First-Year Student | Universities of Wisconsin

Welcome to what’s next. Your college journey is just beginning, and we’re here to help you make the most of it. As a first-year student, you’re stepping into a time of transformation—where learning gets deeper, ideas get bigger, and your future starts taking shape. You’ll find new experiences, lasting friendships, and opportunities that push you to grow in ways you never imagined.

You are a future freshman or first-year student if you haven’t yet graduated from high school, or if you have graduated from high school but have not yet attended college. If you took college classes while you were enrolled in high school, you are still considered a freshman or first-year student applicant.

Wisconsin Admission Pathways

Wisconsin high school students have three paths to first-year admission at the Universities of Wisconsin.

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Direct Admit Wisconsin

If you're a high school junior at a participating Wisconsin school, you may be admitted automatically to certain UW universities based on your GPA and coursework. No traditional application required—just a review of your academic record at the end of 11th grade. Available at 10 of the 13 Universities of Wisconsin.

The Wisconsin Guarantee

If you're in the top 10% of your class at the end of junior year—or a Wisconsin homeschooler with a top ACT score or National Merit finalist—you qualify for guaranteed admission to all UW universities except UW-Madison. In the top 5%? You will be admitted to all UWs including UW-Madison. Students must still complete an application to access The Wisconsin Guarantee.

Traditional Admission

You can also apply the traditional way—starting August 1 using the Universities of Wisconsin Admission Application (or the Common App, for some universities). Applications are reviewed holistically, so we look at more than just grades.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

At the Universities of Wisconsin, we believe in your potential—and we’re ready to help you reach it. Whether you’re exploring majors, visiting campuses, or preparing your application, we’re here to guide you, support you, and cheer you on every step of the way. Not sure where to start?

Explore Your Academic Interests

If you have some ideas about your academic and career interests, you can Find Your Academic Program at a UW. If you’re not quite sure, take the MyMajors assessment to hone your interests.

Find a UW That Feels Like Home

There are many factors that go into determining what UW will feel right for you. Find Your UW by reviewing campus information. We urge you to visit our campuses to get a feel for what it would be like to be a student there.

Get Ready to Apply

Review our Undergraduate Admission Resources and make sure that you review the Application Checklists as you prepare.

Let us help you find the UW university that feels like home—and start building the future that is waiting for you. The Go Wisconsin team is here to help. And if you already have a UW in mind, contact their Admissions Office to learn more.