University of Wisconsin-Madison Top Questions

What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

Pa

I would definitely focus and try really hard my first year at school. I would also remind myself that meeting a group of friends the first year is very important. Help is also always here when needed and studying definitely pays off.

sarah

I would tell myself that there is absolutely nothing wrong with taking time off to work or travel before college. In college, you're making decisions that will stick with you for the rest of your life. Most people believe that it needs to be completed between the ages of 18-22. You won't believe this now, but 18-22 is YOUNG! It's a period of time when you aren't so much physically growing, but mentally growing. Released from the small pond of high school, you're figuring out what you like and don't like as an individual, and what you're good at. So, buck conventional rules: use this time for self-exploration. There's no need to rush college!

Alex

There are two things I would have done slightly differently. I would remind myself to apply for more scholarships and grants, because college is expensive. Every bit of money helps, as it's difficult to work and go to school in addition to being a part of the ROTC program. The other bit of advice I would have given myself would be to take the tests in my AP classes, the more credits, the sooner you can pick classes, which would have made it easier to get into a few of the more popular/fun classes.

Bridget

First of all, keep an open mind about where you will end up. I know you're dying to get away from home right now, and to branch out and see the world, but no matter where you end up, college will present so many new and exciting opportunities! It doesn't matter if you end up in New York or California, or you end up staying close to home, because just being at college will open up the world to you. Once you get to college, it's all about spontaneity! Be willing to try new things at the drop of a hat, accept social invitations and take any and every opportunity that presents itself to you, because that it your opportunity to experience the world, and opportunities in your college community can lead to opportunities throughout the world! Don't be afraid to put yourself in a potentially uncomfortable situation, it just might turn out be the best thing you've ever done in your life - I speak from experience! Finally, it can be hard, but try not to worry about making up your mind about your future, you have time, and it's all about the journey!

Tara

I would tell myself to get a head start on being organized. Being organized in college is huge and in highschool being organized was just not a priority. Since coming to college, having bad organization habbits has hit me hard and it is somthing i continually work at. I feel if I had been more prepared for that aspect of being grown-up, I would have potentially been much more sucessful.

Monique

Study in order to truly understand, not simply to get the A or pass. While that may seem like an obvious statement, it is the primary thing I learned during my first year at school. In high school, my focus was to get the best grade possible. I memorized as much as I needed so I could do well on that next exam. What I know now is that the education I am receiving is worth nothing if I do not understand it. While reading the textbook with the goal of genuine comprehension may be more time-consuming and not always the most exciting thing, it is the satisfaction of really understanding the material that makes the work worth it. Walking away from a final and leaving with knowledge of the subject that will not be forgotten because it was understood, rather than crammed the night before, is more satisfying than any A. Had I come to that realization before starting my freshman year, I would have walked away with fewer forgotten facts and a greater grasp of the material. College is about learning, and approaching the work with that goal in mind will lead to exactly that.

Thomas

There's some good, and some bad coming your way. You need to go to counseling to deal with issues from your past that have recently come back to haunt you. Don't let your past control your future. Don't participate in drinking and drug parties. Doing so will only make life more difficult. Please, go to class. Be sure to keep your bright outlook on life no matter how dire the situation. It has helped you through many hardships. Stay in shape. It will bring you good times. Keep exploring the world and don't think your father knows everything. He doesn't.

Calli

Honestly, I think the way I went in to college was the exact right way to do it. I was overconfident about my abilities and viewed attending college not as an opportunity but as a right. I found out quickly that college is different than high school, and learned to thrive in the new environment. I got better grades, made better friends, and had so much fun. I also had the opportunity to play volleyball in college and turned all of the offers down because I wanted to go to UW-Madison so badly. I think that choice helped me more than any other I have made. I used to live on the feeling of competeing and I learned to apply that to my studies rather than on the volleyball court. I play intramurals and have a great time with my friends.

Kristin

The biggest advice that I could give is for a student. When you visit college campuses, you will arrive to one and just KNOW that it feels right. You will feel a sense of compassion, community, diversity, intelligence, but most important, security. I think if you feel comfortable with your surroundings, you will have a very successul college career, and your parents won't have to worry about you as much! As a college student, you also have to remember to work hard to acheive your goals. A lot of the times, college is portrayed as a place to only socialize and party, and many times, that proves true. If you want to make it in the real world, though, you have to work harder than you play, especially because you don't really have to complete homework, just study. Something I wish I would have done earlier is to get to know your professors, for they provide a great network for your potential careers. Remember to not hesitate to ask for help, get involved in extracurriculars, and VOLUNTEER! It feels great to lend a helping hand. Finally, don't forget to thank your parents for helping you succeed :)

Victoria

To find the right college always research, research, research. You don't have to attend a big league school to be considered smart or anything. Any school that offers what you're looking for is fine. If you know what you want to do, attend a school that is known for that specific field, If you're unsure maybe attend a big school that offers many majors so you can explore and learn new and different things. I believe living in the dorms for your first year is always a good way to get use to the campus and meet lots of people. You learn more about your collegues and your surroundings affect while in school. For me going home would be my rest time and while I was at school/campus it would be my academic time. Living in the dorms also expose you to new and different people from around the US and even the world, it's a cool way to meet new friends and learn about peoples cultures.

Gretchen

Don't let the price hinder you. Go where you truly desire to go. Money is just an object and if it's meant to be, it will happen. Don't get too stressed out about academics, you're learning to be a real person, not a robot with a perfect GPA.

Caitlyn

A truly fulfilling college experience needs to include more than just academics. When looking for the right college, students and their parents should consider the location and distance from home, extracurriculars, the success of alumni in finding careers after graduation, social networking, study abroad opportunities, campus diversity, climate, and social life. Too many college students are anxious and unhappy with the way their lives are going, but it is important to be satisfied because college sets each person up for the adult phase of her life. A student needs to be happy at whatever school she chooses so that she can continue to strive for success. Once the student is enrolled in college, she needs to reach out and establish connections in all different areas of academics and clubs so that whenever she needs help, she is confident about where to look for advice. Lastly, nobody can get through life without friends. Once in college, reach out to other students and make friends because they are the ones who will be with person for the rest of her life.

Courtney

Never settle for the school that is "practical". Choose the school that leaves you wide-eyed, anxious with excitement, and ready to start anew. Nothing comes out of being safe. Every new adventure that you go for wholeheartedly is bound to be satisfying. Put yourself out there to meet others and never hesitate because this world is filled with people who will change your life.

Angela

Finding the right college is both and exciting and stressful process. As a student who has been through that process I would recommend exploring options both close to home and far from it. College is an adventure and students have the option to either go with what is most familiar and comfortable or break away and really get out into the world to experience something new. That's why I believe it is important to explore all kinds of schools, big and small, close and far, in order to determine what kind of college experience each student would like to have. No matter what kind of school a student looks at it is important to visit and meet with counselors in order to determine if it is a good fit. To make the most of a new college experience it's a good idea to live in the dorms, this is a perfect way to make new friends, friends who will be with you most of the rest of your college years. It is important to find activites on campus to be involved in that fit interests in order to make lifelong friends. Just always remember, college is an adventure.

Taylor

If I were able to give students advice about finding the college that fits them best, I would tell them to go and visit the college beforehand. I would tell them to go and be around members of the campus, including both faculty and students. I would tell them to sit in on a lecture, and to ask questions of friends who may already be attending this college. But most importantly, I would tell students to pick a school that offers diversity, in regards to the people of the campus, and also in regards to the academic choices available. College students change their minds, or discover that something else has captured their attention; the college that will best allow a student to follow their dreams, whatever those might be, is the college which should be sought out above all others. My advice for parents would be simply this: help your child to make a well-educated decision, and be prepared to encourage and suppport them in the path they choose to take. I would not recommend that a parent pull out of a student's life; rather, allow the student the space, time, and support they need to grow.

Colin

The student should attend the college him/her wants to, not the parents. There are many times the student is pressured into choosing a school by their parents. Also, even if the school you are at right now isn't the right fit that doesn't mean some other college won't be either, don't be afraid to transfer, but make sure it is for the the right reasons.

Nathan

Visint a campus is key. Maybe try and stay overnight so you can see how the atmosphere changes between night and day.

Nick

I know it can be extremely hard to pick a college. Never pick a college solely without thinking about it. Don't pick a college simply because they are the number one part school in the nation. Don't pick a college because it's far away from home. Don't pick college because the weather there is amazing. Don't pick a college there because apparently they have really attractive members of the opposite sex. Yes. All of these things may be important. But they should not be the determining factor to your college. You are going to college to get an education--something that will last with you for the rest of your life. So pick college that you love. Pick a college that offers you exactly what you want. And even if you don't know what you want, pick a college that can offer you the best "undecided" studies. Choose the college that offers you an awesome education from awesome professors at an affordable price. And if the parties, distance, weather, and attractive co-eds come along with it, that's the bonus.

Karilyn

Finding the right college is all about finding the perfect environment. In addition to considering the academics of a university, people need to remember to think about what type of setting they want to be in. To make the most of the college experience, I would advise people to try as many things as possible and be outgoing. You'll meet many new people, and maybe even make life-long friends. Don't be afraid to try something different, because you never know what will happen.

Monica

College is about growing as a person, academically as well as finding yourself, so it is important to research your college choices. Talk to current students and tour the campus. College can be overwhelming, but the important thing is to relax and continue to try and do your best academically. In the end, the only person who can decide if the college fits your needs is you. It's about creating memories you will remember for the rest of your life and preparing yourself for a career that truly interests you. Don't be afraid to try new things or meet new people because this is what makes college an exhilarating adventure.

Rebecca

Deciding on the right college is an important decision for any student. First I would recommend a fair amount of research into possible schools. This step is an important part of the process. During this period the student is able to begin to discover what they want and what different schools have to offer. Next, during the summer after the student's junior year in high school it is a good idea to begin to visit prospective and likely schools. Although schools are not fully in session during the summer, visits to possible future schools give a great deal of insight into whether a school is right for them. Lastly after the "right" college has been chosen, it is extremely important to go into the first year of college with a good attitude. If one were to go in looking for something wrong with their school or with an extremely analytical viewpoint, one would surely find something disappointing and deem their school unfit for them. Almost any student could adapt and enjoy the unique positives that make each school what it is. When starting a new year: get involved, make friends, enjoy yourself, and remember to focus on your studies!

Anne

I would tell any prospective college student to take your time choosing a university and visit the university prior to deciding, in order to make sure it is a good fit. To make the most of the college experience, I would recomend being as involved as possible. It is important to realize that you can have a lot of fun at college and still do well. To parents, I strongly advise letting your child choose his or her school with nothing but your honest advice. Students will not do well if compelled by their parents to go to a school that they do not want to attend.

Gabriela

Students must visit their college choices right away! In order to see yourself there for four years or more, you have like your school. After visiting the schools, it helps determine your decision because every school is different. Some schools are small, big, liberal, in an urban or rural area, and by visiting each campus, you'll find out what you like. For instance, when buying a new pair of shoes, there's a lot to think about like the size, price, and style. It's the same to think about with the university. College has to be a place that you will enjoy, but it s also expensive; therefore, you have to see if they will give you money to be there or if it's affordable for your family. Finally, once you're on campus I suggest going to every event there is. By attending most events, that is how you meet new people and find out about what the university has to offer, and plus, free food is involved. You cannot be afraid of people because they were freshmen before too and they know exactly what it was like to be in your shoes.

Dana

Just like anything else, college "is what you make of it." It is as important to choose the seemingly best fit as it is to understand that, like any new environment, there will be times of uncomfortability. The school that might not have been a first choice could end up as the best experience. Optimism is key. So is time management. It is extremely important to stay on top of schoolwork. Not reading one chapter per night could land a student a miserable one night stay in the library cramming information that will inevitably escape not long after the exam. Go to parties. Meeting new people different from different backgrounds is one of the most interesting and exciting (not to mention, educational) experiences. College is also a time for taking risks. A time to unleash passions or interests that have previously seemed daunting. Acting class? Take it. Billiards club? Join. Getting involved is another way to make friends who share common interests. What it comes down to, though, is that college is a time for experimentation and gaining a better self understanding.

Megan

Check out as many schools as possible!

Alexandria

Make sure that you know what you want out of your college experience. It can be little things such as knowing whether you want to live in the city or a rural area, whether it's a Big Ten school or an Ivy League school, or if the school has your major or not. You want to know that you are going to be comfortable for the next however many years you choose to go to college there. And if you are undecided going into college, make sure you go to a school with a lot of options or a place where there are many things that you might be interested in. After you get into your college, take as many opportunities as you can. GET INVOLVED. Your undergraduate career flies by pretty fast and you want to make sure that you have experienced every avenue possible. Do volunteer work, or study abroad, or get an internship, or learn a foreign language, or join a sorority or fraternity, or go to your schools sports events, and meet students who like to have fun but are serious about doing their work. Take control of your college, not the other way around

Kim

Go on a campus visit to get the feel for the campus, you'll know when you've found the right one. As for making the most of your college experience, get involved, try something new, you'll make so many friends, learn, and have great life experiences.

Edward

Once a student/family has narrowed it down to few choices within the optimal financial range, the time comes to make a choice based on emotion. Visit the campus. Sit in on a few lectures. Does it feel like home? Does this school satisfy any particular interest for the prospective student's future or degree sought? There is always doubt when anyone is making a big decision, so it is normal to feel pressured and skeptical. There will be doubt even further down the road, like when it comes time to graduate. Making difficult decisions and following through shape people into who they are, a process of discovering oneself. And is that not the purpose of college? Making the most of the college experience as a first year student can be described in one word: dormitory. The dorms are where fellow students eat, sleep, bathe, and study. There is a sanctity in this bondage, one that must be embraced, as this is where the first year student meets many of his/her friends, discovers campus activity, and learns to live away from home. Student housing provides guidance and comfort, so it is wise to considerate it a new home.

Emily

Reasearch is important, but visiting is the best way to know a school. Personally, I anticipated going to a small liberal arts college, after visiting UW-Madison, I realized how much I love the energy of a large campus. It is also important to keep cost in mind, I had alot of friends who were disillusioned when there financial-aid packages at private schools were less than they anticipated. At Wisconsin, I knew exactly what I was going to pay. Large public schools in your state can be a gret value, they generally cost less then their private counterparts and are known and respected by employers and grad schools. But a large school isn't for everyone, so again, the visit is ultra-important. Once school starts take advantage of all the first week club and activities meetings. Chances are you'll find one that is interestingand you'll save money eating free pizza for two weeks. Another suggestion is to get to know the recreation facility, when you have extra time in the first weeks you can start a routine that will help reduce stress when the essays start coming.

James

My advice for parents and students looking for the right college is to visit it. The main objective while visiting is for the "student" to be happy about the place they will spend the next four or so years at. It is up to the student to make the final decision. The feel of a college campus should make you feel like home. Like your existence is wanted at this college. Look around at the students too. See how they react towards each other. The students on campus will provide the most general feel of how your social life will be. If the students are kind and helpful towards each other, the campus will be easy to fit in and your new friends will be easy to be found. Make sure the college you decide to attend has plenty of challenges for you to encounter.

Nicholas

Make a decision. Its not as bad as you think it will and college is an amazing experiance no matter where you go. Get involved meet different people.

katie

Use campus resources to the fullest extent, as they are often free and very valuable. You will have to pay a lot of money for such services post-graduation!

Allison

The most important piece of advice I could give anyone about finding the right college is to visit the college. All colleges promote their education and extra-curricular services (so pretty much all printed documentation will have basically the same information). Visiting the campus will give you a real taste of what campus life is like. Madison was the last college I planned on going to because of it's size, but after going to my cousin's graduation at Madison I knew I had to go there. Now, I couldn't see it any other way. As for making the most of your college experience, get involved! I am extremely active in our SWE organization and have made so many friends. We are also extremely active in the community, which allows me to have fun while helping out our community. I am also involved in other organizations such as IIE and NOBE. Every campus has a variety of organizations and opportunities to get involved; there is something for everyone. Just find something you like, and participate!

Stacie

If you are unsure of what you want to do, make sure to attend a school with enough opportunities available to find out what that is, but small enough so you don't get lost and overwhelmed.

Tatyana

Select the best school for you, not for your parents or out of solidarity with your friends. Consider your options carefuly. Take your time and try your hardest, and you will be happy with your choice. Good luck!

Margaret

When I began my college search a little under two years ago, I was sure that I would attend an Ivy League school. I was in the top ten of my class with a 4.0 GPA and already 15 college credits under my belt. I was positive that I would get into my first choice, Notre Dame. However, as life teaches us, plans do not always work out the way we want. I did not get into Notre Dame and ended up attending Madison. That unfortunate incident has now become one of the greatest events of my academic life. Madison is wonderful. Unlike many fancier schools, Madison is a place of equal opportunity where the amount of money or type of lifestyle does not matter at all. Most importantly, here in Wisconsin, students are continually challenged to think on their own and to discover themselves. That is what you should look for in a school; a place where you must come up with your own questions and answers and also a place where you are free to be who you are without any judgements at all.

LaQuita

I would suggest visiting many campuses before choosing one. Make sure you like the campus, the people, the location from home, and the majors.

Danyelle

My advice would be to start thinking about your college choice early and make sure that you take all aspects of the school into account. You want to find a place that feels like home to you. Once you do find a college, I think it is important to remember that transfering is always an option if you are not happy at your school. Everyone deserves to have a positive college experience. After you find the right fit, it is all about meeting new people, learning new things, and remembering to schedule in enough time for sleep!

Bridgette

I highly suggest touring each campus the student is interested in attending before applying and making a decision. Make a list of pros and cons about attending each school. Learn more about the social scene, academic competition, grading procedures and what there is to do around town. One must be certain that all the resources the student will need are available. Make sure the setting is comfortable and there is plenty of study space. Make sure there is a place for the student to live, and take note of important deadlines! Making the most of the college experience involves balancing work, studying, and social activities. On my campus, for example, there is a huge emphasis on social activity, but academic-wise the school is very tough. Many people have to drop out because they choose to party instead of study, and it is a great temptation. The best advice I can give is to get involved on campus, get a part-time job, study as long as it is productive, and make time for yourself! Stress-relivers are very important.

Kristin

Visit everywhere you're thinking of going and talk to students, it's the only way you'll know if it's right.

Nicol

I think that it is best to do some research and visit the school before you make your decision. It really depends on the person to make the best experience. As long as you are willing to work hard and get involved I think you'll make anywhere a great experience. It's really up to you what you decide to do with you college experience. I think that if you get involved on campus and give back to your community you can really learn about yourself and grow as a person.

Deanna

The first thing I would advise is to actually visit all the schools you're interested in. Once you see the the school and talk to the students, it will tell you a lot and give you a feeling of whether the school fits you or not. To make the most of your college experience, you need to slowly settle in. Don't take on too much or you'll get overwhelmed in your first semester. Maybe join a couple clubs that interest you and take classes that appeal to you. The most important thing to remember is to work hard. Don't skip classes just because you can, because it can become a habit. Keep on schedule with your reading assignments as well. If you slack off you will definitely regret it, because it will be hard to bring up your gpa. Another important part of the college experience is the social scene. Be friendly and don't be intimidated because they are as nervous and new to this as you are. Take the initiative and talk to people on your floor. It's easy to make friends and they make your college years that much more fun.

Andrew

First of all, I would say that students should try to make sure they truly want to attend college in the first place! There are a lot of other options and avenues out there, such as tech schools, community colleges, universities, etc. There are also ways to get jobs that they might want without a college education, although a diploma obviously looks great and is helpful. As far as finding the right college, I think it's best to look at your affordability and the location, because it's hard to determine the true "feel" for normal student life until someone really attends the school. Once a student has begun, I think it's important to use all resources available to figure out what the student wants to do with his or her life, or at least a short-term plan, so that college feels like a means to an end. Without this, it's easy to get "caught up" in the college experience/lifestyle, and succumb to too much partying or laziness in one's studies.

Rhonda

I would suggest that both parents and students actually go to the campus that they are looking at. I suggest that they contact the Finacial Aid, Food Service, and Admissions Offices. They should check with the Student Services Department. Know your limits. How many classes you can take and do well academically. Know your personal limits, in case the college has a history of drinking, etc. Know the costs and expenses to attend . Know the campus and programs it offers, as well as student activities. Make sure you are really ready emotionally, physically, mentally, and academically to attend college. Have Fun and Meet new people.

Jackie

visit campuses, take tours, talk to people

Danielle

Most important when choosing a college or university is to look at the academic integrity of the school. You want to ensure that they have the proper degree/major you are interested in and other possibilites that interest you just in case you change your mind along the way. Although academics should be the number one determiner of the college you plan to attend you also want to be sure that the extracurricular activities they offer interest you as well. You will definitely need a social life in college to stay sane. Another important thing to consider is the city/town where the college is located. It may seem unimportant since you will be spending a majority of your time on campus, but the surrounding area has more of an influence on the campus and you than you may expect. And last but not least , Good Luck!

Melissa

First of all, prospective university student, do what you want to do, not what your parents or girlfriend/boyfriend or best friend wants you to do. Relationships change, you change, but your goals and ideals remain within you always, so you must be true to yourself. If you are worried about money, there are countless off-campus and on-campus jobs, scholarships, grants, and stipends available. Also, don't be afraid to have fun amidst the study-your-booty-off times. College is about figuring out who you are, what you stand for, and what you want to do with your life. Take it seriously, but not too seriously. If there is a once-in-a-lifetime event going on but you have a botany lab practical the next day, go to the event. Each little thing you attend or experience changes you in some way, and there may be some lecture, conference, volunteer activity or whatever that will open your eyes and alter your life. Be open-minded, be spontaneous, have fun (but don't forget that the GPA and relationships with professors are important, too). :)

Ivan

1. Everyone is different, but it they are mature enough I definetly reccomend a big school since they are able to offer so many more classes, clubs and unique experiences that a small school can't compete with. I know far more people who have transfered to big schools from small schools than the other way around. Plus the more girls there are the better your odds! 2. Don't play video games all day or only socialize with people you met the first week of college or who are on your floor. GET ACTIVE IN CLUBS, they are great for dealing with stress and fitting into a group that is more likely to share similar interests. Clubs are a healthy way to find out activities you enjoy and to transition into college. Clubs are also likely to have older members who you can learn a lot from once you set aside your ego. And, ask out that girl you met in your english class to coffee, she might say no, but at least you will not have any regrets.

Lindsey

One must fully explore the opportunities each University presents. Be aware of the extra-curricular activities, look at the community envolvement, and check out the career center. You want a school that has a strong alumni network, one that reaches out to its current and past students, and one that will allow you to develop to your greatest potential. Few students know what they want to do, and having a University where you can explore other majors while getting degree credits is important. Having advisors and mentors that will share their experience and understand your needs is important. Look at the free and additional programming offered. My University had free computer classes, mind and body classes, safe walks and access to the best databases available. These can all really add to the overall experience. Talk to students. All kinds of students, to try and get an idea of what the complete experience will be like. Visit a campus more than once, preferably at different times of the year. Check out the library on a weekend, go to a sporting event. What are the students doing? If they are studying/cheering away and you want to too, go there.

Carolyn

I would recommend that parents and students seriously look into how they are going to be funding their college education. If their children are going to be paying for their own schooling they should be ready for the knowledge that they will still need to get their parents tax information in order to qualify for Financial Aid. If they do not plan on giving this information to their children to apply for financial aid the students should be aware that there are resources available to them for help with aid and other resources to help them secure money to pay for school without parent aid. I also recommend that both parents and students tour the campuses and ask a lot of questions to their tour guides such as how long it takes to get to classes and ask questions about classroom size averages. If you know what your major might be, make sure to look up that department before you go to tour campus and then while on campus tour the building as well as possible to ensure knowlege of how to get around the building. (some buildings can be very difficult to find classrooms based on the classroom number).