Future Counseling Students

Thank you for your interest in our program. Be sure to follow all steps to ensure a completed application. 

• Applications received on or before October 1 will be considered primarily for the following spring semester.
• Applications received on or before February 1 will be considered primarily for the following fall semester.
• Applicants are encouraged to check application status by contacting Mary Maillette in the Admissions Office at 715-425-3500 or graduateadmissions@uwrf.edu. Incomplete and late applications will not be considered.
• Applicants typically have an undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or higher. Applicants with GPAs lower than 2.75 will be considered in special circumstances.

All materials are required unless otherwise noted. Please follow the required submission methods to ensure proper receipt of your application materials. Contact graduateadmissions@uwrf.edu with questions. 

• Online application and $56 application fee: 
  • Apply at https://apply.wisconsin.edu/. 
  • Complete the online system application first so we can track your documents as they are submitted. You do NOT need a "campus statement" in this section.
  • Submit payment electronically at the same link. You can pay immediately or return and pay before the application deadline.
  • Once you submit the UW System application, we'll send you an email within 1-2 days confirming receipt of your application. The email will provide instructions on how to activate your Falcon account and access the applicant portal.
• Resume:
  • Upload your resume to your applicant portal.
• Letter of interest: 
  • The Counseling Letter of Interest can be found in your applicant portal. Complete and submit the form directly in the portal.
  • Be specific! Focus your responses to the questions. 
  • Be sure to proofread or have someone you know proofread for errors and clarity.
  • Focus on why you want to become a school counselor and why you hope to study at UWRF.
• Three letters of recommendation:
  • References can be added in your applicant portal. Once you submit the names of your references in your applicant portal, they will be emailed directly with a request to submit a letter of recommendation on your behalf.
  • No official ranking form, checklist or waiver for letters of recommendation. 
  • Good letter writers are those who can speak objectively to your potential. Professors, work supervisors or colleagues are often possible options.
  • Speak with letter writers ahead of time about why you want to become a school counselor and why you want to study at UWRF.
  • We look for evidence of academic skills and/or skills working with people. 
  • We want to read about specific reasons you would be a good fit for the profession and this program. 
  • If you choose not to use the letters of recommendation system, please contact Graduate Admissions at graduateadmissions@uwrf.edu or 715-425-3500.
• Official transcripts from you undergraduate degree granting institution (required) and graduate schools attended (if applicable):
  • Please send electronic transcripts. Most universities use either Parchment or the National Student Clearinghouse services. Visit your college's website to see which one they use. When ordering a transcript, select the University of Wisconsin-River Falls as the recipient.
• OPTIONAL - Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores
  • GRE scores are not required but will be considered if official results are submitted. 
  • Scores can be submitted electronically or mailed to the address below.

For all emailed materials: Please use the subject heading "School Counseling Application - APPLICANT'S NAME" when sending materials. Email to graduateadmissions@uwrf.edu.

For all mailed materials: Send to:
Graduate Admissions
Counseling Program Application
UW-River Falls
410 S. 3rd St. 
103 Rodli Hall
River Falls, WI 54022

Important application information:

• To check the status of your application, email graduateadmissions@uwrf.edu or call 715-425-3500.
• Late materials will result in an incomplete file and incomplete files won't be reviewed.
• Final admission decisions are typically made within one month of the application deadline. Invited applicants are provided a specific date by which to notify the program of their intention to enroll.
• Please note: The program faculty doesn't formally interview applicants. Prospective students are highly encouraged to schedule a campus visit, speak with a faculty member or attend one a department open house. Open house events include Q and A sessions with faculty and current students. Contact Suelle Micallef Marmara at suelle.micallefmarmara@uwrf.edu for more info.