The Milwaukee 9th grade application is now CLOSED.
This application closed on September 27, 2024.
Looking for the Madison application? Click here.
Things to Consider Before Applying to PEOPLE
Participating in PEOPLE requires a large time commitment.
You should be prepared for a year-round college preparation program that requires up to six hours a week during the school year and several weeks during the summer.
Be ready to find your balance.
While program staff fully encourage students to be well-rounded citizens, PEOPLE’s priority will always be making sure participants are solid in their academics. Being a PEOPLE participant will limit your ability to participate in sports, after school clubs, working a job, and participating in community activities.
Meeting all eligibility requirements for admission to PEOPLE does NOT guarantee admission in PEOPLE.
We are a highly competitive program, and we are forced to decline eligible students every year.
Your participation in the PEOPLE program does NOT guarantee admission to the UW-Madison.
PEOPLE does not influence the UW-Madison Admissions process, but we will help you with your application.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Q: When does the PEOPLE Application open and when will applications be reviewed?
A: The Milwaukee PEOPLE Application opens at the end of August each year. Our admissions process will likely be completed in October each year.
Q: How can I apply for PEOPLE?
A: Apply online after the PEOPLE Application opens. Paper applications are not accepted.
Q: Can I upload my essay using a Chromebook?
A: No. You can copy/paste your essay from Google Docs to the text box provided on the application. Alternatively, you can upload your essays in PDF or .docx formats.
Q: How do I know that I am eligible for Free or Reduced Lunch?
A: Applicants from the Milwaukee Public School district all receive Free or Reduced Lunch. However, your eligibility is determined by your income.
Please see this guide for more details.
Q: If I am not eligible for Free or Reduced Lunch, can I still apply to PEOPLE? A: Yes.
A: Yes.
Q: What if I have a foster parent? Whose information should I use–my foster parents’ or the birth parents’?
A: Use the information of the parents or guardians legally responsible for your care.
Q: What if I do not fit the race categories listed?
A: Choose “Other (Please specify)” and type in the race(s) you identify as.
Q: What if I do not consent for my school district to share grades with PEOPLE?
A: If you did not give consent for your school district to share your grades, attendance records and free/reduced lunch status, you will have to email those documents directly to the program. Submissions must be in PDF or .docx formats.
Q: The application period is closed and PEOPLE finds that my application is not complete. Can I send the missing materials now?
A: No, we will not accept late materials.
Q: What if I sent materials on-time, but for some reason you don’t have it. If I provide proof of sending, such as an email or fax confirmation, will my students application be considered?
A: Yes, we will consider those materials.
Q: What if my mailing address and my permanent address are different?
A: Please use the address where you would like to receive information about your application status. If you anticipate your address changing during the application process, please notify our office as soon as possible.
Q: How is my application reviewed?
A: An admissions committee reviews all completed, on-time applications that meet our minimum requirements. The committee uses a holistic admissions process. The most common reason students are not admitted is lack of space, not sub-par application materials.
Q: Are there other steps to this process?
A: Yes, some students will be selected for an interview. If selected for an interview, the student will need to provide a teacher recommendation form. Teachers must fill out the form; no recommendation letters will be accepted. All students must have a completed recommendation form on file for their application to be considered complete. The recommendation form is due Friday, September 27th.
Q: I didn’t receive an e-mail for an interview. Should I assume that I didn’t get into the program?
A: When we emailed some applicants, the email was returned to us because of an invalid email address. Some applicants did not list an email. Those applicants will be contacted in April. Final admissions decisions will not be made until May. All applicants will be informed of their status on or after that date. Some candidates may be placed on a waitlist.
Q: If I have questions about my application, who do I contact?
A: Send us an email with the following information and we will reply within 2 business days to advise on if we received your application and if it’s complete. Please make sure the email contains the students first name, last name, school district (MMSD or MPS), and preferred email address for the response. You can contact PEOPLE Admissions at peopleadmissions@cdo.wisc.edu.
Q: Are there other precollege programs I can apply to?
A: Yes! UW System hosts many precollege programs. The Boys and Girls Club can also help you find other precollege opportunities.