The University of Wisconsin–Madison (UW–Madison), one of the most prestigious public universities in the United States, maintains rigorous academic standards for their applicants. In this article, we will dive into the UW–Madison SAT score and requirements. Be sure to check out our other post that discusses UW–Madison’s ACT stats and requirements!
What is the average SAT score at the University of Wisconsin–Madison?
The University of Wisconsin–Madison’s SAT scores are competitive. The average SAT score at UW–Madison is around 1430. The 25th percentile for SAT scores at UW–Madison is 1340, and the 75th percentile is 1510.
These statistics mean that 25% of UW–Madison students scored below 1340, while 25% scored above 1510. This range reflects the high standards of the institution but also demonstrates that there is no one score that applicants must achieve for admission.
What is the average SAT English score at the University of Wisconsin–Madison?
The SAT is broken down into two sections: the English (or reading and writing) section and the math section. Each section is scored out of 800, for a combined total of 1600 for the overall SAT score.
The average SAT English score at UW–Madison is 690. The 25th percentile score is 650, and the 75th percentile score is 730. Therefore, an SAT English score lower than 650 would place you in the lowest 25% of scorers, and a score greater than 730 would place you in the highest quarter of UW–Madison’s SAT English scores. Although these scores are well above the national averages, there is no minimum score required for admission.
What is the average SAT Math score at the University of Wisconsin–Madison?
The average SAT Math score at UW–Madison is 740. The 25th percentile of scores falls at 690, and the 75th at 780. Although these scores are higher than the average SAT English section scores at UW–Madison, students are not expected to meet a specific benchmark to achieve admission.
These statistics indicate that the upper quarter of SAT Math scores at UW–Madison are quite high, and there are likely many perfect scorers among the top 25% of admitted students. However, the majority of scores fall below this mark, so there is no hard and fast expectation that applicants reach this perfect score.
What are the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s SAT requirements?
The University of Wisconsin–Madison has adopted a test-optional policy through the spring 2027 term. This means that applicants for who wish to enroll in spring 2025, fall 2025, spring 2026, fall 2026, or spring 2027 will not be required to submit SAT or ACT scores as part of their application. However, students are welcome to include their scores if they believe it will strengthen their application.
UW–Madison does not accept self-reported test scores. Official scores must be sent directly from the testing agency. This process may take 2–4 weeks, so it is important to plan ahead. The admissions office notes that there is no advantage to using the “rush” or “priority” services when sending test scores to UW–Madison as the scores are received electronically.
Additionally, the College Board’s optional SAT essay and SAT Subject Tests are not required for admission.
What percentage of University of Wisconsin–Madison applicants submit the SAT?
Among students admitted to UW–Madison, 17% of students submitted SAT scores and 40% submitted ACT scores. Meanwhile, the remaining approximate 43% omitted standardized test scores from their application.
From these statistics, we can see that ACT is a popular choice at UW–Madison. More than twice as many students elected to submit ACT scores as SAT scores. That said, there is no advantage to taking one test over the other.
Should I go test-optional?
The University of Wisconsin–Madison uses a holistic review process that considers multiple factors, including grades, coursework, essays, letters of recommendation, and other materials. Standardized test scores are only one part of the evaluation. If you believe your test scores reflect your academic abilities, you are encouraged to submit them. However, if you choose not to, you will not be disadvantaged.
It can be helpful to compare your test results with that of UW–Madison’s average admitted applicant. If your scores fall at or above UW–Madison’s 25th to 75th percentile range, then it may be advantageous to submit your scores.
In addition, if you are a homeschooled student or attended a school with a competency-based grading system, submitting standardized test scores is encouraged by the admissions office. That said, submitting standardized test scores is a personal decision that you must make based on what you feel best represents your strengths and abilities.
Does the University of Wisconsin–Madison superscore the SAT?
UW–Madison does not superscore the SAT. They will only consider your highest score by test date. Therefore, it is beneficial to submit all test scores if you believe there are scores from different test dates that showcase your abilities. Although you may use Score Choice if you would like to send only a portion of your test dates to UW–Madison’s admissions team, you are encouraged to send all test scores.
What’s a good SAT score for the University of Wisconsin–Madison?
There is no specific SAT score requirement or cutoff at UW–Madison. Students need not achieve a particular minimum score in order to be considered for admission. However, aiming for a score within or above the 25th to 75th percentile range will put you in a good position.
Further, if you achieved a 1430 or higher composite score on the SAT, submitting your scores will make your application very competitive, as 1430 is the 50th percentile score at UW–Madison. See the table below for more details about UW–Madison’s SAT score statistics.
| Section | 25th | 50th | 75th |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composite | 1340 | 1430 | 1510 |
| English | 650 | 690 | 730 |
| Math | 690 | 740 | 780 |
Can I get into the University of Wisconsin–Madison with a low SAT score?
Getting into UW–Madison with a low SAT score is challenging but possible. The lower quartile SAT score at UW–Madison is 1340. This means that the lower 25% of admitted students achieved a composite 1340 or below. Thus, a “low” score for UW–Madison would be around 1340 or below, so it is in your best interest to strive for a higher score.
Nevertheless, if you have not achieved a 1340 or above, you’re not out of the running for admission. Applicants with strong academic performance, leadership, and extracurricular involvement can still stand out even with a lower score. UW–Madison’s admissions team expects you to demonstrate your strengths and passions beyond standardized tests.
When should I take the SAT for the University of Wisconsin–Madison?
To comfortably meet application deadlines, it is best to take the SAT during your junior spring semester. Doing so will also give you time to retake the exam if necessary.
For students applying via Early Action, the application deadline is November 1, and all materials must be received by November 8. For Regular Decision, the deadline is January 15, and all materials must be received by January 22.
Because UW–Madison requires official score submission and does not permit self-reported scores, you must factor in the 2-4 week processing time for sending scores. Thus, you need to take your last SAT early enough to receive your scores and pay to send your scores four weeks or more before the appropriate materials deadline, in order to be sure they are received in time for consideration.
What is the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s SAT code?
UW–Madison’s SAT code for submitting official test scores is 1846.
Choosing whether to submit SAT scores to the University of Wisconsin–Madison is a personal decision. If your scores are strong and align with the University’s averages, they can strengthen your application. However, opting not to submit scores will not disadvantage you. Consider your strengths and priorities when deciding. If you are considering the ACT instead, check out our article about UW–Madison ACT scores!
