UW-Madison

UW-Madison SAT and ACT Requirements

UW-Madison is test-optional for the 2026-27 cycle. The middle 50% of enrolled first-year students scored 1380 to 1520 on the SAT and 29 to 33 on the ACT.

2026-27 policy

Test-Optional

SAT middle 50%

1380–1520

ACT middle 50%

29–33

Acceptance rate

45%

UW-Madison SAT scores by section

Section	25th percentile	75th percentile
Reading and Writing	670	740
Math	710	780
Total	1380	1520
ACT Composite	29	33

The total is the sum of the section percentiles, the standard way to estimate a middle 50% for the combined score.

Where your score puts you

Below 1380: lower than three quarters of enrolled students. A retake has the most upside here, and at a test-optional school you can also leave the score off.
1380 to 1520: in line with the class. The rest of your application decides it.
Above 1520: higher than three quarters of enrolled students. Testing is no longer what holds the application back.

Other colleges where a 1380 is in range Other colleges where a 1520 is in range Convert an ACT score

Keep these numbers

Email me UW-Madison's score ranges

The ranges on this page, plus a link to compare them with every other college we track.

I consent to receive transactional text messages (Conversational/Alerts, Appointments, and Booking Confirmations) from Dewey Smart at the number provided. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Msg & data rates may apply. Msg frequency varies. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. See our Privacy Policy, Terms, and SMS Terms.

I agree to receive recurring automated marketing & promotional text messages from Dewey Smart at the number provided. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Msg & data rates may apply. Msg frequency varies. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. See our Privacy Policy, Terms, and SMS Terms.

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe anytime.

Frequently asked questions

Does UW-Madison require the SAT or ACT?

UW-Madison is test-optional for the 2026-27 cycle. Confirmed test-optional through the spring 2028 term: 'Including scores from either the ACT or the SAT with your application is optional for students applying for admission through the spring 2028 term.' Applicants who don't submit are not disadvantaged.

What SAT score do you need for UW-Madison?

The published range is not a cutoff. Among enrolled first-year students, a quarter scored below 1380, half scored between 1380 and 1520, and a quarter scored above 1520. A score at or above 1520 puts you ahead of most of the class on testing; a score below 1380 works against you.

What ACT score do you need for UW-Madison?

The middle 50% of enrolled students scored 29 to 33 on the ACT. On the official conversion table that is an SAT 1340 to 1460.

Score ranges: College Scorecard API — U.S. Department of Education (api.data.gov) and Editorial overrides layer (overrides.json) — Common Data Set & institutional sources. They describe students who enrolled, not everyone admitted. Test policy: UW-Madison admissions, verified for 2026-27.