New Freshman Admission Guidelines If you are an exceptionally strong student, you'll find plenty of company here, with lots of opportunities for academic challenge. But, in fact, we admit students with a fairly wide range of academic preparation. The key question is, do you demonstrate the potential for academic success here at UWM? To help determine this, we look at a number of factors:
1. You have graduated from a recognized high school, or the equivalent. We encourage you to contact the Admissions Office for information regarding options for students who are home-schooled, have completed a high school equivalency program, or have other non-standard credentials.
2. You have completed at least 17 credits (1 credit = 1 year) of required high school courses, as follows:
| Course | Credits |
| English: At least three years literature and composition recommended. Up to one year may be from approved speech, communication, or journalism courses. | 4 |
| Mathematics: College prep courses at or above algebra level (more math is recommended for math intensive majors). | 3 |
| Natural Science: Including at least one-year lab science (more science is recommended for science intensive majors). | 3 |
| History/Social Science | 3 |
| Specific college prep electives: Chosen from above the areas, foreign language, speech/communication, or other academic areas. | 2 |
| Other electives: Chosen from the above areas, computer science, fine arts (performance courses acceptable), or other appropriate courses. | 2 |
| TOTAL | 17 |
| Note:Foreign language is not required for admission. However, students must complete at least two college semesters of a single foreign language to graduate from UWM, and some programs require four or more semesters of foreign language study. Successful completion of at least two years of a single language at the high school level will help you satisfy the UWM foreign language requirement, and is therefore strongly recommended. |
3. You have prepared for college in high school. High school graduation (or the equivalent) is required for admission. We carefully consider your academic preparation, as evidenced by your pattern of high school coursework, class rank (if available), GPA, grades in specific courses and other information gleaned from your high school transcript.
4. You have taken the ACT or SAT I We require ACT or SAT I scores, and will also consider any other relevant information you provide that helps us get a more complete picture of who you are. We get most of this information from the application form, so be sure to fill it out completely.
Some programs have more stringent academic requirements than others. Go to
UWM Schools and Colleges to look up the school that houses your major and to get complete information.
We also need to remind you that meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. If demand exceeds capacity, more selective criteria may be applied. Nonetheless, adult/non-traditional students, and others who may not meet all specified criteria but can demonstrate they are otherwise qualified, are invited to apply, and will be considered.
5. You have met the appropriate application deadline The Department of Enrollment Services continues to review applications for undergraduate programs other than those already at capacity. (Nursing, architecture and Engineering are closed.) All materials must be received by July 31.
Applications are accepted beginning September 15 for the fall semester. For most programs, applications are accepted until July 1 for fall (December 1 for the spring term), or until enrollment capacity has been reached, whichever comes first.
However, some programs have much earlier deadlines. Students interested in Architecture, Art (Visual Art) or Nursing should apply by January 1 for fall (November 1 for spring).
On-campus housing availability is limited, with housing contracts awarded based on the date you apply for admission. It is to your advantage to apply as early as possible, especially if you are interested in on-campus housing.
