More than 150 new schools from all corners of Wisconsin join Direct Admit Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis.—Nearly 34,000 high school seniors from 467 schools across Wisconsin recently received admission offers from the Universities of Wisconsin under the second year of Direct Admit Wisconsin, UWs President Jay Rothman announced today.

That’s an increase of 155 schools and at least 9,000 students compared to 2024.

Under the program, qualified high school students from participating schools are automatically admitted to up to 10 UWs without ever having to submit an application. Last month, the UWs launched the latest round of Direct Admit Wisconsin with the release of automatic offers of admission to high school seniors, the Class of 2026.

“Finding the right UW could not be easier for high school seniors,” Rothman said. “Direct Admit Wisconsin lets students and parents know they have a home at the Universities of Wisconsin.”

Rothman encouraged incoming high school seniors to make sure to check their high school email accounts and to follow the instructions for next steps to learn about the Universities of Wisconsin that have admitted them. Students will need to complete a free Direct Admit form to connect with the UWs they are interested in and accept their admission offers.

In addition to email, the admitted students will receive an additional communication via the U.S. mail this month. A second round of admission decisions for another group of seniors will come in October.

Under Direct Admit Wisconsin, qualified high school students from participating schools are automatically admitted to up to 10 UWs. Students must choose to participate in the program and are admitted based upon their grades and coursework after completion of their junior year. They must meet all admissions requirements, enroll for their senior year of high school, and stay on track to graduate.

Overall, Direct Admit Wisconsin delivered in July admission offers to 33,523 Wisconsin high school seniors in 467 participating schools. That compares to more than 24,000 offers of admission sent in the first year of the program in 2024, when 312 high schools participated. The students who accepted offers of admission in 2024 will arrive on UW campuses this September.

The 467 Wisconsin high schools currently participating in Direct Admit Wisconsin educate more than 80 percent of Wisconsin juniors. About 60 percent of all high schools in Wisconsin and 70 percent of all public high schools are participating in Direct Admit Wisconsin. Participation is voluntary for schools and students.

All UW universities except UW-Eau Claire, UW-La Crosse, and UW-Madison participate in Direct Admit Wisconsin. Students, including those receiving Direct Admit offers, may still apply to those universities.

Students interested in any of the Universities of Wisconsin can also go to wisconsin.edu any time to learn more about the state’s constellation of 13 public universities.

Rothman thanked Skyward, Infinite Campus, JMC, and PowerSchool, which operate student information systems at the participating high schools, for their partnership with Direct Admit Wisconsin.

Statements About Direct Admit Wisconsin

“By providing our students a direct path to college admission, we’re sending a powerful message of belief in their abilities to succeed. We’re incredibly proud to partner with the Universities of Wisconsin to benefit our students. Direct Admit Wisconsin aligns perfectly with our mission to advance student learning, achievement, and success – preparing every student for life after high school.”
—Cale Bushman, Superintendent, Wausau School District

“Direct Admit Wisconsin is a meaningful opportunity for our students, and we are proud to be part of it. By giving students a clear view of their postsecondary options early in the year, we are helping them believe in their potential and take confident steps toward their future. We have seen growing momentum since the program’s first year, and we expect even greater engagement this fall as more families become aware of what it offers. Eligible students have already received initial communications, with additional outreach continuing into August. We encourage families to look for these materials and have conversations with their students about the possibilities ahead.”
—Chris Nyman, Assistant Superintendent, Stevens Point Area Public School District

“Appleton Area School District is proud to support the Direct Admit Wisconsin program because it removes barriers and opens doors for every student to see college as an attainable goal. This initiative aligns with our commitment to equity by ensuring that all learners have access to clear, seamless pathways to higher education. We are excited to watch our students step confidently into their future with the knowledge that their hard work will be recognized and rewarded.”
—Michael Hernandez, Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Education, Appleton Area School District

“This beneficial partnership has provided Bay Port High School students with a more efficient process to identify their post-secondary goals. It gives students and their families extra time to research the best path forward after their time at Bay Port High School.”
—Micki Volk, College and Career Readiness Coordinator, Howard-Suamico School District

“As we head into year two of Direct Admit, the number of students receiving Direct Admit offers and completing the forms is promising. The Green Bay Area Public School District supports the Universities of Wisconsin’s efforts to remove barriers to a college education for all students. As a district, we have teamed up with the Universities of Wisconsin campuses to provide opportunities for students to learn more about each of the participating campuses and explore their post-secondary options.”
—Katie Cahoon-Sukow, Associate Director of Pupil Services, Green Bay Area Public Schools

“Direct Admit Wisconsin will continue to open doors for our students—removing barriers and creating real opportunities for their future. It eliminates the stress and uncertainty of the college admissions process and sends a clear message to our kids: you are college and life ready. At Delavan-Darien, this is about equity, access, and making sure every student understands that higher education is within reach – if that’s the path they choose to pursue.”
—Drew Halbesma, Superintendent, Delavan-Darien School District

“I have been tremendously impressed with Wisconsin’s Direct Admit program and its impact on our students. The Universities of Wisconsin Admission Pathway Portal has operated efficiently, creating a seamless experience that has meaningfully eased how our students approach higher education admissions. Direct Admit has successfully raised awareness about university opportunities while reducing traditional barriers that previously discouraged many capable students from fully considering their options for further learning. I’m grateful to see Wisconsin leading the way in making college more accessible for all our students.”
—Tim Schell, Director of Secondary Curriculum and Instruction, Waunakee Community School District

“Direct Admit Wisconsin has been an absolute game changer for students in Wisconsin. The streamlined DAW process has really helped to create more visible and accessible post-secondary opportunities for many students. Direct Admit Wisconsin has been especially eye opening for qualified students who may not have viewed themselves as able to attend a four-year university. Great job, Universities of Wisconsin!”
—Mark Landis, High School Counselor, Waunakee Community High School

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.