The Wisconsin School of Business recently launched the Wisconsin BBA Direct Admit Program. This program allows a small, select group of high school students direct admission to the undergraduate Business program.

Students must first apply to UW-Madison indicating Business as their major. Students with high qualifications are then invited to apply.

Criteria

Prospective students must meet one of these three criteria to be considered for the Direct Admit Program:

• An ACT Composite score of 33 or higher
• A combined SAT score of 1440 or higher (combined Reading + Math)
• Rank among the top 1% of their graduating senior class

Policies

Students who indicate Business as their intended major and meet one of the above three criteria will receive an invitation to apply directly to the Wisconsin BBA from the Admissions Director. Invitations are likely to arrive in March. Students will be notified of their admission status by May 1.

Please note the Direct Admission application is in addition to the previously submitted UW-Madison application. This application is completed online and is reviewed by Wisconsin BBA staff.

Students not admitted by the Direct Admission Program are very much encouraged to reapply to the Wisconsin School of Business under Sophomore Admission guidelines. The Sophomore Admission process may be attempted twice.

First-Year Interest Group (FIG)

Students accepted by the Direct Admission process will participate in the Business First-Year Interest Group (FIG). FIG is a learning community of about 20 students. The Business FIG consists of General Business 365, Economics 101, and Political Science 104. Direct Admission students participate in this FIG whether or not they have “tested out” of any course by AP or transfer credit. The 3-course Business FIG will count toward fulfilling requirements.

Direct Admit students consult with BBA advising staff during Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration (SOAR) to register for the fall semester Business FIG. In the spring semester, Direct Admit students continue the Wisconsin BBA curriculum.