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Admissions Category – Wisconsin Idea and Impact



The Wisconsin Idea is one of the longest and deepest traditions at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and serves as the guiding principle in all that we do. Simply put, the Wisconsin Idea states that the education a student receives on our campus should influence people’s lives beyond the boundaries of the classroom to make the world a better place.

Through the review of an applicant’s involvement, essays, and letters of recommendation, this item rates the applicant’s eagerness to explore and embody the principles of the Wisconsin Idea and their potential to enrich our campus community. 

Valid values in hierarchical order are:
Extraordinary

Few are given this highest rating. Students in this category have shown evidence of interest in making an impact on their community through a UW-Madison education AND shown evidence of currently making an impact on their school/community. This could include:

  • Reflection on work they've already done to make an impact on their community/society and how they will continue to do so
  • An action or impact plan to advance change that is inspired/informed by their lived experiences, observations, or intellectual pursuits
  • Extraordinary commitment to furthering knowledge through discovery, leadership, and problem solving to assist in addressing societal challenges
Exceeds Expectations

These students show evidence of a genuine interest in making an impact on their community through a UW-Madison education. This could include:

  • Making an impact in their community or society at large
  • Contributing to research/discovery to serve the greater good
  • A desire to address societal challenges
Meets Expectations

This is the most common rating in our applicant pool by far. These students show involvement in high school and/or interest in involvement as a student at UW-Madison though do not rise to the level of the first two categories.
Average These students may have limited involvement and/or share minimally as to how they will become involved as a student at UW-Madison.

    Keywords:
    positive campus contribution, campus, contribution, campus contribution, admissions campus, admissions category, score, ranking, wi idea, wisconsin idea, wisconsin idea and impact
    Doc ID:
    80129
    Owned by:
    Keith B. in WiSH
    Created:
    2018-02-14
    Updated:
    2025-01-30
    Sites:
    WiSH-internal