Prospective FAQ

Beyond the GS minimum, the typical minimum admission requirements are…

MA

Linear Algebra (Math 341 or equivalent)
Analysis I (Math 521 or equivalent)
Modern Algebra I (Math 541 or equivalent)

PhD

Analysis I/II (Math 521/522 or equivalent)*
Algebra I/II (Math 541/542 or equivalent)*
Linear Algebra (Math 341 or equivalent)

4 electives among advanced undergrad or grad math courses. Incoming students usually, but not always, have some exposure to graduate level mathematics through graduate coursework, independent study, or research experience. This background often exceeds the minimum requirements for a math major.

*Candidates with interest in Applied Math may have a different mathematics background, typically including coursework in ordinary and partial differential equations, and computational science with programming experience in Python, Matlab, or similar language. That coursework should be at a commensurately advanced undergrad level.

It’s very hard to give exact answers to questions about GRE, GPA, and coursework taken because much depends on the qualifications of the other applicants as well as on your letters of recommendation. The best way for you to find out whether UW-Madison is a good match for you is to ask your recommenders. If they think you belong here, they’ll say that in their letters. If they think you belong somewhere else, they’ll tell you.

Admission is competitive. There are no minimal requirements beyond those that the Graduate School sets for admission. Applicants are simply advised to present the strongest case they can. We also don’t keep records of average GPA, but most of our successful applicants have received mostly A’s (for those students from American Universities) in their coursework in mathematics. However, strong recommendations from faculty members carry higher weight than grades in our considerations.

Absolutely. GRE scores are strictly optional and will only be made available to reviewers after the initial review process in the exceptional case that the reviewer has decided that a strong GRE score would significantly boost the candidate’s chances of admission. We expect that this will happen only very rarely.

No. GRE scores are strictly optional and will only be made available to reviewers after the initial review process in the exceptional case that the reviewer has decided that a strong GRE score would significantly boost the candidate’s chances of admission. We expect that this will happen only very rarely.

Information on how to prove English proficiency, including minimum test scores, are on the Graduate School’s Requirements for Admission page. Scroll down the page for English Proficiency information.

We have a long history of accepting students from liberal arts schools and having those students do well at Madison.

Depending on departmental needs and funding availability, we typically aim for an entering class of between 20 and 28 students. Data on previous years’ admissions and enrollments are kept by the Graduate School.

Applications for the next Fall/Spring term open when the previous Fall/Spring term starts. For example, Fall 2023 applications will open when the Fall 2022 term starts.

No. Once the application is submitted, materials cannot be updated. Be sure you have uploaded the correct documents before submitting your application.

Yes, you may. As long as you have the minimum number of recommendations (3), we do not set any restrictions beyond that. The Admissions Committee looks at the strength of the letters, not the number.

The GRE exam must have been taken within 5 years of when you plan on matriculating at the University. August is considered the matriculation date of the University for the Fall Semester. 

For Fall 2026 applications, GRE scores are strictly optional.

The amount of time your proof of English proficiency is valid changes depending on which method you use. For more information on how to prove English proficiency and how long those scores remain valid, please visit the Graduate School’s Requirements for Admission page.

This will depend on which test you have taken. For more information on how to submit GRE and English proficiency test scores, please visit the Graduate School’s Requirements for Admission page.

No, you do not need an advisor prior to applying. Incoming students are assigned academic advisors at the beginning of their programs. PhD students have until the end of their 6th semester to secure a dissertation advisor.

The Math Department offers a limited number of application fee grants for PhD students to make sure that the application fee is not a barrier for students.

To be considered for an application fee grant, complete your application (except for submitting) then email grad_program@math.wisc.edu indicating your desire to be considered.

The deadline to apply is December 1st. Decisions will be made by December 10th.

At this time, the fee grant only covers the application fee, but not the international document processing fee.

To review the status of your submitted application, return to the Graduate School’s Application Management page and use the Returning users link to log into your account. You can then choose the application you wish to check.

Applications must be submitted by the Dec. 15th deadline date. We recognize that not all application materials will be able to arrive by Dec. 15th. All materials need to be submitted/received by January 1. Applications will be reviewed based upon whatever materials are present.

You will receive an email when one of your letters of recommendation has been received. If you have submitted your application, you are also able to check the status of all your materials by logging into your application using the Graduate School’s  Application Management page and using the Returning users link to log into your account. You can then choose the application you wish to check.

We recognize that letters of recommendation may not arrive by the Dec. 15th application deadline. All letters need to be submitted/received by January 1.

It may take up to four weeks for scores to be sent to UW-Madison. If any information on the test is different from the information you provided on your application (family name, surname, birth date or gender), the test scores may not match to your application.

The scores do not have to reach us by the application deadline but they should be received by the supporting materials submission deadline as the applications start being evaluated at this time.

Admission is always for the subsequent Fall Semester. Entering the program in the Spring is less feasible because of the structure of beginning graduate courses.

MA applications are reviewed after the March 1 and November 1 deadlines. Decisions are sent by April 1 and December 1, respectively.

PhD applications are reviewed after the January 1 deadline. Decisions are sent by March 1. If you are placed on the waitlist. we will have a decision for you by April 30.

PhD – yes. MA – no. If you’re looking for a masters program that covers tuition and offers TA positions, consider applying to UW-Milwaukee‘s program.

Applicants to the PhD program are automatically considered for financial support. All incoming PhD students are admitted with guaranteed support. This is usually in the form of a Teaching Assistantship.

There are no other forms to fill out with the application. As for RA positions, there are none to apply for at admission time. RAs come from advisors’ grants and are determined by the advisor.

There are none to apply for at admission time. RAs come from advisors’ grants or from NSF grants held by research groups in the department.