uw madison additional essay

University of Wisconsin-Madison 2024-25 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Regular Decision Deadline: Jan 15

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University of Wisconsin-Madison 2024-25 Application Essay Question Explanation

The Requirements: 1 essay of 650 words (or less)

Supplemental Essay Type(s): Why

How to Write the UW-Madison Supplemental Essay

Luckily for you, UW-Madison asks applicants to submit just one (1) supplemental essay. The essay is an opportunity for you to give admissions “an idea of who you are and what you want to accomplish as part of [their] community.” In order to write a distinct essay, we recommend being genuine and specific when discussing your interest in the university and your academic goals. Keep reading for more tips and examples!  

UW-Madison Essay Prompt Breakdown

Tell us why you would like to apply to the university of wisconsin-madison. in addition, please include why you are interested in studying the major(s) you have selected. if you selected undecided please describe your areas of possible academic interest. (you may enter up to 650 words, but 300-500 is recommended)..

This sneaky prompt is a twofer, though both parts cover classic why essay territory: admissions wants to know just what appeals to you about the University of Wisconsin-Madison. So, take a moment to look inside. What exactly do you want out of your college experience? Research opportunities? Weekend football games? To dip your toe into city life? Now, if you were to imagine a Venn diagram of your expectations and the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s offerings, what would land in the overlap? The only way to know for sure is to do your research!  

The goal is to show admissions that you’ve done your homework. Make sure Admissions Officers know that you’ve already thought about what you want to do when you get there and that you’re ready to act on those hopes and dreams and so forth. 

But, wait, there’s more! The second part of the prompt gives you the opportunity to include information about specific academic programs at Madison that appeal to you. So just as before, utilize the school’s website, but this time pay careful attention to the specific majors and academic offerings that catch your eye. What do you love about your chosen major and/or minor? If you’re interested in UW’s Gender & Women’s Studies pr ogram, can you describe what you will take away from this program and how it relates to your long-term ambitions ? How did you become interested in this field, and what resources does Madison provide that will help you achieve your goals? Finally, if you’re undecided, think about what makes Madison the ideal environment for your academic exploration. How do you plan to hone in on the perfect major as you attend? Remember, the more details you include, the better.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in UW-Madison Essays

We have been reading UW-Madison essays for over twenty years now, so we know a thing or two about the most common mistakes students make. The most common mistakes to avoid are repeating the prompt in your essay (don’t waste your words), trying to sound like an academic (admissions wants to hear your authentic voice!), and using cliches (they’re ineffective and—let’s face it—lazy).

Why Choose College Essay Advisors for UW-Madison Essays

We at College Essay Advisors have been guiding students one-on-one through the essay writing process for the UW-Madison supplement for over twenty years. We take a holistic approach to this essay, considering each student’s application package as a whole and identifying their strengths to highlight. Our Advisors accommodate each student’s scheduling needs to virtually brainstorm, draft, and revise winning essays. It’s incredibly important to us that each student’s voice is preserved, and we pride ourselves in helping students to write successful UW-Madison essays that differentiate them from similarly qualified applicants. For more information, submit a contact form below or review our one-on-one advising services or list of student acceptances .

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Frequently Asked Questions

UW-Madison requires one (1) essay of 650 words or fewer.

UW-Madison is looking for genuine, honest essays that will help them get to know you beyond your GPA and test scores. The more specific your essays, the more they will stand out from the pack, so it’s in your best interest to take the time to provide a detailed description of your interests and vision of life as a student at Wisconsin.

In order to make your UW-Madison essay stand out, we recommend giving yourself plenty of time to brainstorm , reflect on your stories, and piece together a cohesive narrative that reveals new information about who you are and what you hope to accomplish without relying on common cliches.

"[My son] was accepted to Wisconsin as a direct admit to the business school! With their holistic reviews, I know his essays stood out. He had a few friends who were denied from Wisconsin and I truly believe it was [my son's] essay that put him over the top. I am so grateful to you and College Essay Advisors for your guidance and expertise in helping him to craft his amazing essays!"

– CEA Parent, University of Wisconsin, Class of 2025

"Thank you so much for making those edits! I couldn't have gotten it within the word count without you. At first I was hesitant about some of the changes, but upon closer look, I realized that many of the sentences you took out were redundant. As you commented, some of the points were still made without having to explicitly say them. Seriously, I can not thank you enough for all of your help. I really appreciate you taking me on as a client with such time restraints."

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How to write the university of wisconsin-madison supplemental essays, updated for 2024-2025.

Note that UW also offers the following guidelines:

“Keep these tips in mind as you work on your writing:

• Develop your thoughts before you begin the writing process, and create an outline.
• The maximum word count for each essay is 650, but we recommend planning for 300–500 words.
• Do not type directly into the web form. Instead, work on your draft in word processing software.
• Allow time to develop and revisit your writing.
• Check for spelling mistakes and ask someone to proofread your final version.
• Be genuine and honest in your writing.”

If you apply using the Common Application, you will be asked to respond to one of the first-year Common Application essays . If you apply with the Universities of Wisconsin Application, you will need to answer the following prompt:

Each student is unique. Please tell us about the particular life experiences, talents, commitments, and/or interests you will bring to our campus.

Explanation:

This prompt is asking you to highlight what makes you unique and how those aspects will contribute to the campus community at the University of Wisconsin. The admissions committee wants to understand who you are beyond grades and test scores. They are looking for insights into your character, values, and what you can bring to the university environment.

Start by focusing on what makes you uniquely you. Think about the life experiences, talents, and passions that define who you are. Reflect on significant moments or challenges that have shaped your journey, such as leadership roles, impactful volunteer work, or personal growth. Highlight your specific skills and talents—whether it’s a knack for organizing events, a commitment to social justice, or a creative problem-solving approach. Once you have identified these unique aspects of yourself, connect them to what you can contribute to the UW-Madison community. Research UW’s values, mission, and campus culture to find intersections between your interests and their priorities. If you’re passionate about gender equality, for example, mention how you’re excited to engage with the Gender and Sexuality Campus Center and other related initiatives.

Finally, show your experiences and skills align with the university’s goals and how you plan to actively participate in or contribute to campus life. For a strong supplemental essay, make sure you illustrate your potential impact by providing specific examples from your past achievements. Describe how your experiences have prepared you to make a difference at UW-Madison. Whether it’s through leading a club, organizing community service projects, or tackling social issues, make it clear how these achievements have equipped you to contribute meaningfully to the university environment.

“When you educate a girl, you educate a family, a community, a country,” Michelle Obama declares as the crowd, including myself, erupts in wild cheers. It’s International Day of the Girl, and I’m in Times Square, watching the former First Lady of the US as she is interviewed by Today Show hosts Hoda Kotb and Savannah Guthrie. In spite of having to wake up at 3 a.m. to participate in this event, I’m ecstatic and overjoyed by being in the presence of my biggest role model. Her passionate advocacy for girls’ education resonates deeply with me, and as I observe the crowd—filled with members of organizations like Girl Scouts and She’s the First—I am struck by their collective dedication and enthusiasm. This moment of shared purpose is both inspiring and affirming.

As the President of my high school’s She’s the First club, I have seized numerous opportunities to champion girls’ education. Organizing fundraisers and raising over $1,100 for young Kenyan students has been incredibly rewarding. Coordinating an event to meet Michelle Obama, while challenging, further ignited my passion and commitment to this cause. The support from my friends, peers, and teachers has been instrumental in navigating these challenges. Their encouragement has helped me cultivate a supportive network of like-minded individuals who are equally committed to making a difference.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison stands out to me as the perfect place to continue advocating for girls’ empowerment. UW’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, as well as its robust support for student organizations, aligns perfectly with my values and ambitions. I am particularly excited about the opportunities to engage with like-minded peers through the Gender and Sexuality Campus Center and to participate in initiatives that promote gender equality.

UW’s vibrant campus community and its dedication to social justice are particularly appealing to me. I am excited to bring my experience in organizing impactful events and my passion for gender equality to the university. At UW, I plan to contribute to the Gender and Sexuality Campus Center and participate in initiatives that align with my commitment to social change. I hope to leverage the interdisciplinary nature of this program to develop innovative strategies that address barriers to education for girls in underserved communities. The program’s robust curriculum will provide me with a deep understanding of gender dynamics, policy analysis, and social justice frameworks. By collaborating with like-minded peers and faculty at UW, I aim to contribute to cutting-edge research on gender inequality and develop actionable solutions.

I am particularly excited about the prospect of engaging with the University’s research centers and community partnerships like the Center for Research on Gender and Women (CRGW) and Wisconsin Union Directorate (WUD) Social Justice Committee to pilot programs that address educational disparities and promote gender equity. Ultimately, my goal is to influence policy and practice on a global scale, advocating for systemic reforms that ensure every girl has the opportunity to thrive academically and personally. I am confident that UW will provide me with the education, experiences, and network I need to achieve my goals and make a difference in the world.

The second prompt is asked of all applicants, regardless of which application platform they are using to submit their application.

Tell us why you would like to attend the University of Wisconsin–Madison. In addition, please include why you are interested in studying the major(s) you have selected. If you selected undecided, please describe your areas of possible academic interest.

It’s important to make your response to this supplemental question as specific and personal as possible. Start by thinking about what excites you most about UW-Madison. What drew you to this school? Maybe it’s the school’s strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, or perhaps its vibrant campus life and the wealth of academic resources. Mention these aspects early on to show you’ve done your research and that you’re genuinely excited about what the university offers.

For instance, you could highlight the university’s renowned Morgridge Center for Public Service if you’re interested in social justice or civic engagement. Explain how their programs will provide you with the academic foundation and practical skills necessary to further your passion for gender equality and educational access. If there are specific professors, courses, or research opportunities that particularly excite you, be sure to mention them. Connect your academic interests to your chosen major. If you’re set on a specific major, discuss what sparked your interest in this field. Reflect on your past experiences that led you to this decision. Clubs, extracurricular involvements, or perhaps a class that had a great impact on you are a great place to start. Also, be specific about how you plan to engage with the campus community; highlight any specific resources or programs, such as the university’s research centers, that will help you achieve your goals.

Lastly, describe how the university’s environment will help you grow both academically and personally. Share your enthusiasm for becoming an active part of the campus community and how you plan to make a positive impact. Whether it’s through student organizations, academic research, or community engagement, make it clear that you’re ready to contribute to the university and make the most of the opportunities it offers. By grounding your essay in specific details about UW and your own experiences and aspirations, you’ll create a compelling narrative that demonstrates why you’re a great fit for the university.

Attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison excites me because of its strong academic programs, renowned faculty, and vibrant campus community. As a prospective double major in Urban Studies and Sociology, I am eager to explore how these fields intersect and deepen my understanding of social structures, patterns, and phenomena related to socio-economic background, gender, and race. Classes such as “Urban Social Problems” and “Race and Ethnicity in the United States” will allow me to examine government policies and the economic and social factors affecting metropolitan areas, specifically Madison.

Professor Katherine J. Curtis, whose research focuses on population dynamics and environmental change, is someone whose work I admire greatly. I would love the opportunity to assist her in her research on the socio-economic impacts of environmental changes on communities. This aligns with my long-term mission to develop solutions for individuals experiencing homelessness, especially those transitioning from foster care, juvenile justice, and residential treatment services.

The Urban Studies major at UW-Madison places a great emphasis on community engagement and fieldwork, which is something I deeply value. Having gained experience in documentary-making through interviewing my grandmother about her Korean War experiences, I am excited to take courses such as “Documentary Research in Social Science,” where I can hone my skills and learn about the historical and sustained importance of documentaries. I am eager to get involved in the Morgridge Center for Public Service, where I can apply my skills outside the classroom by working with nonprofit organizations and recording my findings and reflections to raise awareness about social issues. Additionally, the Wisconsin Idea Fellowship offers a unique platform for students to address community challenges through applied research, and I am enthusiastic about the prospect of contributing to such initiatives.

Professor Jenna Nobles’ research on migration and public policy is particularly inspiring. I hope to join her research initiatives on wealth inequality and the economic struggles of ethnic groups in diverse geographic and demographic contexts. Courses like “Sociology of Economic Change and Development” will enable me to understand the impact of migration on receiving societies and the link between population, development, and poverty. Beyond academics, I am excited to engage in UW-Madison’s dynamic campus life. With my experience in teaching children and advocating for education rights through my involvement in my local Korean school and organizations like Girls in Engineering, Math, and Science and She’s the First, I hope to continue my spirit of social activism by volunteering with initiatives like the PEOPLE Program, which supports students from underrepresented backgrounds.

“When you educate a girl, you educate a family, a community, a country,” Michelle Obama declares as the crowd, including myself, erupts in wild cheers. It’s International Day of the Girl, and I’m in Times Square, watching the former First Lady of the US being interviewed by Today Show hosts Hoda Kotb and Savannah Guthrie. In spite of having to wake up at 3 a.m. to participate in this event, I’m ecstatic and overjoyed by being in the presence of my biggest role model. Her passionate advocacy for girls’ education resonates deeply with me, and as I observe the crowd—members of organizations like Girl Scouts and She’s the First—I am struck by their collective dedication and enthusiasm. This moment of shared purpose is both inspiring and affirming.

As the President of my high school’s She’s the First club, I have seized numerous opportunities to champion girls’ education. Organizing fundraisers and raising over $1100 for young Kenyan students has been incredibly rewarding. Coordinating an event to meet Michelle Obama, while challenging, further ignited my passion and commitment to this cause. The support from my friends, peers, and teachers has been instrumental in navigating these challenges. Their encouragement has helped me cultivate a supportive network of like-minded individuals who are equally committed to making a difference.

I am particularly excited about the prospect of engaging with the University’s resources, such as its research centers and community partnerships, such as Center for Research on Gender and Women (CRGW) and Wisconsin Union Directorate (WUD) Social Justice Committee, to pilot programs that address educational disparities and promote gender equity. Ultimately, my goal is to influence policy and practice on a global scale, advocating for systemic reforms that ensure every girl has the opportunity to thrive academically and personally. I am confident that UW will provide me with the education, experiences, and network I need to achieve my goals and make a difference in the world.

It’s important to make your response to this supplement question as specific and personal as possible. Start by thinking about what excites you most about UW-Madison. What drew you to this school? Maybe it’s their strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, or perhaps the vibrant campus life and the wealth of academic resources. Mention these aspects early on to show you’ve done your research and that you’re genuinely excited about what the university offers.

For instance, you could highlight the university’s renowned Morgridge Center for Public Service if you’re interested in social justice or civic engagement. Explain how their programs will provide you with the academic foundation and practical skills to further your passion for gender equality and educational access. If there are specific professors, courses, or research opportunities that particularly excite you, be sure to mention them. Connect your academic interests to your chosen major. If you’re set on a specific major, discuss what sparked your interest in this field. Reflect on your past experiences that led you to this decision. Clubs, extracurricular involvements, or perhaps a class that had a great impact on you are a great place to start. Also, be specific about how you plan to engage with the campus community; highlight any specific resources or programs, such as the university’s research centers, that will help you achieve your goals.

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