Direct Admit Wisconsin
Together the Universities of Wisconsin provide a place for all Wisconsin high school students to access a world-class public education. The Direct Admit Wisconsin program is partnering with hundreds of school districts throughout the state to provide a simple and seamless admission experience for students.
About the Program
Direct Admit Wisconsin offers early and proactive admission to the 10 participating UW universities to high school juniors at participating Wisconsin high schools. The UWs collaborate with participating high schools to review student academic records (high school courses and GPA) at the end of their junior year and make offers of admission to participating UW universities without the need for students to submit a traditional admission application.
Students need to attend a participating high school and agree to participate. Participation is facilitated by the high school. The deadline for the Class of 2027 to sign up to participate in Direct Admit Wisconsin is May 1, 2026.
August 1: Direct Admit Wisconsin Offers Sent, Direct Admit Form Opens for Students
Eligible students whose high school provided academic records of opted-in students during summer will receive their Direct Admit Wisconsin offer email on Saturday, August 1, through their high school email account. An admissions offer packet will follow in the mail by mid-August.
Beginning August 1, students with offers can complete the Direct Admit Form in the Universities of Wisconsin Admission Pathway Portal. Completing the form notifies UWs that made admissions offers that students are interested and want to learn more.
To assist students, there are several helpful resources including:
- Direct Admit Form walkthrough and other how-to videos
- Next steps video and checklist for directly admitted students
- Direct Admit Form Walkthrough webinars for a walkthrough of the admissions portal, how to locate Direct Admit offers of admission, and how students can submit Direct Admit Forms. Registration required.
- Go Wisconsin Resources and Tools (troubleshooting tips for students completing the Direct Admit form will be posted by August 1 under “Prepare for College and the UW Admissions Process”)
If students need help completing the form or have questions, they can contact Go Wisconsin/Admission Help, which will be available special hours from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, August 1.
Note: For high schools that will provide academic records of opted-in students this fall, eligible students will receive their email notification on a rolling basis during September and a mailed admissions packet in October.
Direct Admit Wisconsin Fall Webinars
Information Sessions for Students & Families (Virtual, Fall 2026)
High school students and their families are invited to learn how Direct Admit Wisconsin can simplify the admissions process to the Universities of Wisconsin, and get questions answered by the Direct Admit Wisconsin team, at these 45-minute virtual sessions (one geared towards current high school juniors and families, the other for seniors and families).
- For Juniors: Monday, September 21 @ 6 p.m. REGISTER
- For Seniors: Monday, October 19 @ 6 p.m. REGISTER
Kick-off Sessions for Continuing High School Partners (Virtual, Fall 2026)
Staff at participating Direct Admit Wisconsin high schools are invited join Direct Admit Wisconsin: Preparing for a Strong Year kick-off sessions to walk through important milestones in the student participation and data submissions process, learn what’s new, and refresh your memory on the key steps for Direct Admit Wisconsin success. All high school staff who work on Direct Admit Wisconsin—from high school and district administrators to counselors, technology coordinators and support staff—are invited to attend these one-hour virtual sessions.
- Monday, September 28 @ 11 a.m. REGISTER
- Wednesday, September 30 @ 11 a.m. REGISTER
- Tuesday, October 6 @ 11 a.m. REGISTER
- Thursday, October 8 @ 11 a.m. REGISTER
New Partner High School Information Sessions (Virtual, Fall 2026)
Are you a staff member with a Wisconsin high school that is not yet a Direct Admit Wisconsin participating high school? Are you curious about how Direct Admit Wisconsin can give your students another pathway to college success? Join a one-hour virtual information sessions to learn how Direct Admit Wisconsin works, what high school participation looks like, and how to get started.
Participating High Schools
View the list of Wisconsin high school districts that are currently participating in Direct Admit Wisconsin.
Next Steps for Directly Admitted Students
Explore Your Options
Look for communications from the UWs to which you have been admitted. They will share information about academic programs, campus visits, scholarships and grants, housing and more. Then, narrow down your list based on the ones that seem to most closely match your interests and needs. Connect with the individual UW Admissions Offices to answer any questions.
Complete the Direct Admit Form
Completing the Direct Admit Form is not a commitment, but it does tell the UWs that you want to learn more and make a connection. The earlier you submit the form, the more time you have to get acquainted with UWs and take advantage of scholarship opportunities, housing assignments and the best possible course schedules. Although you have until May 1, 2026 to submit the Direct Admit Form, we recommend submitting it as early as possible, ideally by November.
Complete Your FAFSA
Completing the FAFSA is the best way for UWs to offer you the best financial aid package. The opening date for the FAFSA is October 1. Find out about scholarship information for each UW you are considering and explore outside scholarship opportunities as well. Don’t be afraid to ask for help with the FAFSA and/or how to access as much financial aid as possible. Contact the Financial Aid Offices of the UWs you are considering to ask questions.
Choose Your UW
Once you commit to a UW, keep a close eye on communications about next steps and deadlines.
Finish Strong
Direct Admit offers are conditional, which means that you need to stay on track in order to keep the offer. Continue to succeed in your high school courses and progress toward graduation.
Still Have Questions?
Check out our frequently asked questions.