Skip To Main Content

All UW System institutions require a minimum of seventeen high school credits distributed as follows:

UW College Prep Minimums

  All UW System institutions require a minimum of seventeen high school credits distributed as follows: 

1

Core College Preparatory Credits 

Must be regular or honors level classes:

 

English: 4 credits

Mathematics:  3 credits (Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Geometry)

Natural Science: 3 credits

Social Science: 3 credits

2

Elective Credits - 4 

“Electives may be chosen from English, Mathematics, Natural Science or Social Science, Foreign Language, Fine Arts, Computer Science and other academic areas. Some campuses may accept technical and career courses for a portion of these credits. A minimum of two credits in a single foreign language is recommended for admission to UW-Madison, and may help meet graduation requirements at other UW System campuses.”

Admission Requirements

HIGHLY SELECTIVE COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES 

Throughout the country expect students to take the most difficult courses offered each year of their high school career. They may have very specific requirements regarding English, Mathematics, Natural Science, Social Science and Foreign Language. Students should consult specific college admission websites for more information.

TESTING: THE ACT TEST IS PREFERRED BY THE UW SYSTEM,

but the SAT is also accepted. Research shows that students who take college preparatory classes through their junior year have higher scores on the ACT Test.

PRIVATE COLLEGE ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Wisconsin has several private colleges and universities. The Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (WAICU), supports these schools. Its mission is to provide access to higher education for every qualified student. The strongest candidates for admission have taken four years of English and three or more years of Math, Natural Science, and Social Science. Most students go beyond this minimum. Some private colleges may expect two or more years of a world language. The greater the number of courses taken in the subjects listed above, the stronger the application. For specific admission requirements at Wisconsin Private Schools, please go to www.wisconsinprivatecolleges.org.

WISCONSIN TECHNICAL COLLEGE SYSTEM ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

To apply for admission to an Associate Degree program or Diploma Program, you must have accomplished one of the following:

• Graduation from high school;

• Or completion of an accredited high school equivalency program;

• Or completion of a GED or HSED

Many technical college programs have additional requirements for admission. Some have specific course requirements; some require that you achieve a “C” or better grade in those courses. Refer to program requirements on the technical college website of interest for more information