The University of Wisconsin-Madison is a large public land-grant research university in, well, Madison, Wisconsin, doncha know. Madison is a quintessential college town. Of course, there are other things going on, but since Wisco students make up 20% of the city’s population, it really feels like a college town. Part of that may have to do with U Wisc’s on-campus culture, which is on the lively side, especially if you love public service, live sports, or tailgates (go Badgers!). They extended their test-optional policy again this year and last year, only about 54% of enrolled students submitted test scores. However, they do have some specific high school credits that you need to have to apply (and some they recommend). Most of them are pretty standard, but you should double-check that you have completed the required units, just in case. Last year, their acceptance rate was 43%, at least for out-of-state applicants (it is more like 60% if you are a resident of the Badger State).
Wisconsin only has one essay for its supplement, and it's pretty standard. However, we still wanted to break down how best to approach it.
Tell us why you would like to attend the University of Wisconsin–Madison. In addition, please include why you are interested in studying the major(s) you have selected. If you selected undecided, please describe your areas of possible academic interest. (300-500 words recommended, 650 max)
The number one question we see across supplements is, “Why do you want to go here?” We get it; it's an important question. We see it so often that we made a formula for approaching it. Before you even start writing, you need to do some research. You should know everything you can about U Wisconsin. The more you know, the easier this will be for you to write. Once you are an expert, it's time to follow the formula.
1) Tell your academic origin story.
You want to open this essay with a short personal story about when you first fell in love with what you hope to major in. For example, if you hope to study computer engineering, maybe it was building your own gaming computer or learning coding as part of your school’s tech club. We want to see how you found “your thing.” You can also include how your passion has grown since then. Maybe it started with a gaming computer, but it ended with you helping a teacher write your high school’s computer curriculum. We just want to be brought into your world and your academic interest. Once you have introduced it, state that you hope to major in ____ at U Wisconsin.
We know the question says you can be undecided, but trust us. Don’t be undecided. If you don’t know what you want to major in, take a best guess. They won’t hold you to what you write in your admissions essay, so there is no reason not to write like you are 100% sure about what you want to study. Trust us; they are looking for students who are passionate and have a plan for the next four years.
2) Back your major up with facts.
This question doesn’t only ask, “What do you want to study?” it also asks, “Why do you want to study it here?” This is where your research is going to help you. You need to get specific about why U Wisconsin has the best program for you. You want to name at least two higher-level classes in your major and explain why you want to take them. Skip any intro classes; they are pretty much the same everywhere. You want to choose courses that you can only take at U Wisconsin. Really show the overlap between your specific interests/your past experiences and the class. The more your passion and reasoning come through, the better. You should do the same with a professor you would love to work with or assist. Talk about their research and how it aligns with your interests.
Once you have talked about classes and a professor, you can mention any other specific academic opportunities that you have come across in your research. Remember, just make it specific. The opportunities you shout out should be unique to Wisconsin.
3) Talk about campus life.
At college, academics come first, but they aren’t everything. The same could be said of this essay. You need to fully explore what your academic life would look like at U Wisc. However, once you have done that, you can talk about how you hope to get involved on campus. Ideally, you want to focus on extracurricular opportunities that connect to something you are already doing because then you get to talk more about your interests. For example, if you are on your school’s rugby team, you could talk about how you hope to play intramural rugby at U Wisconsin. Show the overlap between who you are now and who you wouldbe on campus. Which communities would you join? What would you be most excited to get involved with? Again, having done the research will help you here.
4) Optional but good: talk about Madison.
This is the least important point to hit; however this is a pretty long word count and if you want to say something about living in Madison, it is a nice addition. Is there anything pulling you to the city of Madison? The state of Wisconisn? The Midwest? Add it here.
5) Wrap it up!
You don’t need a formal conclusion for this essay, but you should wrap it up and leave the reader with the sense that U Wisc is the best place for you and that they should want you as a student. If you have done a good job at showing the overlap between who you are and what the school offers, this should be easy!
Wisconsin only asks for one essay but it is on the loger side and you need to do a deep dive into the school to pull it off. Make sure you give yourself time to research, write, and edit. And if you need help, we have you covered!
Want a college expert in your corner? Reach out now!