The declaration process is how you gain acceptance into core classes for limited capacity programs that have academic preparedness requirements.

These are programs that typically have more applicants than spaces for new students and, additionally, have other requirements that need to be fulfilled before beginning program classes.

  • Path to Your Core Program

    The path to your core program begins with applying for admission to your program. Your student classification will be pre-core. When you’ve completed all of your program’s academic preparedness requirements, you will be classified as core ready and will be eligible to complete the declaration form. When you’re admitted into your desired program and are taking core classes, you will be considered core active.

    Declaration only occurs during specific times of the year. Once you meet the eligibility criteria and are ready to begin program-specific courses, you'll submit your declaration form during the designated declaration window.

    You will see more information below under Declaration Windows.

  • Declaration Process Overview

    The declaration process includes the following steps:

    Admission (pre-core)

    Students apply for admission into pre-core status. Each program web page has an Admission section with information about this step. Admission requirements vary by program.

    Academic Preparedness Requirements

    Students remain in pre-core status while they complete all academic preparedness requirements for their program. These requirements help you prepare for and be successful in the core program. Run your Degree Progress Report to review which academic preparedness requirements are satisfied and which are not yet satisfied.

    Declaration

    Once you have completed all your academic preparedness or are in your final semester of in-progress courses, you will be core ready. This means you are eligible to complete the declaration process. There is a short form that is populated for eligible students on the myMadisonCollege To Do List during open declaration windows.

    The declaration window is open one, two, or three times per year, depending on the program. See the Declaration Windows section below for more information.

  • After Declaration

    Madison College manages waiting lists and admits students to limited capacity programs in accordance with State regulations and Wisconsin Technical College System guidance. Learn more about the admission and waiting list processes.

    Priority will be given to students who have all Academic Preparedness Requirements completed at the time of declaration before students who have requirements in progress.

    Approximately 15 business days after the close of the declaration window, students are notified if a spot is available for them and the next steps they need to take.

    Spot Available: If a seat in your program is available for you, your student status will change to core active and you will be able to start the core program. You will receive detailed instructions regarding the next steps and required items. You are expected to complete these requirements and begin core classes in the term for which you declared.

    In-Progress Students: Students who are in their final semester of academic preparedness requirements must complete all courses with a grade of C or higher by the deadlines provided in the notification email.

    Important: Failure to complete the required items by the specified deadlines in the instructions will result in the loss of your spot in the program. If this happens, you will need to restart the application process.

    Alternate: You will remain on the waiting list. If students who have been offered a spot in the core program give up their seat, alternates will be offered an open seat.  Alternates should monitor their Madison College email address in the event a spot becomes available. Alternates who are not offered a spot will need to complete the declaration form again in the next available declaration window.

    At Capacity: If program capacity and alternate capacity are met, you will be notified that the program is at capacity. You will remain on the waiting list and you will need to complete the declaration form again in the next available declaration window.

    Check Your Email

    While you are going through the declaration process, make sure you have access to your Madison College email address and check it regularly for updates.

    Notifications related to the declaration process are sent to your Madison College email.

  • Declaration Windows

    The declaration window is open one, two, or three times per year, depending on the program.

    The priority declaration window will remain open for 15 days. Students who declare during the priority window are considered first.

    If the program is not full after the priority window ends, students can still declare until whichever comes first:

    • The program is full; or
    • One week prior to the start of the semester.

    Fall 2026 Declaration Windows

    Priority Window: April 1, 2026 – April 15, 2026

    Programs:

    • Addiction Studies
    • Associate Degree Nursing
      • The declaration window for this program closed on April 22, 2026
    • Baking & Decorative Arts
    • Barber
    • Biotech Lab Support Assistant
    • Biotechnology Laboratory Technician
    • Cosmetology
      • The declaration window for this program closed on August 8, 2026
    • Culinary Arts
    • Culinary Fundamentals
    • Culinary Production Specialist
    • Dental Hygienist
      • The declaration window for this program closed on April 15, 2026
    • Electrical Engineering Technology
    • Human Services Associate
    • Legal Studies/Paralegal
      • The declaration window for this program closed on August 3, 2026
    • Legal Studies/Paralegal Post-Bacc
      • The declaration window for this program closed on August 3, 2026
    • Medical Assistant
      • The declaration window for this program closed on June 24, 2026
    • Medical Coding Specialist
      • The declaration window for this program closed on June 24, 2026
    • Medical Laboratory Technician
      • The declaration window for this program closed on May 29, 2026
    • Nursing Completion LPN to ADN
      • The declaration window for this program closed on April 22, 2026
    • Nursing Completion Paramedic to ADN
    • Occupational Therapy Assistant
    • Optometric Technician
    • Paramedic
      • The declaration window for this program closed on July 17, 2026
    • Paramedic Technician
      • The declaration window for this program closed on July 17, 2026
    • Practical Nursing
    • Radiography 
      • The declaration window for this program closed on April 15, 2026
    • Respiratory Therapy
      • The declaration window for this program closed on April 15, 2026
    • Surgical Technology
    • Veterinary Technician

    Priority Window: June 1, 2026 – June 15, 2026

    Program:

    • Dental Assistant

    Spring 2027 Declaration Window

    Priority Window: September 1, 2026 – September 15, 2026

    Programs:

    • Associate Degree Nursing 
    • Biotech Lab Support Assistant
    • Biotechnology Laboratory Technician
    • Cosmetology
    • Dental Assistant
    • Electrical Engineering Technology
    • Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
    • Legal Studies/Paralegal
    • Legal Studies/Paralegal-Post Baccalaureate
    • Medical Assistant
    • Nursing Completion LPN to ADN
    • Paramedic
    • Paramedic Technician 
    • Phlebotomist/Specimen Processor
    • Practical Nursing