Wisconsin International Precollege Academy (WIPA) – On campus
The Wisconsin International Precollege Academy (formerly EducationUSA Academy) is an in-person, three-week, immersive program for international students seeking an experiential learning opportunity. Students will experience college life as a student on UW-Madison’s extensive campus. The program offers interactive workshops and presentations in sustainability, college preparation, admissions, budgeting, leadership, and development. Students will participate in excursions and community outreach activities that sample the culture, traditions, and values of the Midwest. After completing this program, participants will have finished an exceptional educational program with all the benefits of studying abroad that will prepare them for their future endeavors in higher education learning.
Why WIPA
Are you interested in studying abroad? Are you wanting to learn more about high education institutions in the United States? Are you wanting to know how to find out about what you are passionate about how this can help shape the path and future you see in mind? Then this program may be for you!
WIPA is a small program to allow for meaningful mentoring and personal relationships between students and the University. Time outside of class is thoughtfully planned and coordinated by residential staff to foster additional social and emotional connections between students. Small and large group events and excursions are planned to help students get to know each other and explore the greater Madison community. Students also have the opportunity for self-exploration during their time in the program.
What to expect
Students should be ready to engage fully and explore the track they have decided to take meaningfully. Most of the morning and afternoon is dedicated class time where students will participate in lectures, learning activities, and work on their final projects. Students should be prepared to dive headfirst into exciting new topics and work on applying the course content through collaboration and independent project-based learning. Students are encouraged to take control of their own learning, in a supportive learning environment with thoughtful instructional staff.
Students will be expected to participate fully in the residential experience. This aspect of the program provides students the opportunity to connect with their peers through small and large group activities. A number of events are hosted in and outside of the dorm space. Students will be able to choose from art-focused activities, sport-related fun, Olympic-style challenges, and performative-based activities. Students are invited to engage in the campus and Madison community through a number of field trips. By the end of the program, you will improve your understanding of yourself both personally and as a learner. You will cultivate new strengths and talents and you will develop areas in which you can foster further growth.
WIPA is an immersive program in which the academic classes and residential/social experience will be conducted completely in English. For this reason, this requires a high level of English language speaking proficiency and comprehension abilities.
If you plan to request accommodations, learn more about the process.
At a glance
Program fees
Nonrefundable application fee: $100
Program fees: $5,100
AGES
Students between 15-18 years old
Location
UW–Madison campus
application information
Application opens: December 2024
Application closes: May 1, 2025
Scholarship information
Partial scholarships available for students with financial need. Applications are due March 24, 2025. Reach out to Sara at [email protected] to request a scholarship application.
note for participants
Programs formerly named EducationUSA
Eligibility
Wisconsin International Precollege Academy is specifically offered to international high school students.
If you have been residing and living in the United States, you may not be eligible to attend this program. If you are a resident or citizen of the United States but live abroad, you may be eligible to attend this program.
The program is for non-matriculated high school students who are aged 15-18 years old.
If you are between these ages and have not yet been accepted for admission to a University or College, then may be eligible to apply.
WIPA is an immersive program in which the academic classes and residential/social experience will be conducted completely in English.
For this reason, this requires a high level of proficiency English language speaking and comprehension abilities. We require students to speak at an intermediate to advanced or native English level. You do not have to submit an English test score, however if you have completed an English Proficiency test you should have a minimum of the following score: TOEFL score of 80, IELTS score of 6.5, or Duolingo English Test score of 105.
An application is submitted through our online portal system. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis by our Badger Precollege committee. Please note that submission does not guarantee admission into the program. It may take a few weeks for Badger Precollege to review the application. Upon successful completion of your application, you will receive an automated message confirming your submission.
You will then receive a message from the Program Manager to select a time slot within three weeks of the email to complete your interview portion of the application process. This interview is required for all the WIPA candidates as essential requirement. It will allow us to establish your fit with the program as well as verify your English proficiency. After your interview, we will confirm your admission status.
How to Apply
While you are completing this application, you will be required to submit documentation to be considered for acceptance into the program. We recommend that you gather all those materials ahead of time so that you will have no issue making your submission. Before you begin the application please have the following items ready:
- Upload of two separate reponses to the two 150-200 essay questions
- Unofficial transcripts of you full high school academic record or grade/progress report card of the current, full academic year (2023-2024)
- A $75 application fee is required to complete your application. Please be ready to submit a credit card or debit card payment.
Complete the online application, indicating your first-choice course, and uploading any supporting documentation, including and if applicable, scholarship documents. Please note: If you are applying on behalf of your student(s), please create the registration account with the student’s information in order to ensure Badger Precollege receives the correct student information.
Academic growth is considered and students may use essays or other supplemental materials to demonstrate interest, achievement, or speak to extenuating circumstances that may impact academic performance.
WIPA Interview
Upon successful completion of your application, you will receive an automated message confirming your submission.
You will then receive a message from the Program Manager to select a time slot within three weeks of the email to complete your interview portion of the application process. This interview is required for all the WIPA candidates as essential requirement. It will allow us to establish your fit with the program as well as verify your English proficiency. After your interview, we will confirm your admission status.
The curriculum for Wisconsin International Precollege Academy at UW-Madison is designed to integrate you into campus and community beyond the classroom, involving classroom learning, community and cultural exploration, service opportunities, and social engagement. Each element of your programming at UW-Madison will contribute to your greater understanding of life in the American higher-education system.
At the heart of the program, Wisconsin International Precollege Academy at UW-Madison offers the ability to learn about higher education in the United States. It encourages students to explore different majors and pathways they might potentially be interested in. This year, we will offer two specific academic tracks or courses that students can sign up and participate in. You can choose which track you are most interested in. Please note both courses offer interactive workshops and presentations in sustainability, college preparation, admissions, budgeting, leadership, and development. Students will participate in excursions and community outreach activities that sample the culture, traditions, and values of the Midwest. After completing this program, participants will have finished an exceptional educational program with all the benefits of studying abroad that will prepare them for their future endeavors in higher education learning.
Track One: Shaping Tomorrow’s Leaders in Today’s World
This course is designed to help students develop critical thinking, creativity, and analytical skills through engaging and interactive challenges. This dynamic course uses interactive games, case studies, and real-life scenarios to help young leaders build confidence in making choices that impact their lives, communities, and the world around them. By the end of the course, students will be more confident in their ability to analyze problems, explore multiple solutions, and think critically both inside and outside the classroom. The program will take a holistic approach to understanding leadership through multiple lenses. In this approach, students will be encouraged to develop themselves as leaders while building confidence in their English language skills.
Track Two: Innovating Solutions for a Sustainable Future
Students will discover concepts of sustainability and environmentalism as they relate to different majors and subsequent careers here on campus. The program will take a holistic approach at understanding sustainability through the lenses of science and technology, history and humanities, and business and entrepreneurship. In this approach, students will be encouraged to develop their passions into paths in higher education. After finishing the program, students should be better equipped to understand their change, choices and solutions to a better, more sustainable future.
All programs have non-refundable application or registration fees. These fees cover registration fees, customer service, application review, and administrative costs during this program planning period.
Several programs (SMC, ALP, BSS WIPAA, SAC) will pay non-refundable program deposits after the acceptance or registration process. Deposits secure your spot in the program/course and cover any initial costs incurred during program planning related to: class supplies, books, transportation, risk management fees, University Health Services fees, class supplies, books, transportation, registration fees, and administrative, staff, and curriculum development.
Global leaders for tomorrow’s future
The program will take a holistic approach at understanding leadership through multiple lenses. In this approach, students will be encouraged to develop their passions into paths in higher education.
Academic preparedness
This experiential education opportunity gives students the tools for success. With access to UW-Madison’s resources, students will be able to prepare themselves for life at high education institutions in the U.S.
Interactive workshops & presentations
Engage with outstanding faculty, organizations, staff, and graduate students on topics to help you succeed in higher education, including writing skills, leadership, team-building, critical thinking, and intercultural communication.
Student panels
Connect with peers on campus in your fields of interest to discuss the international student experience and answer your questions from these students’ perspective.
University experience
Learn about the diverse opportunities for higher education in the U.S., including site tours of various institutions and presentations on admissions and student financial aid.
Final presentations
Integrate all of your academic experiences into a lively small group presentation, sharing your innovative ideas for different Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with your peers.