All persons who wish to pursue a degree program at the University must provide the required following documentation (which may include): an application for admission and any specific application fee, a high school transcript, test scores (when applicable), and official transcript(s) of all previous post-secondary work attempted or completed. Priority dates for applications are established each year. Please see https://www.uwec.edu/admissions/ for additional information.

Preparation for University Study

A successful University experience depends upon the student’s prior educational coursework in high school and post-secondary school, as well as other professional and personal experiences. Previous coursework and experiences should include a breadth of subject areas including English, both composition and literature; mathematics, natural science, history, and other social studies areas. 

Admission of Freshmen

Freshmen admission is competitive and selective. Academic preparation and success are the primary considerations for admission, although non-academic factors are also considered. Each application for admission is given a comprehensive review. Freshman applicants are considered using the following guidelines:

1. Applicants must present evidence of graduation from a recognized high school or equivalent certificate.
   1. A recognized high school is one which either
      1. is operated by public school districts, or
      2. is a private school accredited by an association that is certified by the U.S. Department of Education to accredit private schools, and those whose names appear in the Federal Register as an approved accreditation association, or
      3. is a private school not accredited under (2) but may be “recognized” by an institution in the System based on the performance of previously admitted graduates from the high school.
   2. An applicant who has not graduated from a recognized high school must provide evidence of ability to begin college work. Such evidence may include General Education Development (GED) test scores or High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED) test scores, transcripts of course work completed in high school, high school rank-in-class before leaving high school, written recommendations, ACT/SAT test scores, and other evidence deemed appropriate by the University.
2. Applicants should complete a rigorous college preparatory curriculum. Applicants who take courses beyond the minimum will be considered strong candidates for admission. Applicants must complete a minimum of 17 units (one unit equals one year of high school study or equivalent)² distributed as follows:

   Course List

   Code	Title	Credits
   English (at least three composition and literature)		4
   Mathematics (algebra, geometry, advanced college preparatory math) 1		3
   Natural Science		3
   Social Science (one must be world or American history)		3
   Additional course work in any of the above areas as well as foreign language, art, music, speech, computer science, or other academic areas.		4
   Total Credits		17

   ¹

   In almost all high school curricula, algebra II or higher/advanced algebra is the third college preparatory mathematics course required.

   ²

   Students who begin taking high school course work prior to high school (e.g, mathematics, foreign language in grade 8) are encouraged to continue rigorous course selection from core areas during grades 9-12. Some prior coursework may not satisfy the University admission requirements. For information on applicability of courses to admission requirements, contact the Admissions Office.

3. In addition to a rigorous high school curriculum, academic factors include high school class rank, high school GPA, trends in grades, course rigor, and test scores. Secondary non-academic factors may include, but are not necessarily limited to, leadership; community service; and diversity in personal background and experience.
4. Test scores from The American College Testing Program (ACT) or Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) must be on file for all new freshmen under the age of 22. ACT is the preferred test. Students will not be disadvantaged in the admission process by taking one test rather than the other. That, upon the Board of Regents Resolution 11430 adopted May 7, 2020, temporarily suspending the requirement for test scores, UW-Eau Claire temporarily suspends the requirement in the admissions policy that all freshman applicants provide an ACT or SAT score as part of their application. The suspension of this requirement applies to all freshman applications for the 2020-2021 academic year and the 2021-2022 academic year. Resolution 11754 adopted December 10, 2021 - This action extends the suspension for all UW System campuses through the 2024-2025 academic year. The last term that students would be able to opt out of submitting an ACT/SAT score would be spring 2025. This requirement may be suspended for additional terms based on Board of Regents Resolution.
5. Particular consideration in admission will be given to applicants who have been out of school for two or more years; service veterans, as defined by state and federal policies; and students who have been challenged by a lack of educational opportunities.
6. Requirements for out-of-state students will be the same as those of resident students, except that special requirements may be adopted for international applicants. 
7. Final admission requires that students maintain their high school academic standing and successfully complete course work in progress as outlined on the application. The final (eighth semester) official transcript provided by the high school provides the required certification that the applicant has fulfilled this obligation. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that the proper supporting documents have been delivered to the Admissions Office.

Competency-Based Admissions

High school students from schools that use a competency-based evaluation system may be considered for admission. High schools that use an alternative system such as this must complete the UW System Competency-Based Admission Profile. Contact the Admissions Office for additional information on the process and procedure.

Admission of Home-Schooled Students

Home-schooled students seeking admission as freshmen must have excelled academically in high school course work. They must have completed the minimum array of 17 units of rigorous college preparatory course work. Academic preparation and success are the primary considerations for admission, although non-academic factors are also considered. Each application for admission is given a comprehensive review.

Transfer Applicants

Transfer applicants will be considered for admission if their previous academic record qualifies them as students in acceptable standing when equated to the UW-Eau Claire standards in the Academic Standing and Progress policy. Transfer students are encouraged to apply for admission as early as possible prior to the semester in which they plan to enroll.  Priority application dates, after which admission of qualified student cannot be guaranteed, may be established each year. Information about specific dates can be found on the UW-Eau Claire transfer admission website.

In addition to a rigorous college-level course curriculum, academic factors considered include cumulative GPA and trend in grades.  Students with fewer than two semesters of college-level coursework (24 transferable credits) will be considered for admission based on both their college and high school records.  Academic preparation and success are the primary considerations for admission, although non-academic factors are also considered. Higher academic expectations or earlier priority dates may be determined for specific majors to keep enrollments in line with program capacities.

Final deadlines to accept applications and supporting documents will be determined by the Admissions Office each semester and published on the UW-Eau Claire transfer admission website. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that the proper supporting documents have been delivered to the Admissions Office.

Students who have registered at other colleges and universities may not disregard their records at those institutions.   Failure to list previous college attendance on the application for admission is sufficient cause for cancellation of the student’s admission, of any credits earned, or both.

Transfer students who do not meet institutional admission criteria and are denied admission may appeal in writing to the Office of Admissions.

Transfer of Credits

Credits earned at an institution accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) may be considered for transfer and applied toward a degree if they are similar in content and rigor to the curriculum at UW-Eau Claire.  The Admissions Office will prepare a transfer credit evaluation for admitted students.   Appeal of the evaluation may be made to the Office of Admissions, the Chair of the academic department, the Dean of that College, and if necessary, to the Provost/Vice Chancellor.  Students seeking a second baccalaureate degree or additional certifications are not given a transfer credit evaluation for their first degree; they receive specific advising from their academic department.

Associate of Arts and Sciences degrees from the University of Wisconsin System institutions satisfy the breadth of the UW-Eau Claire Liberal Education Core.  Liberal Arts Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degrees from the Wisconsin Technical College System (earned in 2004 or thereafter), Associate of Arts degrees and completion of Minnesota Transfer Curriculum from the Minnesota Colleges and Universities system (earned in 1994 or thereafter) satisfy the breadth of the UW-Eau Claire Liberal Education Core except for the Design for Diversity (DDIV) requirement within R1. Competency requirements, levels of proficiency, and specific courses are still required.   Because individual baccalaureate degree programs stipulate specific courses, students should be attentive to the requirements of an intended major in planning their course selection prior to transferring.  In certain fields, credits that were earned more than ten years prior to admission or readmission may be invalid as degree credits.

Students who transfer from the Wisconsin Technical College System or other accredited two-year institutions may transfer a maximum of 72 credits from those institutions.

Credit may be granted for post-secondary coursework at a foreign institution if the institution is recognized as a degree-granting institution by the country’s Ministry of Education.  Professional organizations such as the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO) and NAFSA: Association of International Educators are utilized for information about best practices regarding evaluation of foreign credits and credentials.

Transfer of WTCS Applied Associate Degree Credits

UW-Eau Claire may transfer and apply coursework in general studies from the Wisconsin Technical College System within areas of communications, behavioral sciences, social sciences, mathematics, and natural sciences from programs leading to an applied associate degree.  Credits that are occupational and technical in nature may be considered for transfer on a case-by-case basis.  To be considered for transfer, credit must have been earned after September 1989.

Reentry

All students who have been away from the University for two consecutive full-term semesters or more must file a reentry application. Students seeking reentry are encouraged to submit an application as early as possible prior to the semester in which they wish to return. Reentry after the term starts is not guaranteed. Students returning after an absence of two or more consecutive full-term semesters must meet the degree requirements of the catalog in effect upon their return, or a subsequent catalog.

Non-Degree-Seeking (Special) Student

Persons who have graduated from a recognized high school, or have the educational equivalent, but who are not interested in seeking a degree, may attend the University as Non-Degree-Seeking (special) students.  

Non-Degree-Seeking (special) students may enroll for a maximum of twelve credits per semester, and must meet the academic standards of the University (see Academic Standing and Progress). Non-Degree-Seeking (special) students   register during special student registration on a space available basis, are not eligible for financial aid, but may be eligible for veterans benefits. If you would like to audit courses, please see Auditing Courses.

Admission as a High School Special Student

If students are looking to enroll in college courses while still in high school, there are options available:

Early College Credit: If approved by the school district, a reduced tuition cost with 75% or more of the cost covered by the school district and state. Student assumes 100% of the cost if the student fails the course(s). 

High School Special Program: The student/family is responsible for the cost of the courses.

Admissions criteria:
Typically must be a high school junior or senior in the top 25% of the class OR in the top 50% of their class with an ACT composite of 24 or greater (SAT total of 1160 or greater). If the high school student doesn't meet the above criteria, he/she will need to provide substantial and convincing letters of recommendation and/or data demonstrating high ability in a specific area of University study. For more information, contact the UW-Eau Claire Admission Office.

Once admitted, High School Special students will be contacted by Advising, Retention and Career Center to set up a meeting with an advisor. Placement tests may be required before meeting with an advisor. High School Special students are limited to twelve credits per semester and must meet the academic standards of the University (see Academic Standing and Progress). High School Special students register during special student registration on a space available basis.
 

Admission to University of Wisconsin- Eau Claire - Barron County

As a campus of access, students may be admitted to UW-Eau Claire - Barron County as a first-year, transfer, re-entry, high school special, non-degree, or international student based on the published criteria. However, exceptions can be made to these requirements.

Admission of Veterans

Veterans and certain eligible dependents may be entitled to educational benefits under various programs administered by the Veterans Administration (see Veteran Benefits). Veterans and eligible dependents may obtain these benefits while pursuing a course of study at UW-Eau Claire. Students enrolled as undergraduates, under these programs must typically carry 12 hours of credit during each semester of the academic year to be considered full time for Federal VA education benefit allotments.  Graduate students must typically carry 9 credits to be considered full time for VA education benefits.  Summer Session allotments are determined by class contact hours and total credits. Part-time and full-time study grants are available to eligible Wisconsin veterans.

Credit may be awarded for educational preparation acquired while in service. Veterans will be asked to submit official transcripts of their records. (This is done by submitting an official copy of the Joint Service Transcript or official transcript from the Community College of the Air Force to the Admissions office for review). In granting credit, the University considers recommendation of the American Council on Education. No credit will be granted if such credit would constitute repetition of credit already earned.

Admission for Residents of U.S. Territories

Residents from Territories of the United States are admitted on the same basis as United States Citizens. 

Admission of Permanent Residents and Refugees

Permanent residents and refugees are admitted on the same basis as United States Citizens. Students are required to provide copies of their permanent resident cards or documentation of refugee status.

Admission for International Students

UW-Eau Claire welcomes applications from students from other countries. International students must complete an application for admission, pay the application fee, provide evidence of English proficiency, confirm financial sponsorship, and submit academic records and examination results. Further information about the application process and required documents is available on the UW-Eau Claire international admissions website. 

Final deadlines to accept applications and supporting documents will be determined by the Admissions Office each semester and published on the UW-Eau Claire admissions website.