FAQ - Current UW-Madison Students
When can I apply for admission?
Sophomores, juniors and seniors (with 99 or fewer credits) may apply at the beginning of the semester in which they will complete 54 or more credits (junior standing) AND all of their Pre-business Required Courses. Students may apply during the first four weeks of the fall or spring semesters.
How do I apply for admission?
Students should complete an application form and essay for School of Business admission consideration. Application forms are available during application periods only.
What factors are considered for admission?
There is no set recipe for admission and the process is competitive and selective. We consider both academic and non-academic indicators of success. UW-Madison GPA established on the Pre-business and Business/Economics courses are two of the main factors considered. Personal characteristics which contribute to the overall strength and diversity of the School of Business student body will also be considered. These personal characteristics should be presented by the student in the essay portion of the School of Business application.
How many students are admitted each semester?
The number of students admitted at the beginning of each semester is dependent upon the number of students who graduated the previous semester. Because this number changes semester-to-semester, there is no way to predict how many students will be admitted in a future semester. Enrollment in the School of Business is maintained at 1,300 students.
How do I guarantee my admission to the School of Business?
There is no way to guarantee admission. It is helpful to do well in your Pre-business and Business/Economics courses while submitting a good essay. Based on application numbers, number of graduates, and quality of applicants, admission expectations can change semester-to-semester.
Should I submit letters of recommendation?
Letters of recommendation are not considered by the Admissions Committee and therefore should not be submitted.
What if I submit my application/essay late?
Application packets will not be accepted after the published deadline. Applications are due on the Friday of the fourth week of classes at 4:30 PM. If this deadline is missed, students may apply during the next application period if they have 99 or fewer earned credits at the time of application.
When do I find out if I was selected for admission?
Applicants who apply at the beginning of the spring semester are notified in late June/early July. Applicants who apply at the beginning of the fall semester are notified in mid-January just before the start of the Spring term.
If I apply at the beginning of the current semester, do my current semester grades influence admission decisions?
Yes. Admission decisions are not made until grades are posted for the semester in which you apply.
Do my retro credits count towards the 54 credits I need for admission consideration?
Yes retroactive language credits do apply towards the 54 credits needed to be considered. Retro credits do NOT apply towards the 120 degree credits needed to complete the BBA.
What if I'm not sure which major I want to complete if I'm admitted to the School of Business?
It is important to have a good idea of which major you'd want to complete if/when admitted to the School of Business. For career/major advising, please be referred to the Exploration Center for Majors and Careers.
Can I reapply?
Students with 99 credits or fewer may choose to apply more than once to the School of Business. Students should see a business academic advisor to asses 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.
What are my options if I'm not admitted?
School of Business academic advisors want to prepare students for the possibility of not being admitted during the freshmen-sophomore years so that every student has an alternate plan. Here are the three options:
- Complete a parallel business major in another school/college on the UW-Madison campus.
- Transfer to another university preferably within the UW System.
- Reapply (if eligible).
Do I have to complete all of my Pre-business Requirements on the UW-Madison campus?
Effective Summer 2008: The Admissions Committee for the Wisconsin School of Business prefers that students take pre-business courses at UW-Madison because:
•UW-Madison courses prepare you for the rigor and content of future courses taken in the School of Business and elsewhere on campus.
•Data points, like grades, are more easily compared during the admissions process if they come from the same institution.
•The Admissions Committee may perceive that you are motivated and prepared to study in the School of Business.
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.
It is possible for credit to transfer and even satisfy a university/School of Business course requirement. For more information, please see our Transfer Course webpage.
I have been accepted to the School of Business. What do I need to do now?
You don't need to do anything unless you decide you do want to decline the offer of admission. Should you decide to decline, please contact the Undergraduate Academic Services Office immediately.
The School of Business major(s) you indicated on your application will be declared for you along with the BUS classification at the beginning of the semester in which you were admitted. Contact the Undergraduate Academic Services Office to schedule an appointment with your academic advisor if you need to review BBA curriculum and other School of Business opportunities.
May I retake classes 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 do 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 Com 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.