More Wisconsin high school students will be automatically admitted into college without even applying.
It's a hallmark of Direct Admit Wisconsin, a new University of Wisconsin System program intended to reach students who haven't considered college or never would apply on their own. High school students are automatically admitted into universities based on their grades at the end of their junior year.
Direct Admit launched at 10 UW institutions last fall. The first class who accepted offers in 2024 will start as college freshmen in September.
The program will reach even more high school students this year, with 155 additional schools signing up to participate. Altogether, 467 Wisconsin schools that educate more than 80% of the state's high school juniors are signed up this year.
The hope is the program will help reverse a slide in Wisconsin's college participation rate. The percentage of high school graduates going directly to college has dropped from 62% in 2016 to 51% in 2023, according to state Department of Public Instruction data.
Here's what to know about the program:
What is Direct Admit Wisconsin?
Direct admissions bypasses the traditional admissions process where students submit an application and wait for an admissions decision.
Each university sets its own admissions criteria for a student to be automatically admitted. They review the grades and coursework of high school juniors at participating high schools. Students who qualify will receive acceptance notices.
"People can do amazing things when you believe in them," UW System President Jay Rothman told reporters on an Aug. 6 call. "When we send these direct admit letters out to students, we're telling those students that we believe they can be successful at our universities."
Which University of Wisconsin schools offer direct admissions?
Ten of the state's public universities participate in the program: UW-Milwaukee, UW-Parkside, UW-Whitewater, UW-Green Bay, UW-Oshkosh, UW-Stevens Point, UW-Platteville, UW-Stout, UW-River Falls and UW-Superior.
UW-Madison, UW-La Crosse and UW-Eau Claire do not participate. Students interested in these schools should apply through the traditional application process.
How many students are directly admitted?
Emails have already gone out. Nearly 34,000 students recently received offers, up from the 24,000 sent in 2024.
Acceptance letters will also be mailed in August.
Which Milwaukee area school districts participate in Direct Admit Wisconsin?
Among the participating area school districts are: Milwaukee Public Schools, Arrowhead Union School District, West Allis-West Milwaukee School District, Waukesha School District, Wauwatosa School District, Shorewood School District, Whitefish Bay, New Berlin School District, Franklin Public Schools, Oak Creek Franklin Joint School District, Elmbrook School District, Pewaukee School District and Greenfield School District.
To see if your district participates, visit wisconsin.edu/direct-admissions/.
Has the Direct Admit program boosted enrollment?
Yes, Rothman said, though he didn't provide data to back this up.
"We're seeing some really encouraging signs as we look at enrollment for freshman this year," he said.
The UW System typically releases preliminary enrollment data in September after the 10th day count is tallied.
Research has shown direct admit programs can increase college application rates, especially among first-generation students, low-income students and students of color.
Rothman also said the program has led to increased engagement. More students contacted universities and they did so earlier in the process, often shortly after receiving a direct admit offer.
Does Direct Admit make college more affordable?
No. The program focuses on access, not affordability.
But Rothman said Direct Admit puts financial aid staff in touch with prospective students sooner to help them interpret what their costs will be.
"It gives us the real opportunity to engage in that conversation and share with them the financial aid that is available," he said. "I think oftentimes (students) are surprised at how affordable it can be."
Kelly Meyerhofer has covered higher education in Wisconsin since 2018. Contact her at [email protected] or 414-223-5168. Follow her on X (Twitter) at @KellyMeyerhofer.
(This story was republished to fix typos).
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: University of Wisconsin Direct Admit program expands
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