New FreshmEn

Graduates of high schools in the United States and those who will be graduating. International students who wish to enter as freshmen should refer to the international student admission section of this chapter.

New Freshmen Application Procedures

To be considered for admission, all individuals must submit the following items to the UW-Platteville Office of Admission.

  1. University of Wisconsin (UW) System application (https://apply.wisconsin.edu/)
  2. Official transcript(s) from the high school of graduation as well as any college-level or post-secondary coursework (transcripts must come directly from the high school or institution attended to the UW-Platteville Office of Admission)
  3. Non-refundable application fee
  4. Official ACT or SAT score reports

New Freshmen Admission Guidelines

All applicants receive a comprehensive review and consideration is given to all academic and non-academic factors. Students meeting the following requirements will be considered for admission:F

  • Graduation from a recognized high school or the equivalent

Home-schooled applicants: transcripts should include completed and in progress courses, grades for each course and a brief summary of what is covered in each course.  Transcripts should be signed by the individual providing the education verifying the curriculum.

GED/HSED applicants:  Applicants who have not graduated from a recognized high school must provide evidence of satisfactory completion of the requirements for a High School Equivalency Certificate or a Diploma (HSED) from a recognized high school, school system or state department of public instruction based on a Graduation Equivalency Diploma (GED) examination and other established criteria.  Applicants must also submit official copies of any partial high school transcripts if they exist.  High school equivalency applicants may not normally be enrolled unless they are a minimum of two years past their expected date of high school graduation.

  • Successful completion of a minimum of 17 college preparatory units to include:

4 units English

3 units mathematics (algebra, geometry, and higher)

3 units social science

3 units natural science (two must include lab experiences)

4 units to include courses from the above academic areas, foreign language, fine arts, computer science or courses in vocational areas

  • Top 50 percent of graduating class, ACT composite of 22 or SAT 1110. Consideration will also be given to factors such as stronger academic performance later in high school, demonstrated leadership skills in school or community, and personal statements and recommendations.

UW-Platteville uses standardized test results as one of the criteria measures for admission. The UW System requires all new freshmen applicants to submit the results of either the ACT or SAT for review.  Students will not be disadvantaged in the admission process by taking one test rather than the other. It is recommended that the ACT/SAT be taken in the spring of the junior year of high school and that the score reports be sent directly to the Office of Admission. This requirement is waived for prospective students ages 22 and older. 

Students meeting the following requirements may be considered for admission:

  • Successfully completed 17 college preparatory units
  • In top 65 percent of their graduating class and have an ACT composite score of 18 (950 SAT) or higher
  • Letters from high school faculty in areas of English, mathematics and laboratory science courses may be required and must address the student’s success potential in college coursework.  We will also accept the UW System Recommendation for Undergraduate Admission Form.

UW-Platteville will also consider the following factors in a comprehensive review:

  • Students who have demonstrated a stronger academic performance later in their high school career
  • Students who are socially and economically disadvantaged
  • Students who have demonstrated academic promise
  • Nontraditional students (25 and older)
  • Students who have demonstrated significant leadership in school or in the community
  • Students who are historically underrepresented

Students denied or not meeting the admission guidelines may contact the Director of Admission for an independent review of all credentials. Each applicant's file has undergone a comprehensive review process, therefore an appeal must bring forth new and compelling academic information that shows the student to be a stronger candidate than demonstrated in the initial application for admission. Upon receipt and review, the director may make a final decision immediately or may request a personal interview before making a final decision.

Transfer Students

Applicants who have earned college or university credits at another university, vocational or technical college after high school graduation as a matriculated student and wish to transfer to UW-Platteville.

Transfer Application Procedures

To be considered for admission as a transfer student, all individuals must submit the following items to the UW-Platteville Office of Admission.

  1. University of Wisconsin System application (https://apply.wisconsin.edu/)
  2. Official transcript(s) from the high school of graduation (transcripts must come directly from the high school attended to the UW-Platteville Office of Admission)
  3. Official transcript(s) from all colleges or universities previously attended or currently attending, as well as any college-level or post-secondary coursework (transcripts must come directly from the institution attended to the UW-Platteville Office of Admission)
  4. Non-refundable application fee  (if the applicant's last institution of attendance is one of the two-year University of Wisconsin Colleges, the application fee is not required)
  5. Statement of activities (work, armed services, etc.) for the period of time they have chosen not to attend a college or university for a semester or more

Transfer Admission Guidelines

Applicants must have 12 or more transferable credits from a regionally accredited institution to be considered for admission as a transfer student. Applicants with fewer than 12 credits must meet new freshmen admission requirements. 

All applications receive a comprehensive review. Academic preparation and success are the primary considerations for admission, although non-academic factors are also considered.  Transfer applicants will be considered for admission if they have a cumulative grade point average (C.G.P.A.) of 2.0 or higher in college transfer courses and are in good academic standing at the institution they are currently attending or most recently attended.  The cumulative G.P.A. of all schools attended will be calculated by using all courses completed that are transferable to UW-Platteville.  Failure to report previously enrolled institutions and submit transcripts from those institutions is sufficient cause for cancellation of the student's application and/or enrollment.  It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that all the proper supporting documents are submitted directly to the Admission Office. 

Students denied or not meeting the admission guidelines may contact the Director of Admission for an independent review of all credentials. Each applicant's file has undergone a comprehensive review process, therefore an appeal must bring forth new and compelling academic information that shows the student to be a stronger candidate than demonstrated in the initial application for admission. Upon receipt and review, the director may make a final decision immediately or may request a personal interview before making a final decision.

These policies are subject to enrollment management concerns, reviewed periodically and may be changed according to the needs of the university. Enrollment will be managed according to the university caps determined by university officials, UW System and the Board of Regent mandates. Furthermore, university enrollment caps may be determined by college/program specific needs and by specific student categories.

Transfer Credit Evaluation

Evaluation of a student’s credits will occur after a student has been admitted. The review will evaluate all the courses taken to determine the number of credits that will be granted in transfer. 

Credits may be accepted from all properly regionally accredited four-year and two-year institutions recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Courses that are vocational, technical, remedial, or doctrinal in nature are not transferable. When credits are transferred and accepted, they are recorded in terms of UW-Platteville courses. Only credit is recorded, grades and/or grade points are not transferred.  However, transfer course grades may be used by the colleges and departments in determining admissibility into specific programs and majors. The UW-Platteville cumulative grade point average will be calculated using only UW-Platteville credits earned in residence at the university.

Once the credit evaluation is completed, it is made available to the student in PASS Self-Service.  The evaluation will also be available to the college of the student’s major so that it is available for review by an assigned advisor to assist in the advising and registration process. The advisor or department chair will determine which courses and credits may be transferred to meet the requirements of the student’s declared major.   In the event that a student disagrees with how a course(s) applies toward a degree program, an appeal of the evaluation may be made through the Chair of the Department where the course resides.  For students that have not declared a major, the advisor for undecided students will assist them in determining a course schedule. All students are strongly encouraged to meet with university advisors before transferring to ensure a smooth transition.

The transfer policy discussed here is subject to enrollment management needs, which are reviewed periodically and may be changed according to the needs of the university.  For additional details, visit the Office of Admission transfer guide page at https://www.uwplatt.edu/admission/transfer-credits.

TWO-Year/Four-Year Transfer Policy

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

Transfer of Associate Degree

Students transferring from a UW System institution or an Illinois community college with an earned associate degree in arts or sciences will have met all university general education requirements.

UW Colleges Guaranteed Transfer Program

Students participating in the UW Colleges/UW-Platteville Guaranteed Transfer Program may begin their university education at a UW college and, if they meet the requirements listed below, will be guaranteed admission to UW-Platteville upon completion of 60 credits. Some majors and programs make exceptions for the required number of credits; be sure to check with the department or program for which early transfer is recommended.

To be eligible for the Guaranteed Transfer Program, students must:

  1. Have matriculated as a new freshman at a UW College
  2. Submit a Declaration of Intention to participate in the Guaranteed Transfer Program prior to the start of the sophomore year (30 credits) in the UW Colleges
  3. Complete the minimum number of credits required within three years of the time of matriculation at the UW Colleges
  4. Complete and submit to UW-Platteville a UW System Application for Admission. Students must submit this application in accordance with the deadlines and enrollment procedures imposed for all transfer students and should note on the application their participation in the Guaranteed Transfer Program
  5. Maintain a minimum 2.0 cumulative grade point average and a 2.00 in the term prior to transfer

UW Colleges students participating in the Guaranteed Transfer Program must also meet the same criteria (e.g., G.P.A., course requirements) for admission to specific programs as continuing UW-Platteville students. The guarantee of admission applies only to the institution, not to the specific major or program. Students should consult an academic advisor to determine the required G.P.A. for their intended major or program.

Transferring from Madison Area Technical College and Nicolet Area Technical College

Students transferring from Madison Area Technical College and Nicolet Area Technical College with an earned Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree granted on or after May 7, 2003, will have met all university general education requirements with the EXCEPTION of the ethnic and gender studies requirement. The two exceptions mean that these requirements will still need to be met by the transfer of specific courses satisfying the ethnic and gender studies areas or by completing the requirements through classes at UW-Platteville.

Transferring from Milwaukee Area Technical College

Students transferring from Milwaukee Area Technical College with an earned Associate of Arts (NOT the Associate of Science) degree granted on or after May 7, 2003, will have met all university general education requirements with the EXCEPTION of the ethnic and gender studies requirement.

Transferring from a Wisconsin Technical College

The number of credits accepted for transfer from a Wisconsin Technical College is generally limited. It is possible to transfer up to the maximum of 30 credits through the Universal Credit Transfer Agreement in general education courses. More credits may be accepted if program-to-program articulation agreements have been approved; check with the institution to see if this applies or contact the Office of Admission.

Transferring from Iowa Community Colleges

Students transferring from the following Iowa Community Colleges with an earned Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree granted on or after May 15, 2013, will have met all university general education requirements with the EXCEPTION of the ethnic and gender studies requirements. Hawkeye, Des Moines Area, Southeastern Iowa, Iowa Lakes, Iowa Valley, North Iowa Area, Iowa Central, Indian Hills, Western Iowa, Northwest Iowa, Southwestern Iowa, and Iowa Western.

Transferring from Kirkwood Community College and Eastern Iowa Community College District

Students transferring from Kirkwood Community College and Eastern Iowa Community College District with an earned Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree granted on or after Dec. 3, 2008, will have met all university general education requirements with the EXCEPTION of the international education, natural sciences, and ethnic and gender studies requirements. With regard to the natural sciences, students transferring from KCC and EICCD with an A.A. or A.S. degree must have natural science courses, each with a laboratory, from two different areas. These courses must be completed either at KCC or EICCD prior to transfer to UW-Platteville or at UW-Platteville after the student transfers. Students from KCC and EICCD will also need to meet the international education, and ethnic and gender studies requirements either by the transfer of courses meeting these requirements or by completing them through classes at UW-Platteville. If all of the coursework was not completed at one of these recognized institutions, credits may not transfer and the associate degree may not satisfy the general education requirements. Articulations with other schools may also exist.

Transferring from Northeast Iowa Community College

Students transferring from Northeast Iowa Community College with an earned Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree granted on or after Dec. 3, 2003, will have met all university general education requirements with the EXCEPTION of the ethnic and gender studies requirement.

Other Transfer Credits

Transfer credit is accepted for appropriate college-level courses completed through extension or correspondence study from accredited colleges or universities. Certain military service school credit may be granted in transfer, based upon recommendations by the American Council on Education.

Re-Entry Students

Students who have attended UW-Platteville as degree-seeking students in the past and wish to take classes again at the university.

re-Entry Admission Guidelines And application procedures

  • Students who voluntarily interrupt university work while in good standing may be granted admission upon completion and submission of the UW System application (https://apply.wisconsin.edu/) to the Office of Admission.1
  • Students granted re-entry status who were on scholastic probation or other conditional status at the same time of last attendance at UW-Platteville retain such status as a condition of re-entry unless attendance at another recognized institution has altered the status.
  • Eligibility for re-admission is based upon previous work at UW-Platteville; however, to be re-admitted to the university, each student must be eligible to return to the institution last attended. Students desiring re-admission, after having been declared ineligible to continue for scholastic or other reasons, may file an appeal with the Admission and Academic Appeals Committee.
  • The initial appeals process is through the Admission and Academic Appeals Committee.

Military Service: Leaving and Returning to the University

Mobilization Guidelines

If currently enrolled students receive military orders (involuntary call to active duty) that will interrupt their education, they must provide a copy of their orders to the registrar and the veterans certifying official. Notification of the registrar will allow the student to exercise the following options:

  1. Withdrawal from all courses with a full refund of tuition
  2. Selective withdrawal from one or more courses with a refund of tuition
  3. Incomplete grades awarded at the discretion of the instructor to provide an extension for completing coursework
  4. Final grades may be issued if the instructor determines that the student has completed a sufficient amount of coursework

Returning to the University

Any students returning from military service or who have interrupted their studies to enlist and attend military training may return without applying for readmission if the period of absence does not exceed two years. In order to reactivate the student’s eligibility to register, the student should contact the Registrar’s Office no later than six months following discharge from service or training. An updated DD-214 or NOBE (DD 2384-1) should be submitted to the registrar and the veterans certifying official as soon as possible but no later than six months after the effective date of the orders.

Before enrolling with another university or college, students must contact the Registrar’s Office to ensure that classes are transferable. Any such enrollment must be reported at the time of re-entry to UW-Platteville and official transcripts must be provided. If a student leaves the university to enlist following an academic dismissal, an appeal to the Admissions and Academic Appeals committee may be required. Enlistment will not void an academic dismissal. For further information, please contact the Registrar’s Office at 608.342.1321 or by e-mail at registrar@uwplatt.edu.

Non-Traditional Students

Students who are defined in the Board of Regents Policy (87-8) Non-Traditional Admission will be considered according to the criteria under UW-Platteville’s comprehensive review policy.

Special Students

Students who wish to further their education, but are not immediately seeking a degree from UW-Platteville. Students in this category are ineligible for financial aid.

Special Student Application Procedure and Admission Guidelines

In order to be enrolled as a special non-degree student for the Fall or Spring semester, the applicant must complete the online special student application (https://apply.wisconsin.edu/).  For students interested in Winterim or Summer courses, applications are available through the Office of the Registrar.   Although transcripts are not required, prospective students are required to have graduated from a recognized high school or its equivalent. Students who, after having been a special student, wish to seek a degree must complete the admission process for degree-seeking students and matriculate before they have earned 30 semester credits as a special student. It is important to note that special students may not register for more than six semester credits per semester unless authorized by the Registrar’s Office or the provost. Students enrolled as a special non-degree student are ineligible for financial aid.

High School Special Students

Students currently enrolled in high school who apply to UW-Platteville for concurrent coursework.  The University of Wisconsin-Platteville allows high school students to take college courses through the Early College Credit Program (ECCP) or as a High School Special student providing that they meet the requirements for entry, receive necessary approval from their full time school district of attendance, and course availability.  Application deadlines may be viewed on the High School Special Student webpage.    

Early College Credit Program and High School Special students register after all UW-Platteville degree-seeking students have registered, therefore admission does not guarantee course availability for the specifically approved courses. Registration is on a space available basis. In addition, students may be required to take a UW System Placement Exam for English, Mathematics and other university courses.

Early College Credit Program and High School Special students must abide by all regulations, policies and procedures of the university as outlined in the university catalog, semester timetable and official university documents. These include, but are not limited to, the university drop, withdrawal, tuition refund, grading and attendance policies. In addition, all students must comply with the rules set forth by instructors. Courses taken at UW-Platteville become a part of the student's permanent university record and may affect subsequent admission eligibility to postsecondary institutions

Early College Credit Program (ECCP)

High school students attending public and private high schools in Wisconsin are eligible to apply through this program. Admitted students may take one or more courses and earn credit for high school, post-secondary credit, or both.  High school students who wish to take university courses through the ECCP must receive approval through their school district.

High School Special and ECCP Application Procedure

The UW-Platteville admission application for students interested in the High School Special and Early College Credit Program, as well as specific deadlines, are available online at https://www.uwplatt.edu/admission/special-high-school or through the Office of Admission. To apply, submit the following information:

  1.  Early College Credit Program (ECCP) and High School Special Agreement form
  2. University of Wisconsin (UW) System application (https://apply.wisconsin.edu/)
  3. Official transcript(s) from the high school of graduation as well as any college-level or post-secondary coursework (transcripts must come directly from the high school or institution attended to the UW-Platteville Office of Admission)
  4. ACT or SAT score reports

High School Special and ECCP Admission Guidelines

  • Seniors must be in the top 50 percent of their class or have an ACT composite of 22 (SAT of 1110)
  • Juniors must be in the top 10 percent of the class or have scored in the top 10 percent in one or more of the nationally recognized admission examinations (ACT, SAT)
  • Must have the sanction of the high school principal or counselor demonstrated through submission of the University of Wisconsin System High School Special Agreement Form)

Each high school student aspiring to attend university classes may take three semester credits per semester. Certain students may elect to take up to, but no more than, six credits per semester upon the approval of the Office of Admission. It is to be understood that each high school student wishing to attend classes at UW-Platteville must reapply each semester. Students in this category are responsible for all tuition and fee payments.

International Students

Students who enroll at UW-Platteville under an educational visa.

International Application Procedure

To be considered for admission to UW-Platteville, international students must provide the following:

  1. University of Wisconsin System application (https://apply.wisconsin.edu/)
  2. Official academic records from all secondary and higher education institutions attended
    1. Academic records must be mailed directly from the school that you attended to the UW-Platteville Office of Admission
    2. Academic records must be in the original language along with a certified English translation.
      • All academic records should include the dates of attendance, level of study, list of subjects, school leaving marks (grades) earned, rank in class (when possible) and the grading system used
      • Official records should include all exam or test results and certificates, diplomas or degrees earned. All of these requirements are mandatory and must be official documents.
      • Photocopies of official records are acceptable if an authorized university, government or public official has certified them after the documents have been copied.
  3. Non-refundable application fee
  4. Evidence of English proficiency by successfully completing one of the following areas:
    1. Official TOEFL or IETLS Score (required of all international students whose native language is not English)
    2. English Language Program (ELP) at UW-Platteville or other approved program
  5. Affidavit of financial support, documenting ability to meet all financial obligations for duration of study at UW-Platteville, signed by parent, sponsor or governmental agency (all financial support documents must be dated within six months of the intended program start date)
    1. Complete and submit the  UW-Platteville Financial Verification Form
    2. Original bank statement (total balance must be converted to USD)
  6. Copy of applicant's passport
  7. Statement of activities (work, armed services, etc.) for the period of time they have chosen not to attend a college or university for a semester or more

In addition to the items outlined above, students seeking transfer credit must also supply the following documentation:

Transfer Credit outside of United States
  • International students requesting transfer credit are required to submit an official World Education Services or Educational Credential Evaluators Inc. course-by-course evaluation, completed at the student's request and at the student's expense
  • The completed course-by-course evaluation must be submitted to the Office of Admission prior to enrolling in classes at UW-Platteville
  • Submit detailed course descriptions in both the original language and English. If acceptable course descriptions are not submitted, transfer credit will not be awarded.
TRANSFER CREDIT in UNITED STATES
  • Official transcript(s) from all colleges or universities previously attended or currently attending, as well as any college-level or post-secondary coursework (transcripts must come directly from the institution attended to the UW-Platteville Office of Admission). 
  • Copy of the applicant's current I-20 or DS-2019
  • Copy of the applicant's visa
  • Complete and submit the UW-Platteville International Student Transfer Clearance Form. Note: student may submit this to the International Student and Scholar Services Office at isss@uwplatt.edu after being admitted. This form is not required prior to admission.

International Application deadlines

To be considered for admission, international admission applications must be received by the following dates:

June 15 for applicants seeking Fall term entry (September–December)

November 1 for applicants seeking Spring term entry (January–May)

International Admission Guidelines

International students meeting the following requirements will be considered for admission:

  • Proof of secondary school completion
  • Strong academic achievements, comparable to other UW-Platteville applicants, especially in the areas of mathematics, natural science (chemistry, biology or physics), social sciences and the humanities
  • Proficiency in English demonstrated through iBT TOEFL or IELTS (international transfer students currently attending U.S. colleges or universities may demonstrate competence in English through courses taken at such institutions when grades of “B” or higher have been earned in English composition courses and speech)

TOEFL iBT composite score of 64 (minimum sub-scores: reading 15; listening 15; speaking 17; writing 17)

IELTS composite score of 5.5 (minimum sub-scores: reading 5.0; listening 5.0; speaking 5.0; writing 5.0)

English Language Program at UW-Platteville or other approved program

  • Adequate financial resources for academic program (four to five years) of study

English Language Program (ELP)

The English Language Program prepares students to apply their English skills successfully in university courses and professional settings. ELP offers year-round English immersion courses to non-native English speakers. Students will become effective communicators in English and accomplish a wide variety of academic tasks. Upon completion of the ELP, students will be prepared to study at an academic institution.

The ELP offers courses at three levels of English proficiency from intermediate to advanced II and provides instruction for those who wish to strengthen their English skills for personal or professional reasons or to meet the requirements for degree study at UW-Platteville. Advanced ELP level students can also enroll in university academic courses.

English Language Program Application Procedure

To be considered for admission to the UW-Platteville ELP, international students must provide the following:

  1. University of Wisconsin System application (https://apply.wisconsin.edu/)
  2. Official academic records from all secondary and higher education institutions attended
    1. Academic records must be mailed directly from the school that you attended to the UW-Platteville Office of Admission
    2. Academic records must be in the original language along with a certified English translation.
      • All academic records should include the dates of attendance, level of study, list of subjects, school leaving marks (grades) earned, rank in class (when possible) and the grading system used
      • Official records should include all exam or test results and certificates, diplomas or degrees earned. All of these requirements are mandatory and must be official documents.
      • Photocopies of official records are acceptable if an authorized university, government or public official has certified them after the documents have been copied.
  3. Non-refundable application fee
  4. Original English proficiency test score (if available - online or face-to-face interview may be required)
  5. Affidavit of financial support, documenting ability to meet all financial obligations for duration of study at UW-Platteville, signed by parent, sponsor or governmental agency (all financial support documents must be dated within six months of the intended program start date)
    1. Complete and submit the original UW-Platteville Financial Verification Form
    2. Original bank statement (total balance must be converted to USD)
  6. Copy of applicant's passport (including dependents)
  7. Statement of activities (work, armed services, etc.) for the period of time they have chosen not to attend a college or university for a semester or more

English Language Program Admission Guidelines

English Language Program applicants meeting the following requirements will be considered for admission:

  • Proof of secondary school completion
  • Adequate financial resources for academic program (four to five years) of study

English Language Program Application deadlines

To be considered for admission, international admission applications must be received by the following dates:

Fall term entry (September–December):

June 15- Application Deadline (Priority review and guaranteed on-campus housing)

July 1 - All supporting documents must be submitted

Spring term entry (January–May):

November 1 - Priority Deadline

December 1 - Last day that new applications may be submitted for review

December 1 - All supporting documents must be submitted

Summer entry (June–August)

April 1 - Priority Deadline (Priority review and guaranteed on-campus housing)

May 1 - Last day that new applications may be submitted for review

May 15 - All supporting documents must be submitted

Tri-State Initiative

UW-Platteville is assisting the tri-state region to develop its workforce. The Tri-State Initiative has increased the number of students from the neighboring states of Illinois and Iowa attending and graduating from UW-Platteville. TSI is assisting new and continuing Wisconsin and tri-state businesses in addressing critical workforce needs.

The initiative has had a transforming effect on the campus and community and features competitive pricing with other tri-state institutions when annual tuition, fees, room, board, and books are included. Tuition monies from the students who enroll as a part of the initiative remain at UW-Platteville, paying for increased faculty and staff, program development, new academic buildings, and residence halls.

The Tri-State Initiative provides a discounted tuition rate for students from Illinois and Iowa. Eligible students save on out-of-state tuition, making UW-Platteville comparable to the resident cost of attendance in their home state.  No separate application is necessary. All qualifying applicants will automatically be considered for TSI and notified with their admission decision.

Learn more about TSI by visiting https://www.uwplatt.edu/admission/tsi.