UW–Madison admitted 41% of applicants for fall 2025 (30,167 of 73,912, Common Data Set 2025-26). Of the 4,317 students who took a spot on the wait list, 1,088 were admitted (25%). UW–Madison is test-optional for fall 2027. The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent SAT scores had 1400–1490.
The numbers
Applied
73,912
fall 2025
ACT, middle 50%
29–33
enrolled first-years
Average GPA
3.91
enrolled first-years
Accept their offer
29%
of admitted students enroll
Application fee
$70
waivers exist
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Can I get into UW–Madison?
41% of applicants get in
Competitive: your grades and the classes you took matter most. The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent scores had 1400–1490 on the SAT.
Likely: even the low end of our estimate is 60% or more, and the college admits at least 25% of applicants. Target: our estimate is 30% or more. Reach: our estimate is under 30%, or the college admits under 15%. Long shot: our estimate is under 12%, or the college admits under 12%. Estimates use the college's admit rate and score range plus your grades and scores. They are not a promise.
73,912 applied, 30,167 admitted, fall 2025 (Common Data Set).
Does UW–Madison need the SAT or ACT?Optional
No.
Test-optional for fall 2027. 15% of enrolled first-years sent the SAT. Send your SAT if it's 1450 or higher, the middle of what enrolled first-years scored.
Essay, recommendations, activities, character, state residency.
Also considered
Class rank, SAT or ACT scores, talent or ability, first in your family to go to college, where you live, volunteering, work experience.
As UW–Madison rates each factor in its Common Data Set, fall 2025.
Questions people ask
What is University of Wisconsin–Madison's acceptance rate?
UW–Madison admitted 41% of applicants for fall 2025 (30,167 of 73,912, Common Data Set 2025-26).
What SAT score do you need for University of Wisconsin–Madison?
The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent SAT scores had 1400–1490. A quarter of them scored higher and a quarter lower, so it's a typical range, not a cutoff (Common Data Set, fall 2025).
Does University of Wisconsin–Madison take students off the wait list?
6,476 students were offered a wait-list spot and 4,317 took one. 1,088 of them got in (25%).
Where these numbers come from
Admit rate and applicants: Common Data Set, fall 2025 (checked Oct 31, 2026)
GPA, early rounds and wait list: Common Data Set, fall 2025 (checked Oct 31, 2026)
Cost, pay and debt: College Scorecard, 2024-25 (checked Oct 31, 2026)
