Application Process - Freshman

How to apply

At UW-Platteville, all applications receive a comprehensive review. We evaluate each application comprehensively and review both academic and non-academic factors. Evidence of academic preparation is the primary focus, so coursework you have taken during your high school years is very important, with heavier emphasis on grades earned later in your high school career.

To apply to UW-Platteville as a new freshman, please submit the following:

• UW System Application for Undergraduate Admission
• High school transcript, GED, or HSED
• Transcripts from all colleges and universities attended or currently attending
• ACT or SAT scores (not required)
  • ACT school code: 4676
  • SAT school code: 1917 

Send official sealed transcripts to: 

University of Wisconsin-Platteville  
Office of Admission 
1 University Plaza, Stop 1 
Platteville, WI 53818 

If selecting to have a test score used in the admission decision, unofficial ACT/SAT scores and high school transcripts are accepted for admission consideration.

Letters from high school faculty in areas of English, mathematics, and laboratory science may be requested if additional information is needed and must address the student’s potential for success in college coursework. We will also accept the UW System Recommendation for Undergraduate Admission Form.

Students with a complete application file typically receive notice of admission within two weeks. Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis, and applications are processed as long as space is available or until enrollment goals have been met.

Academic guidelines

Students meeting the following requirements will be considered for admission.

Successfully completed 17 college preparatory units, including:

• Four (4) units English
• Three (3) units mathematics (algebra, geometry, and higher)
• Three (3) units social science
• Three (3) units natural science (two must include lab experiences)
• Four (4) units to include courses from above academic areas, world languages, fine arts, computer science or courses in vocational areas 

Applicants who have not graduated from a recognized high school must provide evidence of satisfactory completion of the requirements for a high school equivalency certificate or a diploma from a recognized high school, school system or state department of public instruction based on a Graduation Equivalency Diploma examination and other established criteria.

Home-schooled applicants

To apply to UW-Platteville as a home-schooled student, please submit the following:

• Official transcripts from schools attended
• Transcript of courses taken at home and grades signed by the individual providing the education verifying the curriculum
• Official ACT or SAT scores (not required)
• Background information related to student’s education

Courses taken in the home school curriculum would be considered for admission purposes only. No credit will be given for university degree requirements unless one of the following applies:

• High school courses were completed through an accredited high school, college or university.
• The student successfully passes and completes a recognized exam program (i.e., AP, IB, or CLEP).

If selecting to have a test score used in the admission decision, unofficial ACT/SAT scores and high school transcripts will be accepted for admission consideration.

HSED and GED-Holding applicants

Applicants who have not graduated from a recognized high school must provide evidence of satisfactory completion of the requirements for a high school equivalency certificate or a diploma from a recognized high school, school system or state department of public instruction based on a Graduation Equivalency Diploma examination and other established criteria.

Please request to have your final official transcripts sent to admit@uwplatt.edu.

Freshman class academic profile 

The following statistics are from new freshman applicants previously admitted. These ranges represent the middle 50 percent range of admitted students — meaning that 25 percent of admitted students had scores below this range and 25 percent of admitted students had scores above this range.

ACT and SAT requirement suspended

The Wisconsin Board of Regents has suspended ACT and SAT requirements for all UW System campuses through the 2026-2027 academic year. The last term that students would be able to opt-out of submitting an ACT/SAT score would be summer 2027.

It is important to note that if you choose to forgo the use of a test score as a part of your admission review, additional focus will be placed on the high school grade point average and course rigor throughout your high school record.

Additionally, ACT or SAT scores will not be required for consideration for automatic merit scholarships provided by the university. Most other new freshman scholarships do not require an ACT or SAT score. If you would like your ACT or SAT scores considered in the scholarship process, you must submit official test scores directly from the testing agency.

Application essay

Through your application essay, you will be encouraged to share the personal experiences that have shaped you. We want to learn about the ways that you have been curious, motivated, excited, and resilient.

You will also be asked to share information about your extracurricular activities, leadership, and work experiences. Learning about what interests you, and how you have participated in your school and community, will add depth to your application.

Prior Learning Credit

You may be able to receive advanced credit if you have completed college-level courses while in high school or have taken Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, or College-Level Examination Program exams. Learn more about how to receive prior learning credit.

Dates to Remember 

Check out the calendar of upcoming deadlines related to the admissions process, financial aid, enrollment, and start of the academic year.