High School Counselors
As a high school counselor, you are already committed to helping students succeed during and after high school. We want to help.
UW-Parkside is dedicated to serving the citizens of our region, and we appreciate the importance of attracting a diverse student body. Our impressive range of academic offerings, more than 100 majors, minors, certificates, and pre-professional programs, holds something for everyone. And our tuition and financial aid make Parkside a remarkable value. We invite you, your prospective students and their families to visit campus to discover first-hand what makes Parkside special.
General Information
The University of Wisconsin-Parkside is an exceptional choice for a high quality education at an affordable cost. Our beautiful 700 acre campus is home to a diverse body of students who benefit from small class sizes and one-on-one faculty attention.
SIGNATURE FEATURES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-PARKSIDE
Most Diverse
We are proud to have the most diverse student body of the four-year comprehensive institutions of the UW System.
First Generation
Nearly 60 percent of our graduates each commencement are the first in their families to earn a university degree.
Affordable
Our tuition and fees are the lowest of any four-year accredited university in the state of Wisconsin.
Division II Athletics
Our Rangers are the only NCAA Division II athletics program in the state of Wisconsin.
Emerging HSI | Hispanic Serving Institution
UW-Parkside is proud to be the only state university in Wisconsin to earn this designation.
Freshmen Application Process and Required Materials
1. Complete the UW System Online Application or Complete the Common App
Create an account and start a new application for Parkside at apply.wisconsin.edu or at commonapp.org
2. Submit official high school transcript, GED scores, or HSED
All transcripts must be official and come directly from the institution. Applicants who wish to be admitted on the basis of high school equivalency must submit official documents such as Certification of General Education Development (GED) including official GED score report
- You can have your HS Counselor email your unofficial or official transcripts to admissions@uwp.edu.
- You can submit unofficial high school transcripts during the application process
- You can email your unofficial transcript to admissions@uwp.edu.
- If you are sending your official transcript via mail, please have it sent to: UW-Parkside Admissions, 900 Wood Rd, Kenosha, WI 53144
- Transcripts submitted through an electronic service, such as Parchment or by mail, will also be accepted.
- Applicants who wish to be admitted on the basis of high school equivalency must submit official documents such as Certification of General Education Development (GED), including the official GED score report. Complete the GED/HSED Request Form.
3. Submit official transcripts from any colleges and/or universities ever attended
Official transcripts must be submitted from all colleges/universities ever attended, whether courses will transfer or not. All transcripts must be official and come directly from the institution.
Where to Submit Materials
UW-Parkside Admissions
900 Wood Rd
Kenosha, WI 53144
or
Note
UW-Parkside is test optional. You are not required to submit ACT or SAT scores for admission purposes.
If you select to send ACT or SAT scores to UW-Parkside, follow the process below. Parkside’s ACT code is 4690 and SAT code is 1860. Visit www.actstudent.org for information about testing.
- You can submit your official or unofficial ACT report or your student ACT report to admissions@uwp.edu.
- You can submit your official or unofficial SAT report to admissions@uwp.edu.
Admissions Deadlines
Rolling Admission: Parkside operates on a rolling admission basis and, as such, we reserve the right to stop accepting applications when we believe the enrollment capacities for the campus can be satisfied by the number of students already admitted. We encourage you to complete your application early.
Anticipated Deadlines: Parkside anticipates closing admission for new first-year and transfer students no later than August 1 for Fall semester and January 15 for Spring semester. All application materials (including the application, transcripts, fees, test scores, etc.) need to arrive to admissions before the end of business each of these days.
Application Processing and Decision Timeline
Completed Application: Applications are reviewed once all application materials arrive. One missing item will hold up the entire application review process.
Processing Time: Once all materials are received, a committee will meet to review the application and a first-year decision is typically made within 3-5 days. At peak times, a decision may take additional time.
Decision Letter: Applicants typically receive their decision letter within two weeks of submitting all materials. You may also call us to check the status of your application: 262-595-2355. A decision can only be shared directly with the student who applied.
Admissions Requirements and Comprehensive Review
Comprehensive Review: Parkside completes a comprehensive review with each application we receive. Thoroughly complete the entire application including the personal statement. Both academic and nonacademic factors that are presented in an application are used to make an admission decision. The most competitive candidates for admission present positive factors in their application that are both academic and nonacademic. If you have been denied admission and wish to learn about the appeal process, please contact the Admissions Office.
Freshmen who are likely to be admitted will have:
Completed the minimum of 17 or more high school units
Rank in the upper 50th percentile of their high school class
Students meeting this criteria are likely to be admitted. However, admissions decisions are made using the comprehensive review model and are made on an individual basis.
Congrats to our new Rangers!
Admitted students will receive a folder from UW-Parkside within approximately two weeks of the decision date. This folder includes their letter for admission along with a checklist of next steps to enroll at Parkside.
We encourage admitted students to sign up for the placement test and an orientation session as soon as possible.
See a shortened version of the checklist online or view the admitted student home page.
Are you a school counselor? We’d love to have you join us for our upcoming events.
High School & Community College Counselor Breakfast
- October 29, 2025, 8:00am – 12:00pm
- Join us to learn more about the admissions process at UW-Parkside and as well as helpful resources to get your students Ranger Ready!
School Counselor Basketball Reception
- January 10, 2026, 1:00pm & 3:00pm
- Help us cheer on the women’s and men’s basketball teams as they take on the Saginaw Valley State University Cardinals! The women kick-off the action followed by the men.
Questions? Feel free to reach out to us at admissions@uwp.edu or at (262) 595-2355.
Parkside completes a comprehensive review with each application received. If a student has been denied admission and wishes to appeal the decision, they must submit the following:
- An appeal statement
- Two letters of recommendation from core subject teachers (math, English, social studies, or science)
- Updated academic history if available (for example, 7th or 8th semester grades)
Appeal materials may be submitted by email to admissions@uwp.edu or mailed to the Office of Admissions.
Once all appeal materials are received, a decision will be made within approximately 1-2 weeks.
Parkside operates on a rolling admission basis and, as such, we reserve the right to stop accepting applications when we believe the enrollment capacities for the campus can be satisfied by the number of students already admitted. We encourage you to complete your application early.
Parkside anticipates closing admission for new first-year and transfer students no later than August 15 for Fall semester and January 15 for Spring semester. All application materials (including the application, transcripts, fees, test scores, etc.) need to arrive to admissions before the end of business each of these days.
AP, CLEP, and IB Equivalent Credits
College credit may be awarded for Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB) coursework, and CLEP score results. An official AP score report, official CLEP score report, or official IB transcript must be sent to Parkside prior to attending.
View AP credit equivalencies
View CLEP equivalencies
View IB credit equivalencies
Military Credits
If you have military experience, submit a copy of your DD214 and military transcript (to be awarded credit for military experience.)
Formal Transfer Credit Evaluation
Once all application materials are submitted and your application is complete, an official transfer credit evaluation will be completed. All credits will be reviewed for transfer to UW-Parkside if the credits were completed a regionally accredited college or university. If you are admitted to the university, you will be emailed a link to your transfer credit report.
Informal Transfer Credit Evaluation
Parkside offers two informal transfer assessment tools to help you make an informed decision. We recommend printing a record of all coursework referenced and contacting your transfer admissions counselor with questions.
Log onto TRANSFEROLOGY to see how your courses will transfer, and contact us with any questions.
UW Colleges students and Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) students can use the Transfer Information System (TIS) for planning.
Majors | Pre-Professional Programs
View our list of majors to explore programs offered, including majors, minors, certificates, and pre-professional programs. Learn more about an academic program and contact information.
Academic Catalog
View the academic catalog to explore course requirements for certain majors, general requirements for all Parkside students, and more.
Academic Maps
View the academic maps which help you plan out your path to graduation efficiently and effectively.
Course Schedule
View the course schedule to see offerings and times for current and upcoming semesters. Use the advanced class search setting to search for certain course formats, days offered, subject areas, and more.
Viewbook 2021
