Future First-Year Student (Freshman)

You belong at a UW university!

Welcome to the next chapter of your life. Your life is about to change. We don’t know how, only that it will. You will be challenged to learn more deeply, think more critically, and push beyond boundaries. This time in your life will be filled not only with learning and growth, but also new relationships, new experiences, and a range of emotions.

We’re here for it all – with you and for you. We know you can and will succeed.

Your college adventure awaits!

You are a future freshman or first-year student if you haven’t yet graduated from high school, or if you have graduated from high school but have not yet attended college. If you took college classes while you were enrolled in high school, you are still considered a freshman or first-year student applicant.

The Universities of Wisconsin are eager to help you start your college journey by offering advice and information that will help you explore our programs, learn about our 13 UW universities, and get ready to submit your application. To help you find your home at a UW university, please take some time to consider all that we have to offer and all that you want and need in your college experience.

Explore Endless Possibilities Offered by the Universities of Wisconsin

Exploration is a critical part of the college admission process. We hope you will take the time to learn about all our UW universities and what makes them unique. Look for majors, minors, and certificates that will help you achieve your academic and career goals. And we urge you to visit our campuses to get a feel for what it would be like to be a student there. Learn about what opportunities and experiences await you both inside and outside the classroom.

 

College Choice Factors

Photo of UW-Green Bay students participating in a welcome event for the Gateways to Phoenix Success program, a free, high-impact, year-long experience for first-year students that provides the tools and support for college success.

First-year UW-Green Bay students participate in a welcome event for the Gateways to Phoenix Success program, a free, year-long experience providing tools and support for college success.

Special Admission Programs for Wisconsin High School Students

Wisconsin high school students participating in Direct Admit Wisconsin may not have to submit an admission application.

Wisconsin high school students in the top 5% or 10% of their graduating class may qualify for The Wisconsin Guarantee.

Learn more about the three pathways to first-year student/freshman admission available to Wisconsin high school students. 

Before you plan to enroll

 

Explore How You Can Apply to Each of our UW Universities