How competitive is UW-Madison for in-state students?

How competitive is UW-Madison for in-state students?

Hey everyone, I've been stressing about getting into UW-Madison as an in-state student. Does anyone know what the acceptance rate looks like for us? Is it a tough competition, or do they give a preference to in-state applicants? I'd love any insights, especially if someone recently got accepted there. Thanks!

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UW-Madison maintains a higher acceptance rate for Wisconsin residents compared to out-of-state applicants, with in-state students typically seeing acceptance rates around 72%, while out-of-state rates hover near 50%. The university actively prioritizes Wisconsin residents in its admissions process, following a state-mandated policy requiring a minimum of 5,200 in-state freshmen each year.

When evaluating in-state applications, UW-Madison considers academic performance in context with your specific high school. The middle 50% of accepted Wisconsin residents typically have ACT scores between 27-32 and maintain a GPA above 3.8. However, the university takes a holistic approach, meaning they look beyond just numbers to consider your entire profile, including extracurricular activities, leadership roles, and personal circumstances.

While admission for in-state students is more accessible, competition has intensified in recent years as UW-Madison's national reputation continues to grow. The university particularly values students who challenge themselves with rigorous coursework, including AP, IB, or honors classes available at their high school. Strong performance in core academic subjects carries significant weight in the admissions decision.

For Wisconsin residents applying to UW-Madison, timing matters significantly. Submitting your application by the early action deadline of November 1 can improve your chances, as more spots are available earlier in the admission cycle. The regular decision deadline typically falls in February, but waiting until then may mean competing for fewer remaining spots in the class.

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