Wisconsin School of Business

Madison, WI · Public · 2-year full-time MBA

Average GMAT Focus: 620 (585–650 (middle 80%))
Average GPA: 3.42
Class size: 79 (Class of 2027)
Program tuition: $102,826 (≈ 2 × first-year tuition, nonresident)

Deadlines

Early Decision: Sept. 4, 2026
Round 1: Oct. 12, 2026
Round 2: Jan. 7, 2027
Round 3: March 25, 2027
Round 4: May 25, 2027

Essays

Essay #1 (150–300 words)

At the Wisconsin MBA, examples of popular careers are consulting, finance, marketing, product management, real estate, human resources, risk management, general management, and beyond. While students may enter with a primary target industry or function, many choose to explore multiple career paths during the program. Reflect on your professional journey and the experiences that have brought you to pursue an MBA at this stage of your career. What are your immediate post-MBA professional goals, and what longer-term impact do you aspire to have? Why is now the right time for you to pursue an MBA, and how will Wisconsin serve as a catalyst for your next step?

Essay #2 (300 words)

Describe a professional challenge or setback you have faced. How did you respond, and what did you learn about yourself as a leader or teammate? Reflecting on that experience, how will the perspectives, skills, and lessons you have gained shape your contributions to the Wisconsin MBA community—both inside and outside the classroom?

Supplemental statement (optional) (300 words)

Please share any information that will complement what you have already provided in your application. This is your opportunity to share any details with the admissions committee that you feel you were not able to address in other areas of the application.

Video essay (Two randomized questions; complete within 72 hours)

Applicants are required to submit a video essay answering two randomized questions, post-application submission. You will receive an email after submitting your application. The video must be completed within 72 hours and recorded in the application portal.

Quantitative Readiness Statement (test-waiver requests only) (250 words)

250-word “Quantitative Readiness Statement” outlining evidence of preparedness

Editor's notes

Round 2 on Jan. 7 matters more than it looks. It's the scholarship priority deadline and the last one that gets you to On, Wisconsin Weekend. Given that the school says 100% of eligible students got a scholarship in 2023–25, the question is how much, and awards go out at admission. Only use early decision if you're sure; it's binding.
The essays are short and the limits are real. Essay 1 asks four questions in 300 words, and Essay 2 asks for a story plus what you'll contribute in 300. Outline both together so you don't spend two stories on the same strength.
Wisconsin is built around career pathways and knowledge centers, and 78% of the Class of 2025 were career switchers. Your goals essay should read like someone who has looked at a pathway and knows which advisor they'd want. You don't have to declare one, but you should sound like you've done the reading.
If you're asking for a test waiver, start early. The request goes in at least two weeks before the round deadline, takes up to 10 business days, and you can't submit the application until it's approved. The school says there's no disadvantage without a score, but below a 3.0 GPA it strongly encourages one.