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Madison, WITest-optional~45% admit rate

University of Wisconsin–MadisonSAT & ACT Scores

The middle 50% of admitted students scored 1370–1490 on the SAT and 29–33 on the ACT.

Admitted-student score ranges

Each bar shows the middle 50% (25th–75th percentile) of admitted students. Aim for the upper end to be comfortably competitive.

SAT total1370 – 1490
40080012001600

The middle 50% of admitted students scored between 1370 and 1490 on the SAT total.

ACT composite29 – 33
1122436

The middle 50% of admitted students scored between 29 and 33 on the ACT composite.

Test25th percentile75th percentile
SAT total13701490
ACT composite2933

What the “middle 50%” actually means

These are not cutoffs. The 25th percentile (1370 SAT / 29 ACT) means a quarter of admitted students scored at or below it, and the 75th percentile (1490 SAT / 33 ACT) means a quarter scored at or above it. Half of admitted students land inside the range — and students are admitted both below and above it every year, because scores are only one part of the application.

University of Wisconsin–Madison is test-optional

University of Wisconsin–Madison does not require an SAT or ACT score, but will consider one if you submit it. Because the range below reflects students who chose to submit, a score at or above the 25th percentile (1370 SAT / 29 ACT) generally strengthens your application — while a lower score is usually better left off.

Frequently Asked Questions

Honest answers about SAT and ACT scores for University of Wisconsin–Madison, from the data above.

What SAT score do I need for University of Wisconsin–Madison?+
There is no fixed cutoff. The middle 50% of recently enrolled University of Wisconsin–Madison students scored between 1370 and 1490 on the SAT, so a competitive target is around 1490 (the 75th percentile). A score near 1430 would sit close to the middle of admitted students.
Is a 1370 SAT good enough for University of Wisconsin–Madison?+
A 1370 sits at roughly the 25th percentile — about a quarter of enrolled students scored at or below it, so it is within range but on the lower end. Admitted students at that level typically stand out in other ways (grades, rigor, essays, activities). Aiming closer to 1490 gives you more margin.
What ACT score do I need for University of Wisconsin–Madison?+
The middle 50% of recently enrolled students scored 29–33 on the ACT. A composite around 33 would place you near the top of that range; 29 is roughly the 25th percentile.
Is University of Wisconsin–Madison test-optional or test-required?+
University of Wisconsin–Madison does not require an SAT or ACT score, but will consider one if you submit it. Because the range below reflects students who chose to submit, a score at or above the 25th percentile (1370 SAT / 29 ACT) generally strengthens your application — while a lower score is usually better left off.

Know your score before you apply

See where you stand against University of Wisconsin–Madison's ranges today, then build a plan to close the gap. The full-length adaptive diagnostic is free — no account needed to start.

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Score ranges describe the middle 50% of University of Wisconsin–Madison’s admitted students (Fall 2024 entering class (CDS 2024–2025)); they are not admission cutoffs or guarantees. UW–Madison is test-optional and does not disadvantage non-submitters; most enrolled students submit the ACT rather than the SAT. Figures are compiled from official Common Data Set and college sources and may differ slightly from the most recent cycle — always confirm with University of Wisconsin–Madison’s admissions office.

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