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High-School Student Admissions

High school students interested in studying business at the University of Wisconsin–Madison are encouraged to explore our direct admission process.


Direct Admission to the School of Business Undergraduate Program

All students who apply to UW–Madison and indicate a business area of interest as their first choice of major are automatically considered for direct admission to the Wisconsin School of Business undergraduate program. Approximately half of the Wisconsin undergraduate business program’s students are admitted directly from high school.

  1. Apply to the University of Wisconsin–Madison at apply.wisconsin.edu or commonapp.org
  2. Indicate business or a specific business major as your first choice of major to be considered for direct admission

What is a direct admit student?

Direct admit students apply to the Wisconsin School of Business undergraduate program as part of their application to UW–Madison.

Application Deadlines

You may submit your application for the spring or fall term of the next calendar year beginning August 1. Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. Pacific time on the deadline dates below. Visit the Office of Undergraduate Admissions for additional details.

Decision PlanApplication DeadlineDecision
Spring Regular DecisionOctober 1End of December
Fall Early ActionNovember 1End of January
Fall Regular DecisionJanuary 16End of March

After You Receive Your Admissions Decision

If you are admitted to the Wisconsin School of Business your decision to enroll in the program is due by May 15.

Students admitted to UW–Madison, but not the Wisconsin School of Business

Students who are admitted to UW–Madison, but not the undergraduate business program, have the opportunity to begin the pre-business admissions process and apply again for admission to the undergraduate business program in the spring of their first year on campus.

The Wisconsin School of Business hosts a number of pre-business events that will help you explore your interest in business and guide you through the application process. These workshops take a sequential approach, and prospective students are strongly encouraged to attend every workshop offered in this series.

Approximately half of the Wisconsin School of Business’ undergraduate students are admitted through the pre-business process.

Attend an Admissions Event

Sign up for an information session or take a virtual tour

The Wisconsin School of Business hosts undergraduate information sessions on weekdays throughout the semester. The UW virtual tour is available on demand for you to explore campus.

View schedule and register

Take a virtual campus tour

Speak with an undergraduate ambassador

Prospective business students and their families can schedule a personalized visit hosted by one of our undergraduate ambassadors—current students who are experts in our admissions process and student life. Ask them about applying to the Wisconsin School of Business, what classes are like, or their favorite spots in Madison—they’re here to help.

Meet our undergraduate ambassadors

Scholarships and Financial Aid

The Wisconsin School of Business provides almost $2 million in scholarship support to admitted and enrolled undergraduate students each year. There is a wide variety of financial aid and scholarship options available to incoming UW–Madison and/or Wisconsin School of Business students. To be considered for most awards, completion of the FAFSA is required.

Contact Us

Want to learn more about the undergraduate admissions process? Let us know how we can help.

Phone: +1 608-890-2490
Fax: +1 608-265-4190
Email: admissions@wsb.wisc.edu