Anonymous wrote:I know the CDS for Wisconsin/Madison says it doesn't track demonstrated interest. I have heard that they kind of do on an un-offical basis, meaning that touring in person might help. Has anyone else heard rumblings of that? We are within driving distance so could make the trip, but it involves a hotel and an overnight and we are running out of time this school year. DD is interested so I want to do all I can to help her chances, but if they truly don't consider demonstrated interest I would rather tour after if she ends up getting in. Honest thoughts?

Never visited. Really thoughtful Why WI essay and spent some time with it. Had it edited and reviewed by a professional essay counselor, too.

Private non-DMV HS
Admitted EA - test optional OOS, 3.75uw GPA for a niche major (think an area studies).
Postponed in EA from UMichigan, also test-optional for the same major. The Michigan essay was even stronger if that's possible. But both were based on the same thing.

Waiting for Michigan now.

Anonymous wrote:I know the CDS for Wisconsin/Madison says it doesn't track demonstrated interest. I have heard that they kind of do on an un-offical basis, meaning that touring in person might help. Has anyone else heard rumblings of that? We are within driving distance so could make the trip, but it involves a hotel and an overnight and we are running out of time this school year. DD is interested so I want to do all I can to help her chances, but if they truly don't consider demonstrated interest I would rather tour after if she ends up getting in. Honest thoughts?

My kid got in, and we never visited or even signed up for an online meeting. (Of course that means we're now rushing to visit Madison before the month is over).

Congrats to your daughter(s)! I'm not saying that there is a 100% require to submit tests, but I suspect that you will see a dramatic increase in the % of admitted kids who submitted a score.

Wisconsin has not historically reported OOS acceptance rate separately than their in-state, but anecdotally, it seems like EA was pretty brutal for out of state kids (I'm guessing in the 30s% at most). Many may get in RD which would change the narrative, but it seems like the school is continuing to gain in popularity from the coasts.

I don't know where the test averages would be if they required them from all applicants, but we might find out in the next year or two.

My DD was accepted EA this year and she was test optional. We had not visited the campus, but her Why Wisconsin essay was very creative and I think probably helped her application significantly.

Anonymous wrote:The “test optional” thing is a good point as well. While technically still not required, anecdotally, those who did not submit scores seemed to face long odds. The “test optional” window at Wisconsin expires with the class now applying and it is likely that the Wisconsin legislature requires scores going forward. It seems that they don’t want a total shock to the system statistically and are favoring those who include testing, Also worth noting that UW does not superscore (which I supposed could change).

I agree with this. My DD was accepted and her SAT was exactly at the 50% point. Her college counselor suggested she not submit, but she wanted to and did. Her Why WI essay was strong as well and based on years of history with the school.

The “test optional” thing is a good point as well. While technically still not required, anecdotally, those who did not submit scores seemed to face long odds. The “test optional” window at Wisconsin expires with the class now applying and it is likely that the Wisconsin legislature requires scores going forward. It seems that they don’t want a total shock to the system statistically and are favoring those who include testing, Also worth noting that UW does not superscore (which I supposed could change).

Not sure but we visited a few years ago, still didn't get in. FWIW, I think it was because went test optional. If had to do it again, I'd submit score. Also, if get in, highly recommend visiting before accepting. On paper it was my kid's dream school, but when visited, didn't like it.

I am absolutely convinced that my kid was admitted because of the Why Wisconsin essay. We were there on a weekend that happened to have an event on campus that became the subject. Could it have been done without visiting? I guess but no one could read his essay and not believe that he was there and into the school.

The Why Wisconsin essay is very important. Whether it’s done in weeks or hours it needs to be very specific to them. This is the only way they can tell if you care at all about attending.

50 to chances I mean ^^
A good informed essay could tip the scale