University of Wisconsin-Madison GPA Requirements: What You Need to Get In
The University of Wisconsin-Madison, a prestigious Big Ten research university, is known for its academic excellence and vibrant campus life. As the flagship institution of the Wisconsin university system, UW-Madison maintains competitive admission standards while being more accessible than many elite private universities.
Quick Answer: UW-Madison typically admits students with a GPA of 3.8 or higher on a 4.0 scale. The middle 50% of admitted students have GPAs between 3.7-4.0.
University of Wisconsin-Madison GPA Requirements
Official GPA Statistics
Average GPA
3.86
Unweighted 4.0 scale
Middle 50% Range
3.7 - 4.0
25th to 75th percentile
Acceptance Rate
49.1%
Moderately selective
Weighted GPA
3.9 - 4.3
Including AP/IB courses
GPA Requirements by School/Program
| School/Program | Average GPA | Minimum Competitive GPA |
|---|---|---|
| College of Engineering | 3.91 | 3.75 |
| School of Business | 3.89 | 3.7 |
| College of Letters & Science | 3.84 | 3.6 |
| School of Nursing | 3.93 | 3.8 |
| College of Agricultural & Life Sciences | 3.81 | 3.5 |
| School of Education | 3.82 | 3.6 |
UW-Madison Admission Statistics
Fall 2024 Admission Data
- Applications Received: 56,845
- Students Admitted: 27,913
- Acceptance Rate: 49.1%
- Enrolled Students: 8,597
- Yield Rate: 30.8%
Academic Profile
- Average SAT: 1450
- Average ACT: 32
- Top 10% of Class: 58%
- Wisconsin Residents: 62%
- International Students: 8%
Admission Rates by Residency
GPA Analysis for UW-Madison
What GPA Do You Need?
Wisconsin Residents: GPA of 3.5+ competitive, 3.7+ target
Out-of-State Students: GPA of 3.7+ competitive, 3.85+ target
Engineering/Business: GPA of 3.8+ highly recommended
GPA Distribution of Admitted Students
Application Strategies for UW-Madison
Core Academic Requirements
Required High School Coursework:
- English: 4 credits
- Mathematics: 3 credits (Algebra, Geometry, Advanced Algebra)
- Natural Sciences: 3 credits (1 biological science, 1 chemistry/physics)
- Social Studies: 3 credits
- Additional Requirements: 4 credits from above areas or world languages, fine arts, computer science
If Your GPA is Below 3.7
- Strong Test Scores: SAT 1500+ or ACT 33+ can offset lower GPA
- Upward Trend: Show improvement in junior/senior year grades
- Rigorous Coursework: Take challenging AP/IB/Dual Enrollment courses
- Leadership Activities: Demonstrate leadership in clubs or community
- Compelling Essays: Tell your unique story and show fit for UW
- Wisconsin Residency: In-state students have significantly better chances
UW-Madison-Specific Application Tips
- Why Wisconsin Essay: Show specific knowledge of programs and opportunities
- Research Opportunities: Highlight interest in undergraduate research
- Community Engagement: Emphasize service and civic involvement
- Academic Passion: Demonstrate genuine intellectual curiosity
- Campus Visit: Show demonstrated interest through visits and events
- Early Application: Apply early in the cycle for best chances
Course Rigor Expectations
Recommended Course Load:
- 4-8 AP courses (or equivalent honors/dual enrollment)
- Strong performance in core academic subjects
- Advanced mathematics through precalculus or calculus
- Laboratory sciences in biology, chemistry, and/or physics
- Four years of English with strong writing emphasis
How UW-Madison Compares
| Big Ten University | Average GPA | Acceptance Rate | Average SAT |
|---|---|---|---|
| UW-Madison | 3.86 | 49.1% | 1450 |
| University of Michigan | 3.90 | 17.7% | 1520 |
| University of Illinois | 3.83 | 45.1% | 1440 |
| Ohio State University | 3.81 | 52.7% | 1430 |
GPA Calculator Tools
Use our specialized calculators to assess your UW-Madison admission chances:
Conclusion
UW-Madison offers an excellent balance of academic excellence and accessibility among top-tier public universities. With an acceptance rate of nearly 50%, students with GPAs of 3.7 and above have strong chances of admission, especially Wisconsin residents.
The university values students who will contribute to both academic and campus life. Focus on demonstrating your intellectual curiosity, leadership potential, and fit with Wisconsin's collaborative and research-focused environment. Strong essays and demonstrated interest can significantly boost your chances of admission.