Key differences on Getting in
- 1
U. Wisconsin-Madison's SAT midpoint is 85 points higher than Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State's
SAT midpoint - 2
U. Wisconsin-Madison's yield is 3 pts higher than Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State's
Yield rate - 3
U. Wisconsin-Madison admits 45% vs. 55% at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State
Acceptance rate
Admissions
Getting in, fall 2024
Acceptance and yield, test score ranges, test policy, and what each college weighs.
The funnel
Quad's selectivity
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and StateVery selective
- U. Wisconsin-MadisonVery selective
Men and women
Acceptance rate for men and women who applied, where a college reports admissions by sex.
Test scores
SAT total,
Axis runs 1200–1600. The dark tick marks the national median midpoint.
ACT composite,
Axis runs 24–36. The dark tick marks the national median midpoint.
Test policy
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and StateTest-optional
- U. Wisconsin-MadisonTest-optional
How they read a record
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State
GPA and the high school record are required; a college-prep program is considered.
U. Wisconsin-Madison
GPA, the high school record, and a college-prep program are required; class rank is considered.
What they look at
| Factor | Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State | U. Wisconsin-Madison |
|---|---|---|
| High school GPA | Required | Required |
| High school record | Required | Required |
| Class rank | Not considered | Considered |
| College-prep program | Considered | Required |
| Recommendations | Not considered | Required |
| Essay | Required | Required |
| Legacy status | Not considered | Not considered |
| Work experience | Not considered | Considered |
| Demonstration of competencies | Not considered | Not considered |
| English proficiency test | Required | Required |
| Other tests | Not considered | Not considered |
Sources:IPEDS Admissions survey, Fall 2024;Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Fall 2025), Fall 2025;College Scorecard, Entered fall 2023;College Scorecard, most recent release;University of Wisconsin-Madison (Fall 2026), Fall 2026About the data(retrieved 2026-10-12)
Figures are the newest each college has published; years can differ between colleges. Each value's ⓘ shows its source and year. Why