UW-Madison admits around 58% of applicants. The average admitted student has an unweighted GPA of approximately 3.8. Engineering, business, and computer science programs are significantly more selective than the overall rate suggests.
UW-Madison is one of the strongest public research universities in the country. Its 58% overall acceptance rate is higher than Michigan or UVA, but the academic profile of admitted students is consistently strong. The average admitted student has an unweighted GPA of approximately 3.8, with competitive programs like Engineering and the Wisconsin School of Business sitting higher.
College of Letters and Science: Most accessible. 3.5-3.7+ unweighted competitive for most majors.
Wisconsin School of Business: Competitive. 3.7+ unweighted typical for direct freshman admission. Strong quantitative coursework required.
College of Engineering: Competitive. 3.8+ unweighted typical. Computer Science is among the hardest programs to get into at Madison.
School of Education and College of Agricultural and Life Sciences: 3.4-3.6+ unweighted typical depending on specific program.
Below 3.5 at UW-Madison starts to limit program options, particularly for engineering and business. General Letters and Science admission remains possible in the 3.3-3.5 range with strong test scores and extracurriculars. For out-of-state applicants, the bar is slightly higher than for Wisconsin residents.
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