University of Wisconsin–Madison

• RésuméRequired

  Include past work experience, educational accomplishments, demonstrations of leadership, and ways in which you have grown professionally.

• Degrees/TranscriptsRequired

  You can submit your application with unofficial transcripts; certified copies of transcripts from your degree institution are required once admitted. Official transcripts preferably sent electronically (e.g. via Parchment) to masters@wsb.wisc.edu, or mailed directly from your undergraduate institution in a sealed and stamped envelope. Official transcripts must be received on or before July 1; if the degree-posted transcript is not available by July 1, send an updated unofficial transcript with all course grades by July 1.

• Written essays (3 required, 1 optional)Required

  Three required essay questions and one optional question; essay responses are limited to 600 words each, unless otherwise noted. Auto Admit applicants complete only one essay.

• Optional letter of recommendation

  The school’s official pages say this differently. Here is what each one says — check with the school before you rely on it.

  Optional letter of recommendation (admissions page)

  You may submit a letter of recommendation as part of your application; however, it is not required.

  Admissions ↗

  Optional letters of recommendation (UW Guide)

  Letters of Recommendation Required: 0. Submission of up to two letters of recommendation is optional.

  Business: Analytics, MS ↗
• GMAT or GRERequired — waiver possible

  The Wisconsin specialized master's programs require the GMAT or GRE to assess academic readiness; a test waiver can be requested. Candidates who submit a score can submit a GMAT, GMAT 10th Edition, GMAT Superscore, or GRE score with their application.

  Waiver / exemption: Applicants who can demonstrate strong quantitative and analytical preparation through prior academic achievement and professional experience may request a test waiver; waivers are granted selectively and do not guarantee admission. Baseline (all required): bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited (or equivalent international) college or university; 3.0 cumulative undergraduate GPA (international GPAs equivalent to 3.0); one area of demonstrated quantitative readiness and a quantitative statement. Quantitative readiness (at least one): academic indicators (undergraduate or graduate degree in STEM, business, economics, finance, accounting, mathematics, statistics, engineering, computer science or similar; GPA of 3.2+ overall or B or higher in quantitative coursework, evaluated on at least 3 courses); professional indicators (2+ years of progressively responsible experience in an analytical, financial, technical, or quantitative role); credentials (CPA, CFA, PE, FRM or similar; Executive Assessment, MCAT, LSAT, PCAT, or expired GMAT or GRE score; MBA Math, GMAC Business Fundamentals, or HBS CORe); advanced degrees (master's or terminal degree: JD, MD, PhD, MS). To request: start (but not submit) the master's application and submit the Test Waiver Request Form in the application with a resume, unofficial transcripts from all institutions and a 250-word 'Quantitative Readiness Statement', at least 1 week prior to the application deadline for the desired round. Decisions are released within 10 business days; after approval you can submit. Auto Admit applicants (UW–Madison bachelor's, 3.4 GPA or higher) need no GMAT/GRE and request a waiver in the application portal.

• Duolingo English Test, IELTS or TOEFL iBTIf your degree wasn't taught in EnglishRequired — waiver possible

  Duolingo English Test: Duolingo English Test results are also accepted; a Duolingo score of at least 125 is accepted.

  IELTS: IELTS results are also accepted; an IELTS score of at least 7.0 is accepted. Scores compiled from multiple tests are accepted (e.g. TOEFL MyBest, IELTS One Skill Retake).

  TOEFL iBT: A TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo score is required for international students. Applicants whose native language is not English or whose undergraduate instruction was in a language other than English must take the Internet-based TOEFL within two years of the intended start date. Minimum score: 92 for tests taken before January 21, 2026; 5.0 for tests taken after January 21, 2026. Institution code 1846. Scores compiled from multiple tests are accepted (e.g. TOEFL MyBest, IELTS One Skill Retake).

  Waiver / exemption: Waived if you have an undergraduate or master's degree that was taught in English. The TOEFL paragraph adds: waivers are available if your four-year undergraduate degree and/or master's degree was in English or you worked in an English-only speaking company for at least two years. An international applicant may request a waiver if their four-year undergraduate degree and/or master's degree (minimum of eight semesters total) instruction was in English, or if they will complete such a degree before matriculation: select the TOEFL test type in the online application and select 'Request a Waiver' for the English proficiency test.

• PTE not listedIf your degree wasn't taught in EnglishNot accepted

  PTE is not on the list of accepted English tests ('A TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo score is required for international students').

• Interview (by invitation only)

  The UW Guide lists 'Interview (by invitation only)' among requirements for admission; the program's admissions page doesn't mention an interview.

• Video essay: introduction (uploaded in the application)Required · with the application

  Three video essays are required. One video essay is uploaded directly into your application portal and lets you introduce yourself in 2-3 minutes. The admissions team will not start reviewing an application until the video essay requirement is complete.

• Video essays: two more in the application status portalRequired · after you submit

  The other two of the three required video essays are completed within your application status portal and are due within 72 hours of application submission. The admissions team will not start reviewing an application until the video essay requirement is complete.

Who can apply

• Bachelor's degreeRequired

  Bachelor's degree from an approved (accredited) institution is required. International applicants are required to have the equivalent of a four-year U.S. bachelor's degree; you may wish to have your transcript evaluated by World Education Services (WES).

• Essay 1 · Required · 600 wordsDescribe a project, assignment, experience, or initiative in which you used data to better understand a problem, make a decision, or drive an outcome. What was the challenge, what approach did you take, what insights did you uncover, and what was the result? What did you learn from the experience?

  Describe a project, assignment, experience, or initiative in which you used data to better understand a problem, make a decision, or drive an outcome. What was the challenge, what approach did you take, what insights did you uncover, and what was the result? What did you learn from the experience?

• Essay 2 · Optional · 600 wordsPlease use this optional essay to communicate additional information about yourself that is not otherwise represented in the application, and that you feel would benefit the admissions committee.

  Please use this optional essay to communicate additional information about yourself that is not otherwise represented in the application, and that you feel would benefit the admissions committee.

• Essay 3 · Required · 600 wordsTell us about a time you faced a problem you initially didn’t know how to solve. What was your process for finding a solution, and how did you grow from it? Describe how this experience can help you succeed in the classroom.

  Tell us about a time you faced a problem you initially didn’t know how to solve. What was your process for finding a solution, and how did you grow from it? Describe how this experience can help you succeed in the classroom.

• Essay 4 · Required · 600 wordsWhat excites you about business analytics as a field of study and career path? Describe your short-term career goals after graduation and the type of role or industry you hope to pursue. Why is the Wisconsin School of Business the right fit for your goals?

  What excites you about business analytics as a field of study and career path? Describe your short-term career goals after graduation and the type of role or industry you hope to pursue. Why is the Wisconsin School of Business the right fit for your goals?