Programs for High School Students

Qualified high school juniors or seniors may apply to take one University course each term (exceptions on a case-by-case basis) through either the Traditional or Youth Options Programs. To discuss requirements and options for either program call 608-263-7136 or e-mail mkelley@dcs.wisc.edu.

Traditional Program

This program is available to qualified high school juniors and seniors who want to take a UW-Madison class while still in high school. Participating students gain university credit and establish a permanent UW-Madison record.

Program requirements

The Adult and Student Services Center, Division of Continuing Studies, serves as the admission and dean's office for students who are enrolled under the Traditional Program. Applicants must be high school juniors or seniors and have at least a 3.000 (B) cumulative grade point average as indicated on the high school transcript. We also require a 3.000 minimum GPA in the semester previous to enrolling. You are limited to one course per term (or semester). Exceptions are considered on a case-by-case basis. For information about this policy, contact adviser Moira G. Kelley. Continuation in the program requires a minimum grade of C (2.000) in university work and maintaining a 3.000 GPA at your high school.

Admission process

Students must apply for admission to UW-Madison using the University Special and Guest Student Application which can be downloaded or obtained from the Adult Student Services Center.

  1. Submit the application to the University Special and Guest Student Office as early as possible but no later than August 1 for the fall term and December 1 for the spring term.
  2. On the application select "UNHS" (high school student classification); then select "Option I" (Traditional).
  3. Submit a recent high school transcript with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.000 (B).
  4. Submit a letter of recommendation from your high school counselor or principal.

Class enrollment process

You will be notified of admission by e-mail or letter from the assistant dean, Adult and Student Services Center. The Registrar's Office will then e-mail an Enrollment Invitation. New students will be required to attend an orientation. Orientation information will be mailed to you after you are admitted.

University Special students enroll using MyUW (Web enrollment portal). The Registrar's Office will specify the earliest enrollment time. Complete instructions for using the Enrollment System are included with the admission letter. Be aware that being admitted does not guarantee that you will be able to enroll for a specific approved course since University Special students enroll last on a space-available basis (i.e. are not permitted to enroll until all other degree students have enrolled).

Payment of fees and tuition

Shortly after you enroll in a class via MyUW you will receive a bill from the Bursar’s Office. You will also be able to check you fee via MyUW in the Student Center. Your bill will indicate your tuition due date, typically four weeks after you enroll. Your tuition amount depends on two variables: whether or not you are a resident of Wisconsin, and the number of credits for which you are enrolling.

Our admission letter will indicate whether you are a Wisconsin resident for tuition purposes. If you have questions about your residency status contact the Residency Office at res4tuition@doit.wisc.edu or 608-262-1355. To check current per-credit rates visit the Registrar’s fee page), select your term of enrollment and “student career” (Undergraduates and Specials).

Rights and responsibilities of enrolled students

Once enrolled, you have all the rights of University students as well as the responsibilities including meeting deadlines for enrollment, adding and dropping courses, and withdrawing. The current Timetable has deadline information.

NOTE: Courses taken as a University Special student become part of the permanent University record and may affect subsequent admission to postsecondary institutions. A poor grade could have a negative impact on a future admission decision.

Advising is available

Advisors in the Adult and Student Services Center are available to help. Specific questions regarding this program may be directed to Moira G. Kelley, high school student advisor 608-263-7136, e-mail mkelley@dcs.wisc.edu

Youth Options Program

UW-Madison takes part in the Youth Options Program (YOP) created by the State Legislature. This program allows junior and senior public high school students to enroll in courses at institutions of higher education with fees and tuition for preapproved courses paid by local school boards.

To participate in the program, you must apply to both the local school board and a chosen institution of higher education and must meet that institution's admission requirements. Each institution sets its own admission requirements. 

UW-Madison program requirements

The Adult and Student Services Center, Division of Continuing Studies, serves as the admission and dean's office for students who participate in the Youth Options Program at UW-Madison. Applicants must be high school juniors or seniors and have at least a 3.000 (B) cumulative grade point average as indicated on the high school transcript. We also require a 3.000 minimum GPA in the semester previous to enrolling. You are limited to one course per term (or semester). Exceptions are considered on a case-by-case basis. For information about this policy, contact adviser Moira G. Kelley. Continuation in the program requires a minimum grade of C (2.000) in university work and maintaining a 3.000 GPA at your high school.

School Board approval

Each student must submit a completed Department of Public Instruction Youth Options Program Plan and Report Form (obtained from your high school guidance counselor) and submit it to the local school board no later than March 1 for fall term or October 1 for spring term. On the form, indicate the course you want to take at UW-Madison. Any course you request must be identified by the department name and course number as it appears in the UW-Madison Timetable. For example, First Semester Russian is SLAVIC 101 (Slavic Languages Department). You must meet the course prerequisites listed in the Timetable. It is a good idea to include an alternative course(s) on the form in case your first choice is unavailable.

The school board determines whether high school credit and/or fee and tuition payment will be granted for the course (and/or alternatives) specified on the Youth Options Program form. If approval is granted, the school board must send the original approved form, signed by your parent or guardian and by the designated school board contact person, to the UW-Madison Adult and Student Services Center.

Admission process

Students must also apply for admission to UW-Madison using the University Special and Guest Student Application, which can be obtained from the Adult and Student Services Center, 1305 Linden Drive, Madison, WI 53706; phone 608-263-6960.

  1. Submit the application to Adult and Student Services as early as possible but no later than August 1 for the fall term and December 1 for the spring term.
  2. On the application select "UNHS" (high school student classification) and check "Option II" (YOP).
  3. Submit your current high school transcript with the application.

Class enrollment process

You will be notified of admission by e-mail or letter from the assistant dean, Adult and Student Services Center. The Registrar's Office will then e-mail an Enrollment Invitation. New students will be required to attend an orientation. Orientation information will be mailed to you after you are admitted.

UW-Madison Youth Options Program students enroll using Web enrollment. The Registrar's Office will specify the earliest enrollment time. Complete instructions for using the Enrollment System are included with the admission letter. Be aware that being admitted does not guarantee that you will be able to enroll for a specific approved course since University Special students enroll last on a space-available basis (i.e. are not permitted to enroll until all other degree students have enrolled).

Payment of fees and tuition

The Adult and Student Services Center will provide the Bursar's Office with a list of students admitted to the Youth Options Program and the names of your school districts. Each school district will be directly invoiced by the Bursar's Office. No payment should be submitted until the invoice is received. Within 30 days of the first class, the Adult and Student Services Center will report to the school board the courses being carried by YOP students.

  • You are responsible for the purchase of books and should contact your school board about reimbursement.
  • If you enroll for a course not approved by the school board you will be responsible for fees and tuition as well as any penalties for late enrollment or late payment. Check the current Timetable for all deadlines and schedules.

Only the school district can approve a course for payment under the Youth Options Program. Substitutions or additions to your original list of approved courses must be reported in writing to the Adult and Student Services Center by the School District. It is your responsibility to obtain all clearances for the enrollment from the high school. The Adult and Student Services Center will send grade transcripts to local school boards within 30 days of the end of each term.

Rights and responsibilities of enrolled students

Once enrolled, you have all the rights of University students as well as the responsibilities including meeting deadlines for enrollment, adding and dropping courses, and withdrawing. The current Timetable has deadline information. University Special student policy is available in the University Special and Guest Student Application brochure or by calling 608-263-6960.

NOTE: Courses taken as a University Special student become part of the permanent University record and may affect subsequent admission to postsecondary institutions. A poor grade could have a negative impact on a future admission decision.

Advising is available

Advisers in the Adult and Student Services Center are available to help. Specific questions regarding this program may be directed to Moira G. Kelley, YOP adviser, at 608-263-7136, e-mail mkelley@dcs.wisc.edu

Noncredit Classes for Youth

For noncredit classes or other UW-Madison learning opportunities for youth link to academic and athletic programs for children and teens.

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