Admissions in the UW System
Frequently Asked Questions - Jan. 25, 2007
This page will be updated, as necessary.
Why does the University of Wisconsin System need a revised admissions policy?
What is the recommended admissions policy?
What are the benefits of the revised admissions policy?
Does each UW System campus have its own admissions policy?
How important are academic factors in a comprehensive review process?
What is the status of the admissions policy?
Is this updated freshman admissions policy an “affirmative action” policy?
Q: Why does the University of Wisconsin System need a revised admissions policy?
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To clarify, simplify, and update an outdated policy. The
policy being considered updates and brings into one policy what are currently
five Regent policies related to freshman admissions, some
dating back to 1972. Clear,
contemporary language in a single policy will help UW
campuses more effectively communicate about the admissions process
with prospective students, families, and school counselors.
-
To comply with the law. An updated policy ensures
continued compliance with the 2003 U.S. Supreme Court rulings describing
how campuses can consider both academic and non-academic factors.
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To prescribe a comprehensive academic review. The
revised policy outlines a comprehensive academic review of courseload, types
of courses, and/or GPA and class rank. Campuses already conduct a detailed
review of academic portfolios when selecting students. Thus,
the revised policy more accurately reflects actual admissions practices
that are more comprehensive than specified in the current policy.
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To ensure a review of non-academic
factors within context of academic preparedness. UW campuses
typically consider non-academic factors when evaluating individuals in
a pool of academically-qualified applicants. Factors such as age, income,
professional experience, race, veteran status, or other non-academic
factors are considered in
addition to academic
qualifications, rather than as exceptions to academic qualifications.
This individualized review process allows each campus to admit students whose
academic preparation, background and personal experience suggest that the
student will succeed at the institution, benefit from that educational experience,
and contribute to the educational environment.
Q: What is the recommended admissions policy?
Read the text of the recommended admissions policy.
The above policy would replace what are currently five Regent policies [PDF] related to freshman admissions.
Q: What are the benefits of the revised admissions policy?
The updated policy does not substantively change the existing practices of UW campuses. If approved, it would:
- Create one unified policy rather
than several separate policies, better serving prospective students,
families, and school counselors.
- Remove preference of ACT over SAT; either exam is equally acceptable.
- Allow a fuller examination of all relevant academic considerations, including
courseload, level of coursework, and GPA, in addition to class rank.
- Provide for a comprehensive individualized review of academic and non-academic
factors for all applicants.
- Specify non-academic factors considered to include student
experiences, leadership qualities, motivation, special talents, status as
a non-traditional or returning adult, veteran status, socio-economic status,
and race and ethnicity.
Q: Does each UW System campus have its own admissions policy?
Each campus operates within the context of the Board of Regents policy on freshman admissions. This overarching policy allows the campuses to define specific processes and procedures for carrying out the policy in accordance with individual campus missions.
Q. How important are academic factors in a comprehensive review process?
Academic factors have always been and will continue to be the most important consideration in admissions decisions. Academic factors include not only grade point average, class rank, and test scores, but also the quality and rigor of each applicant’s college-preparatory coursework and the overall trend in grades earned across all four years of high school.
Q: What is the status of the admissions policy?
The Board of Regents is scheduled to discuss the revised freshman admissions policy at its regularly scheduled February 2007 meeting. A statewide public forum will be held on Jan. 29 to provide the opportunity for prospective students, families, and other stakeholders to learn more about the proposed policy. Interested individuals are also encouraged to submit their questions and comments.
Q: Is this updated freshman admissions policy an “affirmative action” policy?
No. Affirmative action rules and practices apply to employment and contracts. Those policies and practices are regulatory in nature, prescribed by law, and monitored by federal and state agencies.
In contrast, diversity policies and diversity-related components of our admission policies are determined by core educational goals. “Diversity,” in this context, takes into account a wide variety of relevant human differences, not only race and ethnicity.
Research shows that education is most effective in environments where students have the opportunity to interact with others who possess different educational experiences, opinions and world views. The benefits of these interactions accrue to all students, during and after their college experience. Equally important, these benefits accrue to the university itself and, ultimately, to the entire state.