FAQ - Admissions
General Admissions
Why is admission so competitive?
Because we are currently at full capacity for enrollment, our spaces for admission depend upon how many students graduate from the program in previous semesters. The number of fall 2008 graduates was unexpectedly low, which affected our admission rate for spring 2009.
See our Admissions Statistics page for more information.
Do I qualify for junior admission or sophomore admission?
You will be eligible for sophomore admission if you entered UW-Madison or another postsecondary institution in summer 2008 or thereafter.
Students who began college earlier than summer 2008 and do not fall under the 10 semester rule will be evaluated under the previous junior admission standards.
See our Admissions homepage and click your status to find information appropriate to your requirements.
When should I apply?
Applicants for junior admission should apply at the beginning of the semester in which they will complete at least 54 total credits of college coursework.
Applicants for sophomore admission should apply at the beginning of the semester in which they will complete at least 24 total credits of college coursework.
The Admissions Committee does not evaluate applications until the final grades have been posted for the semester in which you apply. For example, if you apply by April 1 for fall admission, we will not evaluate your application until after grades are posted in May.
How do I apply?
Complete our online application before the appropriate deadline. Applications will not be posted until the application period begins.
What are the criteria for admission?
We consider the academic and non-academic qualities of all applicants. There is no guarantee for admission.
Junior admission depends upon GPA in Pre-business and Business/Economics courses. Personal characteristics which contribute to the overall strength and diversity of the School of Business student body will also be considered.
Sophomore admission will be expanded to evaluate Pre-business GPA and cumulative GPA, in addition to taking a more detailed look at non-academic strengths through a set of multiple essay questions and an activities list. Strength of curriculum and grade trends may also be considered.
Why do you consider non-academic strengths?
We consider non-academic strengths for two reasons. The first is that academics, while extremely important in the admissions process, are not the only indicator of future success in the Wisconsin School of Business. Secondly, according to annual recruiting surveys from the Business Career Center, employers indicate that the most desired skills in a job candidate include leadership experience, motivation and initiative, work ethic, communication skills, and interpersonal skills, in addition to academic preparation and analytical ability.
Why are other factors not considered (e.g. letters of recommendation, interviews, autobiographical sketches)?
The Admissions Committee has determined the current requirements to be the most feasible and effective criteria for making admissions decisions. The factors mentioned above are not considered because the committee would not be able to get an appropriate sense of an applicant’s qualifications, or perhaps do not have access to the resources needed for adding those particular components to the application.
How do I develop my non-academic skills?
There is no “right” answer, but we highly recommend that future applicants become involved in on-campus activities, such as student organizations in the Wisconsin School of Business or at UW-Madison. Other possibilities include volunteer opportunities, work experience, and community service.
How many times can I apply?
Applicants under junior admission can reapply until they exceed 99 credits. Applicants for sophomore admission have a maximum of two times to apply.
Students who reapply should see a business academic advisor to assess their options and discuss the risks in applying more than once. In some cases, students who apply more than once are at risk of not graduating within four years.
Who is on the Admissions Committee?
The Admissions Committee consists of faculty and academic staff in the Wisconsin School of Business. Members are confidential.
Pre-Business Requirements
Can I fulfill any pre-business requirements with AP credits?
Yes. However, students under sophomore admission requirements must complete a minimum of 24 course credits before applying to the business program. Cumulative GPA is an important part of the sophomore admissions process. Junior admission applicants may use AP credits toward their class standing for admission.
May I retake courses for a better grade?
The School of Business does not recommend retaking courses. However, UW-Madison policy does not prohibit you from doing this. If you decide to retake a class, please be aware that the previous grade is not erased! The two grades are averaged. For example, if you took Comm Arts 100 and received a B, the best grade you could receive if you choose to retake this course is an AB. You will not receive degree credit for retaking any course AND retaking classes can (and often does) extend the time it takes for you to graduate. Finally, you will still be required to pay for the course a second time.
If I am a UW-Madison student, can I take any of my pre-business requirements at another institution?
Yes, but the Admissions Committee does not advise students to do this. Most pre-business students at UW-Madison will take required courses here on campus, and those who do well in the requirements will be most competitive.
Furthermore, if you choose to take a course at another institution during summer school, you will not have enough time to submit your grade(s) for fall admission.
If I take a course from another university, will my credit and grade transfer back to UW-Madison?
Students must earn a D or better for credit to transfer to UW-Madison however, the grade earned at another university will not impact your UW-Madison GPA. For more information, please see our Transfer Course webpage.
If I have a choice of different courses, what looks best to the Admissions Committee?
We don’t have any specific guidelines for comparing one course to another. Our best advice is to make sure you complete all pre-business requirements and challenge yourself if you can.
Transfer Students
I am a transfer student. Can I apply directly to the business school when I apply to UW-Madison, or do I have to take 12 credits before applying to the business program?
This depends on whether you transfer under junior admission or sophomore admission requirements. See our Transfer Students page for more information.
How will I know if I am taking equivalent courses at my transfer institution?
It is best to consult an academic advisor at your transfer institution. If you are attending a Wisconsin school, you may also be able to use the online Transfer Information System (TIS).
The UW-Madison Undergraduate Admissions office determines course equivalencies for transfer students and will perform an official evaluation of transfer credit once you are admitted and confirm your intent to enroll .
If I have to stay at my transfer institution for a while due to financial issues or other circumstances, will that affect my ability to transfer?
Not necessarily, but make sure that you are aware of how your credits may transfer or not transfer to UW-Madison and the Wisconsin School of Business. We do not currently provide the option to defer admission.
I am/was not able to be involved on campus at my transfer institution. Does work experience count as a non-academic strength?
Yes. If you choose to write about it in your essay(s), be sure to describe how that experience would make you successful as a business student.
Applying
When is the application posted and what are the deadlines for submission?
If you are applying for spring 2010 admission, the application will be posted on our website starting Wednesday, September 2, 2009, and will be due no later than 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, November 1, 2009.
Late applications will not be considered.
What is in the application?
See our online application at http://www.bus.wisc.edu/undergrad/application/busschool.asp.
What if I don’t know what I want to major in?
It is a good idea to have a desired major in mind by the time you apply, especially if you enter the business program as a junior. For career/major advising, please see the Exploration Center for Majors and Careers.
Can I include high school accomplishments in any of my essays?
Yes, but you should primarily focus on your most recent examples of leadership, involvement, service, and any other activities done in college. Always keep in mind that the admissions committee is looking for the strongest connection between your non-academic skills and potential for success in the business program. There is no set formula for writing the essay(s), so you have room to be creative.
Can my advisor review my essay(s) before I submit my application?
Staff and faculty in the Wisconsin School of Business, including academic and career advisors, are not permitted to review applicant essays outside of the official application review done by the Admissions Committee. Writing help is available through the UW-Madison Writing Center.
What should I do if I have technical difficulties with the application?
Immediately contact Albert Muniz, Director of Undergraduate Business Admissions and Recruitment, at amuniz@bus.wisc.edu or (608) 263-6299.
Admissions Process
How are applications evaluated?
All applications are reviewed after deadline by the Undergraduate Admissions Committee. Applications will be thoroughly reviewed by multiple committee members before making admit/deny decisions.
When should I expect to receive a decision from the Admissions Committee?
Applicants for fall admission will most likely receive notification in July, while applicants for spring admission will receive notification in early January.
We place high priority on giving applicants adequate notice of their admissions decision before the start of each semester. However, we are also constrained by the dates and deadlines of the University, as well as various timelines set forth by the School of Business.
After I receive my admissions decision, can I adjust my courses (especially if I am not admitted)?
Our business academic advisors are available for course planning prior to the application process and will help you consider different options if you need to make any adjustments in the future.
Admissions Decisions
I was admitted. What are my next steps?
Congratulations! See your admissions notification for complete details.
I was not admitted. What should I do now?
The most important course of action is to review your options.
- You can appeal the admissions decision. Details will be included in the admissions notification.
- You may be able to reapply. If you are under junior admission, you can apply until you exceed 99 credits of college coursework. If you are under sophomore admission, you can apply a maximum of two times.
- If you cannot reapply, or would not like to reapply, you should consider a variety of parallel majors at UW-Madison. Perhaps you have already discussed parallel plans with an academic advisor. This parallel majors sheet may also be helpful.
Keep in mind that UW-Madison has 134 different majors, and many of them will allow you to enter a career in a business field. For example, students who earn a degree in economics can still enter a career in banking, investment, or consulting without ever being admitted to the business program. It is also important to know that many employers will seek graduates from a wide variety of majors.
UW-Madison is a competitive and highly respected university. Regardless of your major, we want to see you succeed here!