Admissions

Please use this optional essay to communicate additional information about yourself that is not otherwise represented in the application and that you feel would benefit the admissions committee. Limit essay response to 600 words.

Submit a résumé outlining your academic achievements and professional experience. Your résumé may include personal achievements, community involvement, global experiences, and other areas of interest.

Ideal recommenders are current/former supervisors or those who best know your professional skill set. You may submit up to two recommendations.

A bachelor’s degree from an approved (accredited) institution is required. International applicants are required to have the equivalent of a four-year U.S. bachelor’s degree. View the minimum degree equivalents for different countries. You may wish to have your transcript evaluated by World Education Services (WES) to ensure you meet the four-year U.S. bachelor’s degree equivalency requirements. You are able to submit your application with unofficial transcripts; certified copies of transcripts from the institution where the degree was conferred are required for all admitted students.

The preferred method to receive official transcripts is electronically from your institution. Please access the Parchment website or contact your institution to make this request and send to masters@wsb.wisc.edu. Official transcripts may also be mailed directly from your undergraduate institution in a sealed and stamped envelope sent to:

Wisconsin MBA Program Office
Wisconsin School of Business
2450 Grainger Hall
975 University Avenue
Madison, WI 53706

Standardized test scores are an optional part of the application. You may submit a GMAT Focus/GMAT, GRE, or Executive Assessment score (for domestic students). Consider the information below before choosing to waive a test score.

• If you have two or more years of professional work experience, a GMAT Focus/GMAT or GRE  score is optional. (You will not be disadvantaged in the admission review process if you do not submit a test score. You may still choose to submit a test score if you feel it will strengthen your application.)
• If you have five-plus years of professional work experience, a third standardized test called the Executive Assessment is an option. The Executive Assessment is specifically designed to evaluate the business school readiness of seasoned professionals. The assessment focuses on skills that are critical both at work and in the classroom: higher-order reasoning, critical thinking, analysis, and problem-solving. Learn more about the Executive Assessment by visiting gmac.com/ea.
• If you have below a 3.0 GPA or equivalent, you are strongly encouraged to provide a test assessment to show the admissions committee you have the academic ability to handle the rigors of the MBA program.

A minimum of two years of full-time professional work experience is required, the average amount of work experience is 6 years.

Admissions interviews are by invitation only, with invitations extended after applications have been reviewed. Interviews will be with a member of the admissions committee.

UW–Madison alumni may be eligible to transfer up to 6 credits of required or elective courses. This can be done using undergraduate coursework completed at UW–Madison in courses numbered 300 or above. This option may reduce the amount of time and money needed to complete this advanced degree.

Candidates with graduate coursework from the University of Wisconsin–Madison or another accredited institution may be eligible to transfer up to 12 credits of required graduate coursework. Specifically, curriculum requirements in the Functional Core, Leadership Core, or elective badges. This option may reduce the overall amount of time and tuition needed to complete this graduate degree and to accelerate your career trajectory.