UWSP New Freshmen

Admission Criteria:

Admission to the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point is competitive.  All applications are reviewed on an individual basis, with both academic and non-academic factors considered.  We give strong consideration to applicants with successful academic backgrounds who have also demonstrated achievement outside the classroom.

1. Graduation from a recognized high school or equivalent

2. High School Academic Unit Requirements

* Excludes physical education, driver education, cooperative education, most religion, English as a second language, remedial (in all areas of study) and exceptional education courses.  For additional information regarding acceptable high school courses, see the Introduction to the University of Wisconsin System which is available in most high school guidance offices.

3. Test Scores

The ACT or SAT is required of all new freshman applicants under age 21.  While we prefer the ACT, there is not an advantage in submitting one test rather than the other. We do not require the ACT writing test.

4. Academic Factors

Primary emphasis is placed on academic factors, including the following:

• Class rank
• Test scores - ACT or SAT
• Cumulative high school grade point average (GPA)
• Rigor of high school courses
• Trend in grades in academic courses over time

Non-Academic Factors

In addition to academic achievement, the following non-academic factors are considered:  demonstrated leadership; involvement through work experience, extracurricular activities, and volunteerism; personal characteristics and accomplishments including special talents and abilities, honors, awards and personal qualities; diversity in background and experience; and life circumstances.  While non-academic factors are considered, they will not necessarily make an applicant with a weak academic background a strong candidate for admission.

Admission Guidelines:

The following chart provides information that will help you assess likelihood of admission based on class rank and ACT alone.  Though this chart may provide you with a general picture, please note that your likelihood of admission will also be affected by the other admission criteria listed above.    Applicants from schools that do not provide class rank should review the Profile of Admitted Freshmen section below.

Profile of Admitted Freshmen

The following is a general profile of our admitted freshmen for Fall 2007.  The ranges given below are for the middle 50% of all admitted new freshmen.  This means that 25% of admitted freshmen fell below the range and 25% of admitted freshmen placed above it.

Example based on ACT Composite:  25% (or ) of admitted new freshmen had an ACT lower than 21, 50% (or ) had an ACT of 21-25, and 25% (or ) had an ACT higher than 25.

PLEASE NOTE:

• We encourage all interested applicants to apply for admission.
• All applications are reviewed on an individual basis. Some applicants who are not admitted will be placed on a waiting list for admission on a space-available basis.
• Your financial situation is NOT considered in determining your admission.

How to Apply:

1. Complete the UW System admission application.  We begin accepting applications on September 15 for fall admission and February 15 for spring admission (e.g. Sept. 15, 2008 for Fall 2009 admission/Feb. 15, 2008 for Spring 2009 admission).  UWSP does not identify a specific application deadline date. Because enrollment limits are in effect, admission may become more restrictive as we approach our limits. Early application is recommended.
   
   We encourage all prospective new freshmen to apply online at:  https://apply.wisconsin.edu/.  If you prefer to complete a paper application, you may download a copy at this same web site, or request a copy from a Wisconsin high school, the UW System HELP Office (800-442-6459) or the UWSP Admissions Office.
   
   
2. New freshmen must pay a $44 non-refundable application fee. The fee is good for one year (two semesters and a summer session). A check or money order, payable to the University of Wisconsin, must accompany your application. Please do not enclose cash. If you apply online, you will have the option to pay the fee with a credit card.
   
   
3. If you are still in high school, submit the completed paper application and fee to the guidance office at your high school. If you apply online, you will need to print and submit the High School Counselor Form (provided online at the end of the application process) to your high school guidance office to be completed. Your high school guidance officer will forward your application or High School Counselor Form to us with a copy of your high school transcript.
   
   
4. If you have already graduated from high school, submit the completed application form and fee to the UWSP Office of Admissions. Ask your high school to send us an official copy of your high school transcript.  (Please Note: We do accept electronic transcripts sent through Docufide and Connect.edu.)
   
   
5. If you are under age 21 and applying for admission as a new freshman, submit your ACT or SAT I scores. The writing section of the ACT examination is not required by UWSP. ACT and SAT scores from the high school are accepted for admission.
   
   
6. If you have taken any college courses, ask each college you've attended to send official copies of your transcripts to the UWSP Office of Admissions.  (Please Note: We do accept electronic transcripts sent through Docufide and Connect.edu.)

Special Information for Biology, Art, Music and Theatre Arts Majors

Students interested in applying for majors in biology or art should apply early in the fall of their senior year. The number of students admitted into these programs is limited.

For students who have an interest in the theatre arts, including dance, drama and musical theatre, or music, acceptance into these programs is determined by an audition/interview process. You may contact the Department of Theatre and Dance at (715) 346-4429 or theatre@uwsp.edu, or the Department of Music at (715) 346-3107 or music@uwsp.edu for further information.

Enrollment Deposit

A $100 deposit is required of all admitted students who wish to guarantee their place in the freshman class. Information regarding the enrollment deposit is sent with the letter of admission.

Applicants from Alternative Educational Backgrounds

Applicants from alternative educational backgrounds (e.g. home schooled) generally must meet the requirements for college preparatory credits as listed above and submit an ACT or SAT I score report and transcript(s) from any recognized high school(s) attended. Additional testing and an interview may be required. Applications will be considered on an individual basis.

What's Next?

Information for Admitted New Freshmen*

Freshman Placement Testing

Freshman Orientation

Frequently Asked Questions

  * To download the Information for Admitted New Freshmen, you will need to have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer. This software may be downloaded for free from Adobe Acrobat.