If you are currently in high school and you are interested in studying business as a University of Wisconsin–Madison undergraduate, you will start by choosing from two pathways to the Wisconsin BBA Program.

Seeking Direct Admission to the Wisconsin School of Business

High school students who are committed to pursuing a business career are encouraged to apply early to the Wisconsin BBA Program by applying to UW—Madison and indicating business as a primary interest. The UW Office of Admissions will evaluate your qualifications based on the Office’s holistic application process. We focus on academic excellence, as well as qualities such as leadership, achievement in the arts, athletics, community involvement, and other areas.

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The direct admit process does not place students in an honors program. All Wisconsin BBA students have a similar undergraduate experience, whether they are UW–Madison students admitted through the pre-business process, or are high school students admitted to the Wisconsin BBA program via the direct admit process.

If you are accepted by UW–Madison, but are not admitted as a direct admit BBA student, you can still become a Business Badger in the future. You would use the pre-business admission process to apply for the Wisconsin BBA Program in the spring semester of your first year. If you were denied direct admission to the Wisconsin School of Business as a high school student, it will not influence your chances of being accepted to the BBA program as a current UW–Madison student through the pre-business process.

Your Journey to Direct Admission

Here are the steps you should follow if you would like to apply for direct admission to the Wisconsin School of Business.

  1. Apply to the University of Wisconsin–Madison. You will not need to complete a separate Wisconsin BBA Program application.
  2. On your UW–Madison application, please indicate business as your primary interest.
    NOTE: To change your primary interest or major with UW–Madison Admissions, please send an email to onwisconsin@admissions.wisc.edu. 
  3. The UW Office of Admissions will evaluate your qualifications based on the Office’s holistic application process. Academic excellence, leadership, achievement in the arts, athletics, and community involvement are among the qualities that will be evaluated.
  4. Important: Be sure to carefully review the early action and regular decision application deadlines, as well as the decision dates, listed on the main UW–Madison Office of Admissions and Recruitment application page.

Questions along the way? We’re here to help. Reach out to a Wisconsin BBA Student Ambassador or contact the BBA Program Office.

Applying As a UW-Madison Student

Some students enroll as first-year UW–Madison students and apply to the Wisconsin School of Business in the spring of their first year. Students who follow this path use the pre-business admission process to apply to the Wisconsin BBA Program.

This path may be a good choice for students who wish to explore their options without committing to an undergraduate business degree.

If you choose this path, you will apply to UW-Madison when you are in high school, and then you’ll apply to the BBA Program in the spring semester of your first year (or as soon as you have met pre-business requirements).