University of Wisconsin-Madison Top Questions

Make sure you visit the schools first, and talk to the students there. Talking to the students is most likely your best source of information. Also, be aware of the different "cliques" that are on campus. Some schools are extremely cliquey while others are more tolerant of everyone. Advising is also something that is important. Advising at large schools is usually not up to par. Smaller schools tend to have much more intimate advising, and it is difficult to find a mentor or someone who will help guide you at larger schools. However, larger schools have their advantages too. It is important to decide where you feel most comfortable.

Let your son or daughter find the place that fits them best by visiting campus and talking with students that attend the University already. It may also be a good idea to sit in on a lecture and a discussion to see if it provides a good learning environment.

DO WHAT MAKES YOU MOST HAPPY. ALWAYS. LIFE IS TOO SHORT TO BE ANYTHING BUT

Picking a college is much like picking a movie to see at the theatres. You can listen to the movie critics all you want, but what do they know? Ultimately, it is your decision based upon your needs, desires, wishes, and goals. Picking a university is not a "one size fits all" approach. Only you can decide what is right for you. Once you've found that special place, you'll know it. Make the most of your college experience by trying new and interesting things. Something that sounds like it may not be cool or fun may just turn out to be your hidden passion. Check out the resources that college has to offer you. Last, never pass up an opportunity that you may not receive again. Just remember, you have roughly 4 years in college, and 40-some years of work afterwards. How do you want to remember your college career? Leave your mark on your university, and let your university leave its' mark on you. Let your passions dictate your actions, and take every opportunity to learn something new.

Facts, statistics and advice are great when selecting which colleges to apply to. But, when it comes down to it the thing that made the biggest difference to me was the school tour. As soon as I arrived at this campus I realized it was right for me, as opposed to the other schools I applied to. Finding your place at a university, no matter what the size, is about choosing an environment you are comfortable in. ANY college education is a good education. Find some place where you can apply yourself and where you will feel comfortable enough to really be engaged.

College is the place where young adults become adults. The college environment is one of the most important factors when calculating the pros and cons of various institutions. The most important step in finding a college that is right for you is identifying what you want to get out of your college experience. Are you concerned with a College's academic or athletic prestige, or do you want to have a guaranteed job after graduation? Would you rather learn from the best, or learn from the best teachers? These questions are examples of the kinds of decisions you should make before you begin to look at colleges. When you have decided what it is you want from college, then you can begin to look for colleges which fulfill your criteria. When you get to college, the most important first steps are; adjusting to the college lifestyle, establishing a network of friends, and developing good study habits. If you do these three things by the end of your first semester you will be happy with your choice.

In order to find the right college, the parents need to give their child a chance to interact with each school visited. Make sure you have a solid of schools in which you would like to attend, and make an effort to go visit all of these schools and find the best environment for you. Remember that this is going to be your school for the next four years, so it is a very important decision. Parents also need to be involved with this decision as well. You need to pick the school that will be the best fit for you, and this cannot be done without personally visiting each school that you have interest in.

I think that no matter which college you choose, if you have the right mindset it will be amazing. College is what you make it. I love the University of Wisconsin. Yes, it is challenging, but I know every day that I am learning information that will help me make a difference in my future. College is not only about academics, but also about making life long friends.

Parents need to understand that, more than anything else, the student needs to be happy at whatever school they decide to go to. Students need to understand that they might be surprised as to what makes them happy. I came to this school because I was not accepted into the other schools I applied to, and my family was able to afford the tuition here. I thought I would be so unhappy at this university, but I can honestly say that I love it here and can't imagine living anywhere else. Find somewhere that feels right to you when you visit...sometimes that feeling can mean so much more than prestige or class sizes or even financial aid. Once you decide on a school, work as hard as you can to get scholarships and an on-campus job that will give you job experience and an income so you can come out of your undergraduate career with as little debt as possible. Above all else, remember that you're going to college for a college education. The "experience" is definitely a part of it, but it's also important to strive for academic excellence.

It is important to find student organizations that you mightb e interested in and actively participlate in those activities. College is what you make of it, and you need to make the effort to be part of the community. Most students and faculties are very helpful, when you need help, do not hesitate to ask. When choosing the right college, it is important to pay a visit to the prospective college. During the visit you can explore around the campus and talk to students and the faculties. It is also important to make sure that they have the academic facility you want. You may want to visit the counselors in your intended major to find out how they may help you to achieve your goals. Finally, you should keep on thing in mind always: college is where you should not only learn, but also have FUN with what you're learning. It is the world in miniature, enjoy and be part of it!

I would encourage students to apply to every type of school because you really won't know what you want until it gets closer to college. Apply to some shoe-in schools, and some more reach schools, so that you still have some solid options if you don't get into your dream school. Go on tons of tours, and get a feel for all types of campuses. Urban, rural, big, small, etc. I think it's a good idea to pick a college with lots of high quality majors so that if you change your mind, there is another option waiting for you. To make the most out of your college experience, study, sleep, make friends, have some fun. Do things you need to do and things you've always wanted to do, but don't go too far either way. College is about learning to balance so you don't go crazy.

Think about who and where you want be in ten years, twenty years, and fifty years from now. Will the college you are considering take you there? Then ask your self an even bigger question, what do you want to be giving to others in ten, in twenty, and in fifty years? Will the schools you are applying to help you recieve the tools you need to make those contributions to the world. If the answer to both of those questions is "yes, " then take the time to imagine what you can do for that school and community.

My advice to students about picking the right college is this: pick for yourself. Do not pick a college based on what friends and family say. Research what you enjoy: extra curriculars, programs, sports, hobbies, or location- big city or little town. College shapes and defines who you are for the rest of your life. Pick a college that you believe is how you want to represent yourself to the world. You need to be confident and open-minded about your choice. Find a college that challenges you, inspires you, motivates you, and caters to you, when you put in the initiative. And once you find a college, be confident. The first year or two are a transition. It will be hard, it will break you, it will push you to your limits. That is how it defines you. For parents, let your child go. Support them, within means, in their decisions so they know they are not alone. Don't limit them. This is their turn to take on the world and they will need your help and wisdom. Don't let them down, but also don't let them take advantage of your support. The time has come.

Research and visit your colleges. Don't procrastinate and get ready to do a lot of work. Do not get stuck in a crowd or a few friends but keep exploing new people. Talk to TA's and Professors because they want to talk to you. and it'll help your grades =D

There is no wrong choice for where to go to school. Choosing where to attend is not permanent; students transfer colleges all the time, so don't put too much pressure on yourself in making this decision. Visit all campuses you are considering, because you need to choose the right atmosphere for yourself. If you love going to big sporting events, big schools are what you should consider. If you are more conservative and don't enjoy large crowds, a smaller, perhaps private school would be a better choice. Don't worry about choosing a school based on whether you party. There will be people who drink at every school, and there will be people who don't drink at every school. Don't let your friends from high school persuade your decision. If you go to the same school as them, chances are you will branch out and not see them very much anway. Consider what is most important to you and where you think you'll be happiest. No college choice is set in stone.

Think carefully about what is important to you and seek out ways to get involved with whatever it is you care about; I truely believe it will make your college experience exponentially more enjoyable. As far as finding the right college, size is a major factor when considering Madison; many students are intimidated by the large campus, but really the departments are generally pretty centralized and it is managable finding your way around. Most of all though, go with what feels right for you. You'll know when you've found the right campus.

I suggest choosing a college that has the right programs for you. It is a good idea to have a backup plan in the event that your first choice of school or major do not work out. Take classes that satisfy prerequisites for multiple majors of interest. Take full advantage of financial aid. Do not be afraid to seek help with anything, because chances are that there is someone on campus who specializes in what you need help with. If you want to get involved, do it at the beginning of the year so you know what is going on. Keep partying to a minimum, and do not take more classes than you can handle. If you have a learning or psychological disability, seek accomodations before the semester starts. If you have an anxiety problem, for example, a little extra time on tests can make or break your grade. Don't be a toughie! Get help right away if you need it!

Decide what matters to you more the quaility of education or the location.

When choosing a school, it is important to consider what type of school would benefit you personally, rather than which your friends are going to or your parents went to. If you come from a small town and have trouble adjusting to change, it will be best to choose a smaller school because schools such as Madison with quite large campuses tend to be more difficult to make friends at since people live so far apart from each other and especially in the winter, the motivation to see each other is lacking. Also, if you do not learn well without a fair amount of one on one teacher attention, choose a smaller school, since lectures at schools like Madison tend to have lectures with 100-300 people at once. If you do not enjoy drinking, be sure to investigate what types of extra curricular activities the campus offers. Overall, college is not only about educating yourself, but about discovering your adult identity, so it is essential to choose a school that offers not only classes, but also extra-curricular activities that will suite you. A sense of belonging to the campus family leads to comfort and in turn, success.

College is a unique process for each person. Choosing the one that most fits you seems like a daunting task, but it's really just a matter of prioritizing and then testing the waters. Remember that no one university holds the power to transform you into the perfect applicant for your dream job, or give you classic memories. Look at your possible colleges. Weigh their benefits and disadvantages- programs, cost, location, campus climate- and then visit. Get a tour, talk to students and staff, and find the campus's pulse. This is the most important step. Attending the school that looks best on paper will do you no good if you're wishing you could drop out by winter break. Once you're on campus, your experiance can be summed up in these simple words: "You get out what you put in." College is a invigorating blend of learning and adventure that you may never come accross again in your life. But you can't wait around for college to happen TO you. Embrace the experiances your college offers. Don't forget though: "Moderation in all things." If you balance your studies and fun, college will be everything you hope.

After having graduated with an undergraduate degree, I feel that I have a very well-rounded idea of the most important things one must look for when choosing a college. There are many important issues that students face that must not be overlooked. Here are my words of advice for students looking to make the most out of their college experience. 1. Is the college you're choosing going to be financially within your reach? Be sure that you're choosing a college because of its merit, not because it is private or "everyone is going there." Student loan debt becomes very real post-graduation, and jobs may be hard to come by. 2. What are your main interests? Choose a school that accommodates the values you most appreciate. While college is about growth, it also is about learning who you really are. If you love people and sports, a large State school is a great fit. If you love small classes and tight-knit communitites, look at smaller schools. 3. Go to class!!! You're paying a lot of money for a degree that will hopefully make you more. Don't waste your time and money in the process.

Basically, it's difficult. You can never know for sure whether you're making the right decision until you take that first step. But because of that, and in light of my experiences at UW-Madison, you cannot to be scared of making mistakes. As time goes on you realize that everyone makes the same embarrasing mistakes as you will, or perhaps already have, so there is nothing to be afraid of in the first place. Many incoming students expend alot of energy stressing about grades, but it is not the letter that defines you, it's how much you've learned while here - and social experiences are part of that learning experience. The more you relax the more you realize that having fun with your friends, both in and out of class, is where the true learning takes place. No matter where you go or what you do, you will always find shoulders to lean on, some even for life, so don't be afraid of taking that leap of faith, don't put too much emphasis on money, and most importantly, follow your heart - do that and you've already accomplished more than the average college junior.

College is a very important time in anyone's life. Both parents and students need to be involved in this educational experience and it must not be taken too lightly. It is an extremely fun time for students, but it is important to stay focused on schoolwork. In order to maintain on track, students and parents need to work on choosing a major that works for the student so that he or she can graduate on time. It is important for students to get involved in social events in order to make friends on campus. Parents need to be supportive especially when times are tough for the student. College can be the best time of your life if you do well and get involved.

In searching for the right school, make sure to visit many. It's impossible to tell how well you like a school based on the promotional materials they send you. Once you're at school, be as involved as possible. By making new friends, trying new things and expanding your mind, you'll learn more about yourself and life than you will about your major! Don't forget to study though.

No matter how expensive tuition may be, please go to the college you want to be at and be a part of. There is always financial aide and private loans available to pick up the costs. Take advantage of it all. Sign up for everything and go to the first meeting, that's how you find your interests, and don't stick to anything that doesn't interest you, that will only waste your time. Remember, work hard, play hard, that's the motto of the University of Wisconsin, ranked number17 in the world!

Take your time, visit all the schools you can, talk to as many student at the schools as you can. Be yourself and honest to yourself in the process and you'll find the right place. Don't focus on the negatives that get pushed about drinking cultures, drugs, etc, it's your life and you can always stay away from those scenes if you choose. Pick the school that you feel most comfortable at.

Have fun, enjoy the randomness of life, and don't take everything so seriously. Love it while you can.

To parents: Instill core values into your children as the progressive, liberal values of the campus/environment have a lot of sway on impressionable minds. To students: there is more to the college experience than drinking and partying such as getting involved in student/campus affairs, using professors and teaching assistants despite large class sizes (most are afraid to use this valuable resource and professors/TAs end up twiddling their thumbs during office hours as very few students make use of them), and surrounding yourself with people you'd like to model (e.g. people in your same major, entrepreneurially minded people, socially and environmentally responsible people, those with a shared vision, etc.). Above all else, become proactive in all areas of interest to you and even those that are not to challenge the status-quo work in collaboration with others to impact fellow students, campus, and community at large. By doing this, you will have experienced the Wisconsin Experience - the idea that together, we create and apply learning inside and outside the classroom to make the world a better place.

Don't rely too much on what you read in terms of numbers or testimonials. The best way is to visit campuses announced and unannounced to see the different angles because those who give tours tend to send a different feel to swaying decisions rather than saying what it really is.

Visit all of your prospective schools, attend a lecture or two, and most importantly, talk to current students in a variety of different majors. Facebook is great for this. I've been contacted by probably about 5 prospective students, and have done my best to give them as much information as possible. Don't be afraid to contact us. Also, DO NOT let your parents decide where you will attend school. Take their position into account,sure, but please make the decision BY YOURSELF, not taking into account their feelings, but only the rational parts of their argument.

I would give the advice that they should do as many campus visits as they can to the colleges they are interested in. That was the biggest help for me, and it really makes a difference as far as knowing what to expect from the university and the 'campus life.' Campus orientations and tours are also great for getting the feel for the different things and opportunites available. I would also recommend choosing a place that has the extracurricular activities that sound interesting to the perspective student. Even a tour of the university housing and libraries would be a huge help because that is probably the place he/she will be spending the most time. Lastly, I believe its very important for the prospective student to know what the expectations of the school are. Many students here find the expectations too high and the work load too heavy and end up having to leave. If the student knows ahead of time the competitiveness and work load expected, it could save them a lot of trouble and anxiety. Overall, its important that they find a school that meets all their needs, from acedemics, to extraccuriculars, to social life.

Take some time off. Rushing into school is overrated. You don't know anything.

Whatever your gut tells you, go with it. Your first choice is usually the best one.

Have the money to attend and make sure that you make friends your first few weeks!

Take the time to look at schools and spend time in the city they are in, even if it is just for a day or two. If you aren't convinced, keep looking!

get involved as soo nas possible when you arrive at school. Know that everyone is feeling the same as you are they just may be faking it better. Get involved, and take healthy risks in defining yourself

The advice I would give students when choosing the right college is to visit the school. Try and visit overnight, without your parents. Feel out the activties and if you can sit in on a lecture. This will give you a much better sense of what the actual school is like than if one were to go on a guided tour of campus and only see the "landmarks". Also, go with the campus that you like the most. Don't feel pressured to go somewhere just because a friend or significant other goes there, you may end up hating it.

Visit the school and talk to as many students as possible. Make sure you're comfortable in the environment, could imagine yourself being friends with some of the students, and share some of the same values as the rest of the student body.

Visit! The best way to find out if a campus is right for you is to take a trip there. Even if you stay with your mother in a hotel , and you don't talk to any students, getting to know the vibe of the campus is important to comfort your own personal sensibilities in the future. During college, remember to study. Although it goes without saying, maintanence of your social life, academics, work responsibilites, and personal health are facets of the human condition, and they need constant care and attention in order for you to live a fulfilling and happy life. So, in other words, even though college will defintiely be a learning experience and it may change you, remember that you are never lost if you recognize these things are the key to happiness.

Look for alternative schools, consider your geographic preference (it really does matter WHERE you would like to be).

My advice would be to do a lot of research and campus visits, but most importantly talk to students that attend the school of your interest currently. It is important to get the most opinions of the school you are considering as you can. As a transfer student I know how hard it can be to start at a new school after having attended one. Its a hard change, but by doing all you can to get to know the school you want to attend before you attend it, you may be able to avoid a transfer. More specifically, I would suggest to look for larger schools. You may be surprised by how small a large school can get after you have been there for a year or more and once you have close friends. Also, a large school allows for more opportunity to find out where you really belong, who you really get along with and gets you out of your comfort zone a little. Just remember that you change a lot in college and what you think you want going into it may be the exact opposite coming out of it.

Actually go and visit the schools and talk to random students about their experience.

I would make sure to have a good understanding of your child's learning style. Most importantly whether or not they do well with multiple choice exams because part of going to a larger university is that your grade is often based off of only 3 multiple choice exams. I would also have a realistic idea of how much time one wants to allocate toward studying and socializing. Colleges do a great job of providing many socializing opportunities to their students, however if you are likely to be easily distracted this could be a deterant to your school work. Overall, the nice thing about a large public university is the amount of resources that they can provide including internships, volunteer opportunities, a much wider variety of classes and much more. This is something that is very beneficial to any student.

UW-Madison is a very beautiful school located at the center of the city and next by a beautiful lake. The students hear are friendly and very school spirited! Whether you love music, theater, sports, or just relaxing by the lake, I think anybody and everybody could find something that they can't resist to love about the campus. If you are looking for a beautiful and safe campus and a lot of fun people to study with and hang out with, I think you would find all those at UW-Madison.

make sure you like the town and scope out what you would do outside of school within the town.

Make sure the college is right for you academically and socially.

When looking for the 'right' college, search for a school that fits your learning needs. If you have trouble learning, especially learning the subject you plan to pursue, look at smaller community colleges. These schools allow more one-on-one help and are not as competitive, which will make you more likely to succeed in college and in other areas of your life. If you are at the higher end of your class in high school and are independent, attend a larger university. These colleges are more competitive and will continue to challenge you the way you to be challenged so that you do not get bored. To make the most of college, do not give up. As a freshman, many students feel home sick and many transfer to a smaller colleges closer to home. However, the students who stuck it out their freshman year ended up liking their original school more than the students who transfered liked their new school. Live in the residence halls your freshman year and get involved! Don't just get involved in activites you think you would like, there are many activites you wouldn't realize you'd enjoy until you actually tried them.

Go with what ever school is best rated. If you get into a great school but it isn't in your kind of town, trust the ratings and endure the four years of unpleasentness to make off with an excellent degree. You shouldn't be enjoying the sights anyway; you should be studying.

Often when a former college freshman comes upon an incoming freshman, their first reaction is to tell that person something they wish they had known before they chose or entered a college. For choosing a college, I would suggest writing down certain criteria that are necessary and then eliminating the universities that don't meet that criteria. Nothing is more important in choosing what college to go to than a person's own personal preferences. It is essential to remember however, that some criteria may not be as important as one might think. Thus, if a college is perfect in every way except one, it could still be the right school. Once the school has been chosen and the freshman has arrived, it is important to not only be as friendly to those in the same dorm (since they are the people most likely to become your friends), but also to become as involved as possible in as many different clubs or activites as possible. At first, this is a great idea, especially before the homework load has really begun. Later on, however, I would cut out the activites that are not as enjoyable to lower one's workload.

Definitely go visit the campus and talk to current students as well as alumni you may know. Take into account the location and proximity to home, and the weather and campus layout. Finding an environment you will feel most comfortable in yet will still be challenged is important.