Freshman Admission Guidelines

If you are an exceptionally strong student, you'll find plenty of company at UWM, with lots of opportunities for academic challenge. But, in fact, we admit students with a fairly wide range of academic preparation. Here are the main factors we consider:

1. Academic Preparation in High School

High school graduation (or the equivalent) is required for admission. We carefully consider your academic preparation, as evidenced by 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. We are looking for a high school preparation that, at minimum, closely follows this chart:

COURSE	CREDITS
English: At least three years literature and composition recommended. Up to one year may be from approved speech, communication, or journalism courses.	4
Mathematics: College prep courses at or above algebra level (more math is recommended for math intensive majors).	3
Natural Science: Including at least one year of lab science (more science is recommended for science intensive majors).	3
History/Social Science:	3
Specific College Prep Electives: Chosen from above the areas, foreign language, speech/communication, or other academic areas.	2
Other Electives: Chosen from the above areas, computer science, fine arts (performance courses acceptable), or other appropriate courses.	2
TOTAL:	17
Note: Foreign language is not required for admission. However, students must complete at least two college semesters of a single foreign language to graduate from UWM, and some programs require four or more semesters of foreign language study. Successful completion of at least two years of a single foreign language at the high school level will help you satisfy the UWM foreign language requirement, and is therefore strongly recommended.

2. Performance on ACT or SAT

Performance on standardized tests is only one factor considered in the admission process. While the writing portion of the ACT is not required, we will consider these results if you wish to submit them. In addition to your composite score, we also consider your sub-scores in the area(s) (e.g. English, math, reading, science) that closely relate to your intended major at UWM. Submission of ACT/SAT results is not required of freshman applicants age 21 or older.

3. Additional Information

The application form includes two applicant statements intended to help us learn more about you beyond your test results and high school record. The first asks about your life experiences and the impact you will have at UWM. The second asks for a more general personal statement, or the opportunity to explain circumstances that might have affected your academic performance in high school. It is important that you respond to both.

While letters of recommendation are not required, if you choose to submit one or two for consideration, please be sure that the letter addresses your academic ability and potential for success at UWM.

4. Meet Admission Application Deadline

Applications are accepted beginning September 15 for the fall semester. For most programs, applications are accepted until July 16 for fall (December 7 for application, December 14 for supporting documentation for the spring term), or until enrollment capacity has been reached, whichever comes first.

However, some programs have much earlier deadlines. For nursing applicants, priority consideration is given to applications received by March 1 for Fall and December 1 for Spring. Architecture applicants for fall 2012 have a June 1 priority deadline. After the priority date, applications are considered on a space-available basis. For art & design or music, apply by March 15 for scholarship consideration.

For fall admission, you are encouraged to apply soon after September 15 in order to be eligible for scholarship consideration. Scholarship applications and deadlines are separate from the admission process.

Freshman Application Process

1. Apply Online

Applications are accepted beginning September 15 for the fall semester. For most programs, applications are accepted until July 16 for fall (December 7 for the spring term). To apply now, visit apply.wisconsin.edu.

Early Deadlines: For nursing applicants, priority consideration is given to applications received by March 1 for Fall and December 1 for Spring. Architecture applicants for fall 2012 have a June 1 priority deadline. After the priority date, applications are considered on a space-available basis. For art & design or music, apply by March 15 for scholarship consideration.

2. Pay the $44 Application Processing Fee

You may pay your fee online when you submit your application. Or, you may log back into your application to submit your fee online later. We also accept a check or money order.

3. Send Transcripts

We require official transcripts, sent directly from the school, for all high school and college level work. If you are still in high school, be sure to also list your senior-year classes on the application form.

4. Send Test Scores

New freshmen must submit ACT or SAT test scores. When you take the ACT or SAT, select UW-Milwaukee (ACT school code: 4658; SAT school code: 1473) to have your scores sent directly to us. Submission of ACT/SAT results is not required of freshman applicants age 21 or older.

If you have taken Advanced Placement exams (AP), International Baccalaureate exams (IB), or the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) exams and would like UWM to evaluate these scores for possible credit, please have your results sent from these testing agencies.

Students whose native language is not English and who were not educated in an entirely English-speaking country will likely need to submit results from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Visit our international admissions website for more details.

5. Admission Decisions

Soon after we receive your application, we will send you information about how to check the status of your application online, via our PAWS (Panther Access to Web Services) student information system. Log onto PAWS to monitor your application “to do” items. Once all of the “to do” items disappear, your file is complete and is ready for an admission decision. During peak times, you may expect to wait 4-6 weeks for a decision.

Curious about what to expect after you are admitted? Visit imin.uwm.edu.

Looking for more answers? Check out these common questions.