University of Wisconsin SAT & ACT Scores
For the fall 2025 entering class, University of Wisconsin enrolled students whose SAT scores had a middle 50% of 1400–1490 and a median of 1450. The ACT middle 50% was 29–33. University of Wisconsin admitted 40.8% of first-year applicants. Fall 2027 applicants do not need the SAT or ACT: scores are optional for students applying through the spring 2028 term.
Where does your score land?
Compared with University of Wisconsin's enrolled first-years, fall 2025 entering class.
Is University of Wisconsin test-optional?
The rule for students applying now, for fall 2027 entry.
UW–Madison does not require the ACT or SAT from first-year applicants for spring 2027, fall 2027, or spring 2028; applicants choose whether official scores are considered.
Superscoring. University of Wisconsin does not superscore the SAT or the ACT.
Checked October 29, 2026 on University of Wisconsin's admissions site . Policies can change each cycle.
Policy timeline
- Fall 2021 entryTest-optional policy begins
- Fall 2027 applicantsTest-optional
- AnnouncedUndecided for fall 2028 and later: the UW Board of Regents has not yet ruled on extending the waiver, and UW–Madison recommends planning to take a test.
University of Wisconsin waived its ACT and SAT requirement starting with fall 2021 admission, and the University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents has extended the waiver since. The current waiver covers students applying for spring 2027, fall 2027, and spring 2028. The Regents have not decided on fall 2028 and later, and the university recommends that students plan to take a test and do as well as they can. You choose on the application whether your scores are considered, and that choice is final. Applicants who leave scores out are not disadvantaged. Scores you include must come officially from the testing agency; self-reported scores are not accepted. University of Wisconsin does not superscore either test and considers only your highest score from one test date.
University of Wisconsin SAT scores
The middle 50% of enrolled first-years scored 1400–1490, and the median was 1450.
SAT score distribution
Enrolled first-years, fall 2025 entering class| SAT | 25th | Median | 75th |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total | 1400 | 1450 | 1490 |
| Reading & Writing | 680 | 710 | 740 |
| Math | 700 | 740 | 780 |
Scores of enrolled first-year students who submitted scores, fall 2025 entering class. Source: 2025–26 Common Data Set. 12% of enrolled first-years sent an SAT score.
What your SAT means here
Enrolled first-year students who sent SAT scores had a middle 50% of 1400–1490, with a median of 1450. A 1400 marked the 25th percentile and a 1490 the 75th. Evidence-Based Reading and Writing ran 680–740 and Math ran 700–780.
12% of enrolled first-year students submitted the SAT, and 29% submitted the ACT. Because scores are optional, these ranges describe students who chose to submit, not the whole class.
University of Wisconsin counts only your top score from one test date, so plan around your best single sitting. A single-sitting SAT at or above 1450 is in the upper half of enrolled students who reported one.
Take full-length Digital SAT practice tests free, with an explanation on every question and a score report that shows what to fix.
University of Wisconsin ACT scores
The middle 50% of enrolled first-years scored 29–33 on the ACT, with a median of 31.
ACT score distribution
Enrolled first-years, fall 2025 entering class| ACT | 25th | Median | 75th |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composite | 29 | 31 | 33 |
| English | 28 | — | 34 |
| Math | 27 | — | 33 |
Scores of enrolled first-year students who submitted scores, fall 2025 entering class. Source: 2025–26 Common Data Set. 29% of enrolled first-years sent an ACT score.
What your ACT means here
29% of enrolled first-year students submitted the ACT. Their middle 50% composite was 29–33, with a median of 31. English scores ran 28–34 and Math scores ran 27–33.
There is no ACT superscore here either: only your top composite from one test date counts, even if you send several. If your best composite is below 29, the university says you can apply without it and will not be disadvantaged.
Take full-length ACT practice tests free, with a worked explanation on every question and a score report that shows what to fix.
University of Wisconsin acceptance rate
Moderately competitive: 40.8% of first-year applicants were admitted (fall 2025 entering class).
Each dot is 1 in 100 applicants.
- First-year applicants73,912
- Admitted30,167
- Acceptance rate40.8%
- Testing for fall 2027Test-optional
Early application plans: Nonbinding, non-restrictive Early Action (November 1 deadline); no Early Decision.
Fall 2025 entering class. Source: University of Wisconsin 2025–26 Common Data Set.
University of Wisconsin offers nonbinding Early Action with an early November deadline. It is not restrictive, and there is no Early Decision.
What to aim for
If you plan to send scores, a practical target for University of Wisconsin is an SAT of 1490 or an ACT of 33 from a single sitting, the 75th percentile for enrolled students who submitted. A single-sitting score near the median, 1450 or 31, is typical of that group.
University of Wisconsin says a student's day-to-day performance is the most important information in its holistic review. It looks at your grades, the courses you took, and their rigor, then adds essays, a letter of recommendation from an academic source, and other materials. Test scores have always been only one factor. Wisconsin students who were homeschooled and want to be considered for the Wisconsin Guarantee must send official test scores.
How University of Wisconsin compares
Schools with a similar acceptance rate.
| School | Admit rate | Median SAT | SAT middle 50% | ACT middle 50% | Testing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina State University | 39.5% | 1390 | 1310–1440 | 25–32 | Test-optional |
| University of South Florida | 40.7% | 1250 | 1160–1340 | 25–29 | Required |
| University of Wisconsin | 40.8% | 1450 | 1400–1490 | 29–33 | Test-optional |
| University of Washington | 41.7% | 1440 | 1320–1502 | 30–34 | Test-optional |
| Clemson University | 42.4% | — | 1250–1400 | 28–32 | Test-optional |
| University of Central Florida | 42.8% | 1280 | 1220–1350 | 25–30 | Required |
Frequently asked questions
Is University of Wisconsin test-optional?
For students applying for fall 2027 entry: UW–Madison does not require the ACT or SAT from first-year applicants for spring 2027, fall 2027, or spring 2028; applicants choose whether official scores are considered. Undecided for fall 2028 and later: the UW Board of Regents has not yet ruled on extending the waiver, and UW–Madison recommends planning to take a test. University of Wisconsin does not superscore the SAT or the ACT.
What is the average SAT score at University of Wisconsin?
The median SAT score of enrolled first-years was 1450 (fall 2025 entering class). The middle 50% scored 1400–1490, so a quarter scored 1490 or higher.
What SAT score do you need for University of Wisconsin?
A score at or above 1490 puts you in the top quarter of University of Wisconsin's enrolled first-years, and 1400–1490 is the middle 50% (fall 2025 entering class). Because the school is test-optional, those ranges come only from students who chose to submit.
What ACT score do you need for University of Wisconsin?
University of Wisconsin's enrolled first-years had a middle-50% ACT composite of 29–33, with a median of 31 (fall 2025 entering class). A 33 or above puts you in the top quarter.
What is University of Wisconsin's acceptance rate?
University of Wisconsin admitted 40.8% of first-year applicants for the fall 2025 entering class (30,167 of 73,912), which makes it moderately competitive.
How many University of Wisconsin students submit test scores?
In the fall 2025 entering class, 12% of enrolled first-years submitted an SAT score and 29% submitted an ACT score. Some students send both.
What are your chances at University of Wisconsin?
Scores are one part. Add your GPA, courses, activities and recommendations for a free reach, target or likely estimate.