APPLETON, Wis. (WBAY) – More area school districts are joining a relatively new admissions program through the Universities of Wisconsin.
The universities president spoke in Appleton on Wednesday, discussing the expansion of the Direct Admit Wisconsin program that is now in its second year. Appleton Area School District and Howard-Suamico School District are joining the growing program.
Under the Direct Admit Wisconsin program, qualified high school students from participating high schools can be automatically admitted into 10 UW schools without having to submit an application.
But it’s important to note the three schools that are not a part of this program are Eau Claire, Lacrosse, and Madison.
More than 150 new schools from across Wisconsin are joining Direct Admit Wisconsin this year, including Appleton Area School District and Howard-Suamico School District. This brings the total to 467 schools.
“Direct Admit Wisconsin is simplifying access to college and helping lead increased enrollment at our public university. Expanding educational opportunity, which we believe direct admit is a critical piece in doing, is essential for Wisconsin’s long-term future,” said University of Wisconsin’s President Jay Rothman.
According to a 2023 study by the National Association for College Admission Counseling, 52% of students say applying is more stressful than anything else they have done academically.
“It’s going to take off a lot of stress from our students. Over the last several years, there’s always been questions about both the academic and the mental health of some of our students that they face, the stress this has taken off because the hard work is paying off,” said Michael Hernandez, Assistant Superintendent at AASD.
The 10 UW schools set their own requirements for direct admission, which is predominantly based on the students’ GPA. According to the same study, 58 percent of students say they didn’t’ even apply to schools because they knew they weren’t going to get in. This program gives them a chance.
“And in my mind, just watching this happen. You have students who say, ‘if they believe in me, I can believe in myself.’ And when people have somebody that believes in them, incredible things can happen,” said Rothman.
For more information on what students do under the Direct Admit Wisconsin program, visit this website.
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