Direct Admit & Wisconsin Guarantee

Direct Admit Wisconsin helps students find a fit for their post-secondary education at one of the 10 participating Universities of Wisconsin campuses. For all juniors not opting out of Direct Admit Wisconsin, the AASD shares academic information with partnering institutions in the Universities of Wisconsin system. Students can receive offers to one or more of the 10 partnering universities, based on whether or not they meet qualifications.  

Once a student receives an offer from a university, they are encouraged to explore the university further to assure a good fit, and then they need to complete a Direct Admit form from the university making the offer.  There are other steps for students once they accept an offer, and those steps can be found on the checklist page of this site along with some frequently asked questions: https://www.wisconsin.edu/direct-admissions/students-and-families/

Steps to take if you wish to be part of Direct Admit Wisconsin:

• Graduate on time in good academic standing.
• Review any offers received and complete the Direct Admit Checklist.

Steps to take if you do not wish to be part of Direct Admit Wisconsin:

• A parent should email the student’s school counselor stating they wish to opt-out of Direct Admit Wisconsin.

What options are available if my student does not receive offers?

• Students may still apply. The Universities of Wisconsin will still consider student applications using a holistic screening process.
• Speak to your school counselor about other options for post-secondary education. There are multiple options for students who wish to pursue education after high school.  

The Wisconsin Guarantee program assures admission to Universities of Wisconsin colleges for students who rank in the top 10% of their class at the end of their junior year.  Further, those students who rank in the top 5% of their class also qualify for admission into UW-Madison.  The purpose of this section is to clarify information about the Wisconsin Guarantee, what it means for students starting with the class of 2025, and what actions are required by families. Below is a brief summary of the Wisconsin Guarantee, followed by detailed information and FAQs. You will need to apply for the colleges you are eligible to attend and wish to attend and pay admission within the prescribed timelines.   

 

Also know that in addition to the Wisconsin Guarantee, the traditional application process continues to be an option for any student. If you have questions after reviewing this information, please contact your student’s school counselor.

What is the Wisconsin Guarantee (Act 95)?

The Wisconsin Guarantee Program (Act 95) is an initiative signed into law by the State Legislature that guarantees admission to UW schools for students based on class rank at the end of their junior year:

• Students who rank in the top 10% of their class are guaranteed admission to all UW universities except for UW-Madison.
• Students who rank in the top 5% of their class will additionally be guaranteed admission to UW-Madison.  

While admission for eligible students is guaranteed, students must apply to the school they wish to attend, including paying the application fee.

What UW Schools are participating?

All system schools are participating in the Wisconsin Guarantee program for Fall 2025. They are UW-Green Bay, UW-Milwaukee, UW-Oshkosh, UW-Parkside, UW-Platteville, UW-River Falls, UW-Stevens Point, UW-Stout, UW-Superior, UW-Lacrosse, UW Eau Claire, UW-Madison and UW-Whitewater. 

How will I know if my student is in the top 5% or 10% at the end of 11th grade?

Students who rank in the top 5% or 10% of the class at the end of 11th grade will receive an email on or before July 31, 2025 from AASD notifying them that they are eligible for the WI Guarantee program. Students should check their school email for this message. The top 5% or top 10% will also be shown on the student transcript that are generated by the school. Note: Portal transcripts do not currently show class percentile ranks.  

If my student is in the top 5% or 10% how do they participate in the Wisconsin Guarantee?

Students are responsible for initiating and completing the application process with any University of Wisconsin School for admission including meeting early application requirements for UW-Madison. The law guarantees admission for eligible students who complete the application process. Participating in this program does not commit your student to attending the Universities of Wisconsin.

Does AASD share information directly with the Universities of Wisconsin?

No. High schools do not share information directly with the Universities of Wisconsin in this program. Rather, student transcripts will be annotated with their status and students would be responsible for sharing this with schools they choose to apply to during normal application processes.