About Badger Ready

A pathway

The Badger Ready program, part of University Special Student Services (USSS), provides a college degree pathway for underrepresented adult students who once thought UW–Madison was out of reach. Launched in 2018, the program offers access to our state’s flagship university for returning adult students with previous academic barriers to traditional transfer admission.

For those with at least 7 years since high school, and those with military service

This transitional program is for individuals out of high school for at least seven years or with military service, typically with a minimum of 24 credits from an accredited institution (*former UW–Madison students see below), and a cumulative break in education of at least 2 years.

To gain eligibility to apply as a transfer student

After successfully completing specific academic and program criteria, you will be eligible to apply as a UW–Madison transfer student through our partnership with the Office of Admissions and Recruitment. These criteria include, but are not limited to, the completion of at least 12 UW–Madison credits as a University Special student with a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA taken over the course of 2–4 semesters.

*Former UW–Madison students wishing to complete their degree can simply apply for reentry admission.