Minimum score of 53
• Complete a Bachelor's or Master's degree within the last five years from a regionally accredited institution in the United States or abroad in which English is the official medium of instruction.
• Complete UW-Stout's  English as a Second Language (ESL) program .

Applicants who have not taken the program pre-requisites including Food Science (FN 240), Unit Operations in Food Processing (FN 350), Food Microbiology (FN 402), Food Chemistry (FN 425), and Statistics (STAT 320) may be able to complete these pre-requisites in their first two semesters of the program. Credits earned from these pre-requisite courses would not count toward completing the master’s degree.

Graduate School Application

Admission requirements.

• A bachelor’s degree in any discipline from an accredited university and a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0.  Students with a GPA of less than 3.0 may be considered for provisional admission and should contact an enrollment adviser for more information.
• Prerequisite coursework in elementary statistics, medical terminology, and oral communication/public speaking.

This program has been developed for working adults and it is strongly encouraged that students have a minimum of 2 years of professional experience before applying to the program.

• Personal Statement  (up to 1,000 words) describing the reasons behind your decision to pursue this degree and what you believe you will bring to the healthcare administration field. Space for the personal statement is included in the online application.
• Two Letters of Recommendation 
• Applicant must have an overall undergraduate GPA of 2.75
• Two years of appropriate experience

To be admitted with full status to the M.S. Manufacturing Engineering program, you must:

• Hold a bachelor’s degree in engineering technology, engineering, or a closely related discipline such as physics or chemistry.
• Have earned a GPA of at least 3.0
• Have, or obtain in advance, the appropriate mathematical and statistical background.

All prospective graduate students at UW-Stout must follow a standard application process through our  Graduate Studies . 

To be admitted with full status to the M.S. Marriage and Family Therapy program, you must:

• Hold an appropriate Bachelor's degree from an accredited college.
• Candidate Information Form  |  Complete the Form  
• At least 3 recommendation letters are required, preferably from previous supervisors, mentors, employers, colleagues, or similarly qualified persons.

Application Deadline Applicants are strongly advised to complete the admissions process prior to  January 15 . Applications received after this deadline will be considered as space is available.

To be admitted with full status to the M.S. Nutrition & Dietetics program, you must:

The prerequisites for admission to the program are statistics (Stats 320 or equivalent), physiology and anatomy (BIO 234 or equivalent), nutrition (FN 212 or equivalent), and advanced nutrition (FN 320 or equivalent).

Applicants who are denied admission due to deficiencies in these prerequisites will be advised that the courses can be taken at UW-Stout as a special non-degree student, but this will not guarantee admission into the graduate program.

• A statement of intent which describes the candidate's academic history, employment history and professional goals

Please include your statement of intent and attach your curriculum vita/resume within the UW System application or submit it to the UW-Stout Graduate Studies Collection Form .

Please know that the MSOSM Program Selection Committee will favor applicants who have a minimum overall undergraduate GPA of 2.75 as well as academic and workplace experience which align with the broad demands of a profession within the operations and supply management industry.

To successfully apply for the program, first complete the  UW System Application  and receive your Application ID. Then, use this ID to fill out the  UW-Stout Graduate Studies Collection Form , where you will provide the following:

• Candidate Information Form
• Current Resume
• Written Statement
• References should be professionals or faculty that can attest to your professional or academic skills.

Application Deadline:  February 15

Students are admitted in the fall semester each year. Applications received after the deadline may be considered based on available openings in the program.

All prospective graduate students at UW-Stout must follow a standard application process through our  Graduate Studies . Beyond that, each graduate program has specific requirements that must be met to be successfully admitted to the program.

Please submit the following to apply to the M.S. Risk Control  & Safety Management program:

• Transcripts  of all prior associate, undergraduate and graduate-level academic studies.
• A professionally-written statement of intent  within the UW System application   which describes the candidate's academic as well as employment history, professional goals and personal development needs.

The M.S. Risk Control  and Safety Management Program Selection Committee will favor applicants who possess a minimum overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0 as well as academic and workplace experience that aligns with the broad demands of the risk control  and safety management profession.

All prospective graduate students at UW-Stout must follow a standard application process through our  Graduate Studies . Beyond that, each graduate program has specific requirements that must be met to be successfully admitted to the program: 

Application Deadline:

• Fall Term:  January 5 (Priority)

Applicants are strongly advised to complete the admissions process prior to January 5 . Applications received after this deadline will be considered as space is available. 

To be admitted with full status to the M.S. in School Counseling program, you must:

• Hold an appropriate bachelor's degree from an accredited university.
• Have an overall GPA of at least 3.0.
• Background Check (completed through an external vendor)
• Describe your strengths and weaknesses as a potential graduate student, as well as your motivation for entering the program.
• Clearly indicate your understanding of the roles and functions of professionals in the program.
• Reference activities/employment in which you have been involved that make you a particularly good candidate for admission into the program.
• Three Letters of Recommendation

Application Review Process

A review of all applications will be conducted by the program director or a program admissions committee.

Applicants who are recommended by a faculty committee are invited to a personal interview. After the interview, you will be notified within one week about your acceptance or denial to the program.

To be admitted with full status to the M.S. Education and Education Specialist Degrees School Psychology program, you must:

• Hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a field related to psychology or education (inclusive of seniors at the time of application)
• Have an overall grade point average of at least 3.0
• Successfully complete a background check that aligns with standards for program admission

Probationary admittance may be considered as determined by program admission committee review if the applicant does not meet GPA requirement or has a degree in a field unrelated to psychology or education.

• Candidate Information Form  [PDF]
• Describe your potential as a graduate student in school psychology, as well as your motivation for entering the program, including professional goals as you currently perceive them.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the roles and functions of the school psychologist as you currently understand it.
• Illustrate in concrete terms what you have done in the past (education, employment, volunteer or life experiences) that demonstrates interest in and commitment to children, learning, and/or vulnerable populations (eg, individuals with disabilities, disadvantaged youth).
• Describe any personal characteristics such as leadership experience/potential, which support your suitability to work with vulnerable populations in a professional helping role.
• Tell us how you learned of the School Psychology Graduate Program at the University of Wisconsin-Stout.
• Three (3) letters of reference from individuals who can speak directly to your professional and/or academic achievement and potential.
• Completed background check 

Application Deadline

• Summer & Fall Term: January 10 (Priority)

Applicants are strongly advised to complete the admissions process prior to  January 10 . Applications received after this deadline will be considered as space is available.

Program-Specific Admission Requirements

To be admitted to this program, you must:

• Hold a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.
• Personal Statement  (included in the general Graduate School application above)

Please submit the following to apply to the M.S. Technical & Professional Communication program: 

• Resume : Current resume detailing your work experience
• Statement of Goals : Three-page statement addressing your academic history, employment history and professional goals. Include a discussion of your expectations for online learning and examples of your readiness to participate in online learning.
• Portfolio and Reflective Statements:  Portfolio of two or more samples of your current work demonstrating communication excellence. Each piece should be accompanied by a 500-word reflective statement explaining why you have included the piece in your portfolio.
• Submit all materials  to the Program Director by email or via USPS mail to: Gregory Schneider-Bateman Program Director University of Wisconsin-Stout 340E Harvey Hall Menomonie, WI 54751 Email:  [email protected]

To gain full rather than probationary admission to the program, the applicant must have an overall undergraduate GPA of 2.75. The admission committee favors those applicants with academic and workplace experience writing and designing documents and those with keen interests in professionalizing their communication practices and skills.

Note :  Admission to the M.S. in Technical and Professional Communication program has been suspended. Questions may be directed to Greg Schneider-Bateman,  [email protected] . While the program is not currently accepting applications, our college and industry partners encourage you to discover the natural alignment between your professional interest in communications and these related career-focused degree programs:

• M.S. Career & Technical Education Leadership  (Online)
• M.S. Information & Communication Technologies  (Online)
• M.S. Training & Human Resource Development  (Online)

To be admitted with full status to the M.S. Training & Talent Development program, you must:

• Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.
• Professional Statement discussing short and long-term career goals

University of Washington (UW) 2023-24 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Regular Decision: 

Regular Decision Deadline: Nov 15

University of Washington 2023-24 Application Essay Question Explanations

The Requirements: One 500 word essay (required), one 300 word essay (required), one 200 word essay (optional). Supplemental Essay Type (s): Oddball ,  Community , Additional Info 

At the UW, we consider the college essay as our opportunity to see the person behind the transcripts and the numbers. Some of the best statements are written as personal stories. In general, concise, straightforward writing is best, and good essays are often 300-400 words in length.

Please note that the uw essay questions must be answered within our application. for the common app, that means within our uw questions. we do not consider the common app essay., essay prompt, tell a story from your life, describing an experience that either demonstrates your character or helped to shape it. (650 words max).

You can think of this prompt as the slightly more general cousin to the Common App’s first prompt, which is about your background. You can write about almost anything in your life experience that has shaped who you are today. But maybe you feel like you used your best story in your personal statement. What to do? Your goal is to reveal a different side of yourself, so try thinking in opposites! If your personal statement was about your family, maybe this essay could focus on school or work. If your personal statement was about your leadership skills, could this essay cover a time when you let someone else lead the way and learned something new? As you begin to zero in on the area of your life that you haven’t tapped into yet, think about how your past experiences still resonate in your life today. Maybe your summer job as a lifeguard taught a new sense of personal responsibility that has made you more attentive in your day-to-day life. Maybe an ill-fated childhood attempt to drink an entire carton of milk taught you how to balance enthusiasm and moderation in every major project you take on. The experience itself can be big or small, but its connection to who you are today must be clear. UW wants to know who you’ll be on campus, so show them!

Short Response

Our families and communities often define us and our individual worlds. community might refer to your cultural group, extended family, religious group, neighborhood or school, sports team or club, co-workers, etc. describe the world you come from and how you, as a product of it, might add to the diversity of the university of washington. (300 words).

Ah, the infamous “community” essay. Many schools ask students about their communities because they want to know how applicants relate to the people around them, forge connections, and commune with their peers. In this particular instance, the question calls attention to family as well, so consider how the people who you are related to (or those who you consider family even if they’re not bound to you by blood) have influenced your life and worldview. Maybe you’re very involved in your local synagogue, polka dancing club, or environmental organization. University of Washington wants to know about your life beyond the classroom and how you will continue those activities and interests on their campus. Why do you invest in the people you invest in?

Additional Information About Yourself or Your Circumstances (200 words)

You are not required to write anything in this section, but feel free to include additional information if something has particular significance to you. for example, you may use this space if:, -you have experienced personal hardships in obtaining your education, -your activities have been limited because of work or family obligations, -unusual limitations or opportunities unique to the schools you attended.

This prompt is an opportunity for you to explain just about anything else that you haven’t covered elsewhere on the application. Usually, we recommend this type of optional essay only to students who have experienced a major academic strain or have had noticeable blemishes on their records. One example could be the explanation of a complication, like an illness that caused you to miss school and impacted your grades. Perhaps your family moved around a lot, which made it hard to transfer grades or connect with your peers. Maybe an undiagnosed learning disability caused you major challenges in school until you learned how to cope with it.  UW’s prompt covers these circumstances, and invites responses from applicants who feel that their unique circumstances are not represented elsewhere in their application. 

Additional Space (Optional) (200 words)

You may use this space if you need to further explain or clarify answers you have given elsewhere in this application, or if you wish to share information that may assist the office of admissions. if applicable, be sure to include the question number to which your comment(s) refer..

Admissions is giving you one more opportunity to address anything that needs to be addressed. If you feel inclined to answer, think about what else might admissions officers might want or need to know about you. You have an additional 200 words at your disposal to speak to them in your own voice, so use them as long as what you’re writing isn’t simply filler — if that’s the case, it’s better just to leave this blank. 

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Freshman Re-Entry Transfer Graduate International Non-Degree Admission Requirements

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UW-Eau Claire

Uw-eau claire – barron county, uw-green bay, uw-green bay, manitowoc campus, uw-green bay, sheboygan campus, uw-la crosse, uw-milwaukee, uw-parkside, uw-platteville, uw-platteville baraboo sauk county, uw-river falls, uw-stevens point, uw-stevens point at marshfield, uw-stevens point at wausau, uw-superior, uw-whitewater, uw-whitewater at rock county, freshman admission guidelines.

Academic preparation and success are the primary considerations for admission and include high school class rank, GPA, trends in grades, senior year courses, test scores, and course rigor. Nonacademic factors are also considered and include leadership, special achievements, service, diversity in personal background, and experience.

The following is a general profile of our admitted freshmen. Numbers reflect the middle 50% range, so 25% of admitted freshmen are above this range and 25% are below.

Application Dates

Submit an application and all required documents for fall admission no later than February 1, 2025 for priority consideration.

Enrollment Deposit

A $100 refundable enrollment deposit is required.

College Preparatory Credit Requirement

Offers open admission and is committed to providing access to quality higher education.

Submit an application and all required documents for fall admission no later than August 1 for priority consideration.

An enrollment deposit is not required.

All applicants receive a comprehensive review, considering all factors that influence a student’s skills, motivation, and readiness to learn. We value the academic achievements, activities, involvement, and the hardships or successes that students disclose.

Letters of recommendation are highly encouraged for students who may be close to meeting the profile of an admitted student or have unique circumstances that impacted their academic performance.

Students may begin submitting applications on August 1. Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis. Applications will be processed as long as space is available. Early application is encouraged.

NOTE: Please note that these are minimum standards. Most incoming freshmen exceed these minimums by a significant amount. Rigor is an important factor in the admission decision, and applicants who exceed these minimums will have an advantage in the admission process.

UW-Green Bay, Manitowoc Campus, UW-Green Bay, Marinette Campus, and UW-Green Bay, Sheboygan Campus are campuses of access.

Academic preparation is the primary criterion used in the review process. We also consider nonacademic factors (examples: extracurricular involvement, special talent, personal essay, recommendations and/or adding a diverse dimension to our campus community).

The following is a general profile of our admitted freshmen. They are the middle 50% range, so 25% of admitted freshmen are above this range and 25% are below.

Students may begin submitting applications on August 1. All complete applications received by February 1 will receive full consideration. Applications received or completed after that date will be considered on a space-available basis.

Applicants are encouraged to select courses beyond the minimum. Students completing rigorous courses, including senior year, will be stronger candidates for admission.

We have a holistic, competitive, and selective admission process that first considers the academic record, including the rigor of courses such as AP or IB, and overall performance. Essays, standardized test scores, one required letter of recommendation from an academic source, and consistent involvement in activities in or outside of school are also considered.

First-Year Deadlines and Notifications

Spring Regular Decision Deadline : October 1 Notification : On or before December 31

Fall Early Action Deadline : November 1 Notification : On or before January 31

Fall Regular Decision Deadline : January 15 Notification : On or before March 31

A $200 refundable enrollment deposit is required.

The high school record should demonstrate both rigor and breadth in the types of coursework pursued. A competitive academic record should show challenging, rigorous coursework, such as AP, honors, or IB courses, in as many areas as possible, while maintaining a strong GPA.

For many programs, new freshmen are likely to be admitted if they have appropriate high school preparation and rank in the top 50% of their class. BA students Architecture, Engineering, Health Sciences, and Nursing require stronger academic preparation. Students applying to one of these programs will be required to select an additional alternate major (this alternate can’t be one of the selective majors listed here).

In addition to academic preparation, factors like leadership, motivation, and maturity, as addressed in your personal essay and/or recommendations, are reviewed and considered. UWM provides broad access to individuals and encourages all interested students to apply.

Students may begin submitting applications on August 1. Priority deadline is March 1. We will continue to accept and process applications and related materials after that date as space and resources allow.

*CEAS – College of Engineering and Applied Sciences

Academic preparation is the primary criterion used in the review process. We also consider non-academic factors (examples: leadership experience, volunteerism, community service, diversity of personal background, and work experience).

Apply early. Students may begin submitting applications on August 1. Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis, and applications will be processed as long as space is available. Students who apply early have the first options for class registration dates, housing, and course selection.

Most admitted students have completed additional college preparatory units in math or science. Applicants who meet the minimum credit requirements are given consideration for admission; however, admission is not automatic or guaranteed.

All applications receive a comprehensive review. Academic preparation is primarily used in the review process. Other factors considered are stronger academic performance later in high school, demonstrated leadership skills in school or community, personal essay, and recommendations.

Students may begin submitting applications on August 1. Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis, and applications will be processed as long as space is available. Students who apply early have better opportunities for housing, scholarships, and course selection.

Academic preparation is an important part of the admission decision. To be best prepared for college, applicants are encouraged to exceed the minimum credit requirements for admission.

Students may begin submitting applications on August 1. Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis, and applications will be processed as long as space is available. Applicants are encouraged to apply early.

UW-Platteville Baraboo Sauk County is a campus of access.

Applications are given a comprehensive review. Both academic and non-academic factors (examples: leadership, community service, creativity) are considered in the admission decision.

Students may begin submitting applications on August 1. Students are admitted on a rolling basis. Applicants are encouraged to apply early.

Academic preparation, specifically the strength of high school coursework, is an important part of the admission decision. Applicants are encouraged to exceed the minimum credit requirements for admission.

Academic preparation (class rank, the rigor of coursework, cumulative and academic GPA, and a trend in grades) is the primary criterion used in the review process. We also consider non-academic factors (examples: leadership, accomplishments, and diversity in background and experience).

Students may begin submitting applications on August 1. Apply and be accepted before the freshman class total is reached for fall admission. Applicants are encouraged to apply early.

UW-Stevens Point at Marshfield is a campus of access.

Students may begin submitting applications on August 1. Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis. Early application is encouraged. Applications are processed as long as space is available.

UW-Stevens Point at Wausau is a campus of access.

Academic preparation and success are the primary factors considered for admissions to the university. Admission will be based on multiple criteria including academic rigor, academic GPA, a trend in grades, and rank in class. We also consider nonacademic factors such as leadership, volunteerism, personal statement, letters of recommendation, honors and awards, socio-economic background, extracurricular activities, diversity of personal background, and work experience.

A select number of majors are competitive and require further academic achievement. To see a list of these majors go to UW Stout Admissions Criteria

New freshman applications are reviewed on multiple criteria including high school curriculum, cumulative GPA, and class rank. Nonacademic factors that are also considered include leadership, community service, unique talents, and contribution to the diversity of the university.

New freshmen are likely to be admitted if they rank in the top 50% of their class.

Students may begin submitting applications on August 1. Students who apply early have better opportunities for course selection and scholarships, if eligible.

A comprehensive review is conducted for admission purposes. An upward trend in grades and strong academic rigor in course selection can impact admission decisions favorably. UW-Whitewater also considers non-academic factors such as involvement, service and leadership, honors, work experience, and essay.

The following is a general profile of our admitted freshmen. Numbers reflect the average of admitted freshmen.

Start here and create a path to your education goal. Submit your completed application and high school transcript/GED for admission review.

Students may begin submitting applications on August 1. Admission is rolling and will remain open until the class is filled.

Minimum admission requirements for the Universities of Wisconsin

360° admissions policy.

All parts of your application are considered during the review process. While there’s an emphasis put on academics, our campuses understand there’s more to you than just grades and test scores. They look at how your academics are interconnected with other aspects like work experience and leadership qualities. This allows for a more comprehensive review of your application.

Academic factors

• Quality of high school coursework
• Grade Point Average (GPA)

Other factors considered

• Work experience
• Leadership qualities
• Motivation, creativity, resourcefulness, etc.
• Community service
• Special talents
• Status as a nontraditional or returning adult student
• Status as a veteran of the U.S. military
• Socioeconomically disadvantaged

New Freshman

Freshmen include students who are graduating high school seniors or high school graduates (or equivalent) who haven’t previously attended a college or university. Students who enrolled in college courses while in high school should still apply to UWM as a freshman.

Application requirements for new freshmen are below. Ready to apply?  Review your steps for applying to UWM.

Preparing to Apply to UWM as a Freshman

During the college application process, you’ll be asked for a variety of information, including personal information and academic history. To make completing the application as easy as possible, we recommend having the necessary information on hand. If you’re current enrolled in high school, we recommend having this information available:

• Your current class schedule.
• A PDF of your most recent transcript, which you’ll have the opportunity to upload to your application.
• Your ACT/SAT scores (optional). On the Common App, you have the option to self-report your scores. You can also use our self-reported test scores form.
• A list of activities and work experience.
• Personal and parent contact information (if applicable).

If you’re a high school or GED/HSED graduate, we recommend having this information available:

• Final high school transcript or GED/HSED transcript.

UWM Application Essay

When you apply to UWM as a freshman, the application essay is completed before you submit your application through either the UW-System Application or Common App.

Sample essay question:

Tell us about something you’ve done — academically or personally — and what you’ve learned from it. Was it a success or a challenge? Did it represent a turning point in your life? How did this particular moment in your life influence you, and how will it continue to influence you as you pursue your college education?

Essay questions may differ depending on which application you use. Please complete the essay prompt associated with the application that you prefer .

Your application essay should include:

• Any academic and personal hurdles and/or challenges you’d like us to know about in the context of your application.
• Any information that is inclusive of your family or your community experiences.

Before you submit your application essay, please make sure to:

• Review your spelling and grammar.
• Ask someone to proofread your final version.
• Check that your essay is between 250 and 650 words in length.

Required Application Materials

High school transcripts.

Official or unofficial high school transcripts may be submitted for initial application review. You may choose to upload your unofficial transcripts when completing the UW-System application. Unofficial transcripts can also be emailed to [email protected] for review.

Admission decisions are conditional until an official final high school transcript is submitted after high school graduation. Official transcripts can be sent to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions through an approved electronic service or via mail to:

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Office of Undergraduate Admissions P.O. Box 749 Milwaukee, WI 53201-0749

[email protected]

Test Scores (optional)

UW System institutions, including UWM, are not requiring applicants to submit ACT or SAT scores as part of the application process this year. UWM will consider applicants for admission with or without one of these standardized test scores. On the application, students can indicate whether or not they intend to send an ACT or SAT score to be reviewed with their application. Students who plan to send test scores can submit official scores directly from the testing service, self-report their test scores on the Common App or in your UWM Admissions Portal.

To send scores directly from the testing service, select UW-Milwaukee as a recipient (ACT school code: 4658; SAT school code: 1473).

Application Review

Academic preparation.

Your academic performance in the classroom is the most important factor in the review of your application. We carefully consider the pattern and rigor of your high school coursework, class rank (if available), overall GPA and grades in specific courses related to your intended major at UWM. The most competitive candidates for admission to UWM typically surpass these unit requirements:

• English: 4 units
• Math (Algebra 1, Geometry and Algebra 2 or equivalent): 3 units
• Natural Sciences: 3 units
• Social Sciences: 3 units
• Academic Electives: 4 units

Performance on ACT or SAT (optional)

If you choose to submit test scores, performance on the ACT or SAT is only one factor considered in the admission process. In addition to your composite score, we also consider your sub-scores in the area(s) (English, math, reading, science) that closely relate to your intended major at UWM. Although the writing portion of the ACT is not required, we will consider these results if you wish to submit them.

Additional Information

We want to know more about you beyond your academic record and test results! Other factors considered in the review process include but are not limited to: student experiences, work experience, leadership qualities, motivation, community service, special talents, etc.

This information is collected when you complete the application. The essay is where you answer the prompt and tell your story. Letters of recommendation are not required but will be considered if you choose to send them.

Related Links

• Viewbook – English (PDF)