University of Wisconsin-Madison Top Questions

One of the first questions to ask yourself is how far away from home do you want to be? College is scary , and you may feel more comfortable being closer to home. Knowing you can hop on a bus and be home for the weekend is very comforting, even if you never find the time to do it! Ask yourself how you will get back and forth. It makes a difference with you and your family. Next, think about what profession interests you. If you have an idea, then look for colleges that match your interests. If not, no worries, just enroll and pick classes that interest you. Your counselor can help with that. Find out which are the "Freshman" dorms and stay there. It's fun to meet new students in the same boat as you. Get involved with something you are passionate about. I love volleyball, so I am playing on UW Madison's Club traveling team. It's so fun and I've met some great friends. It keeps me in shape and busy so I am forced to budget my time well for my schoolwork. I love my school. Go Badgers!

Campus visits are often touted as the 'absolute best' way to get a feel for a school and decide if a college is right. However, I would suggest talking to students who attend the specific college, particularly those who have been to the same high school as the prospective student or who come from a similar background, about their experiences. It is not only the lecture halls and football stadium that constitute one's college experience. It is the interactions with teaching assistants and professors, the availability of courses that interest the student, and late nights with Starbuck's Coffee to name a few. Learning from other's experiences at a college is an invaluable tool in the college selection process. With regard to making the most of the college experience, there is one thing above all else that I would say: Do not be afraid! Don't be afraid to introduce yourself to new people right away, don't be afraid to join that organization that seems cool, don't be afraid to take risks. Courage is key, because at the end of the day, college is entirely what you make of it.

They not only should look at what type of academics the school has, but also what kind of clubs and extra curricular activities are offered, the demographics of the school, and what kind of a setting the school is in (rural vs. urban, etc.). I definitely recommend visiting a school at least once before deciding to attend it. Visiting the school can bring a whole different light to your perspective (and not always a good light). I think it also helps to search the internet to see what kind of opinions are out there and what the pros and cons are about the schools you're looking at.

Be sure to visit all different types of schools. I had never even considered the school I attended and just happened to apply because the application was one of the easier ones. I visited all different types of schools because I wasn't sure at all where I wanted to go, and ended up visiting the school I would later attend. I am thankful everyday that I did take the weekend to visit that school because I could not imagine myself anywhere else after graduating. Always remember to keep an open mind.

Figure out what's best for you.

Talk to current students and professors

When you visit a college you will know right away if you are a good fit, run with your heart.

To find the right college, I would say just go with your instincts. Visit the schools you are considering and see where you could picture yourself (or your child). I had absolutely no clue where I wanted to go to school but once I stepped onto the campus at UW-Madison I could see myself there and felt the most comfortable. Don't waste time comparing ratings, choose the school where you feel most at home. To make the most out of the college experience, realize that grades are not the most important thing (they may be important if you are trying to attend graduate school after, but they are not your only priority). Personally, I believe my college experience was more valuable socially than academically. I don't mean to downplay Madison's academic excellence- I just think the life-long friends I made are more valuable than anything I may have learned.

The most important factor to consider when visiting a college to determine if it is a best fit for you, is talking with current students, not just the tour guides. Interacting with students and asking them how much they enjoy the college is the best feedback you could get when determining the how other students feel about the decision they made in attending that prospective university. You can read a students body language and facial expressions when describing how they feel about their school. Typically wide smiles clue you into the fact that they are enjoying their college experience. While college is about getting the best education, it is also about developing as a person. Being away from home for the first time gives a person a sense of individualism that makes them realize they are now on their own. College is about experiencing many different things to find out who you truly are. Make the most of your college days, because one day you're going to look back on them and realize you would not want to change a single thing about those days. Live, learn, and discover who you are.

In high school, I had convinced myself there was one university I belonged at. Unfortunately (or rather fortunately for me) upon visiting this instiution, I realized it was not the school for me. Conversely, after visiting a school I had not focused much of my attention on, I realized it very much was the perfect school for me. To truly gauge a school, it is imperative that applicants visit before making such a crucial, life-altering decision. It is only when visitng a school that a prospective student can really sense and feel what a school is about, and possibly see themselves there in the future.

weigh all your options, think about your priorities first, and be excited to grow up and mature and learn about yourself.

Picking the right college to go to is one of the most difficult decisions that I have ever made. I chose to forgo a large scholarship to attend the University that I am currently an undergraduate at. I also chose to go out of state. I know that it seems strange, but there really is a feeling of "rightness" when I stepped on the campus for the first time. The biggest piece of advice that I can give is to keep your mind open. Don't worry too much about finances, and never give up on the school of your dreams. As far as making the most of the experience, make sure you get involved with at least a small group your first semester. Stay in the dorms for 2 years ( I know it sucks...but then you really know people well enough to say if you can live with them or not), and just because you now have a huge amount of freedom, don't let classes slip so you can have fun. In the long run, it really is about finding a balance between work and play and once you do you'll love being in college.

Visit the campus. If you like how it feels when you are there, attend it.

Go to a local bar college with your child for lunch, sit at the bar and just talk to the bartender and people around you. You will get the most honest opinion of the area, and certain tips about what to see to help you make up your mind.

When searching for a college that is right for the prospective student, it is important to look at all the school has to offer and also to look at the surrounding community. Looking up the statistics of schools can give insight to what the classes may be like and if the college is affordable for the degree that will be seeked. Not only are the classes important but the living area also since that will have a massive impact on the student's life and ability to learn/study. If the city is too big or small for the student, then he or she may feel out of place which would in effect be harmful to their studies. Also having access to stores and entertainment can provide the student with necessities and a way to relieve stress. A general rule to go by is that if the student will be happy in their environment then everything else should fall into place.

Finding the right college has many factors associated with it. I believe that the quality of education you receive at a college is based primarily on your own desire to learn and educate yourself. The college is only there to provide you with the tools for your future, it cannot force you to learn or to gain experience. I suggest looking for the college that will most closely match your own needs and desires as you perceive them. Do not expect college to fulfill desires for you that you are not willing to work for though.

Make sure you're ready to attend college and give it your all. It's a huge commitment and different from high school (i.e. amount of homework is quite a bit more, you're away from home). There is an emphasis on getting involved in student organizations and the importance of volunteering in the community. And the best thing you can do if you find yourself in a dilemma? Always communicate with your advisor and professors - they're there to help you achieve educational success.

No matter where you find yourself currently, or see yourself going in the future, any student has to be comfortable in the university environment that they choose to attend. Although it may seem irrational to disregard tuition costs, I would recommend using this criteria only as a last resort when evaluating a potential school choice. If you're able to find somewhere that fuels your passions in life, by all means seize that opportunity, no matter what obstacles you may see somewhere down ther road. Having this type of environment will only enhance a students ability to grow and develop into the profession that they wish to be, in whatever field they desire. Ultimately what it boils down to is finding a school that you know you can wake up every morning and be pumped to start your day whether it's raining, clear skies, or snowed a foot the night before. If you can find some place like this, I assure you you'll enjoy every bit of your college experience. I know I did. ON WISCONSIN!!!

The choice of finding THE college cannot be something found in a pamphlet or by the school's statistics. It all comes down to each individual student and the comfort level with which they find themselves on campus. I strongly encourage as many campus visits as possible. If you (the student) get out of the car, look around and feel right away that it is wrong for you, that is good enough. Finding the correct school takes time and consideration, certainly the most important decision thus far in the students life. Emphasis there was on student. The best a parent can do is be supportive, and be a good listener. Forcing a school on your son or daughter will not end well, and can only end in heartbreak. Believe and trust yourself, you are about to start the most amazing transition of your life.

Choosing the right college is one of the biggest decisions you may have had to make so far. Other people may influence the decision, but ultimately, it is your decision, that will impact you in the most direct way. Having recently graduated, I look back on four amazing years of my life. I formed friends I will never forget, passions I never knew existed within me, and the person I am and want to become. In order to fully benefit from your college experience, I would first recommend visiting the college. University of Wisconsin-Madison was my last choice until I went on a college visit and fell in love with the campus, the people, and the opportunities available. Can you see yourself as one of the tour guides, or a student in one of the lectures, or a person studying in the libraries? Invest as much time as possible finding out what kind of options the shcool can provide because if you change your major path, or career aspirations, you will want the tools to form a new path. And finally . . . when picking the college for you, find one aspect of that school that excites you beyond any other.

While it's important to find a school that has the major you would like to study, know that this very well could change by the time you are ready to graduate. So choose a school that is in a city or town that you really love (size, location, surroundings, weather), make sure they offer a wide variety of classes if you are unsure of your area of study, and look at the activities and events that the school offers. Study hard, do your homework (on time!), meet with the professors when they give you office hours, go to the writing center to get help on papers, take advantage of the public transportation, but also HAVE FUN! Go to sporting events, enjoy the union, go out to eat, explore the city (farmers market, ethnic restaurants, lakes, parks), don't go home every weekend, join new clubs to meet people, volunteer around the community, become involved! College is a great time to meet some of your best friends, gain a well-rounded education, learn to live on your own, and discover who you are as a person.

The advice I would give to prospective students going to college is to really take the time to know the university you are considering. Not only are academics important, but the social life and comfort level the university provides for that student are key to choosing the right college. Once you have chosen that university that is a perfect fit, make sure that the student gets involved with many different things, whether it's a religious organization, club, or sport. It is important to stay involved, because that is a great way to meet many new people and get the most out of life! Because the student is someone who cares about their grades, make sure that they take time to put a lot of energy into studying as well. It is important to balance a life dedicated both to working hard at school and taking time to relax and enjoy the college experience!

One big factor in deciding what college I would be attending was the distance from home. A big suggestion that I would make to anyone is do evaluate yourself and really think about how you will be able to cope with being away from home. For someone like me, considering that I would be going through a complete culture shock, it was important that I had easy access to my home and my family. Another of my suggestions to the students is to find a healthy balance between focusing on school work and your social life. Some students become competely consumed in the social part of college and it takes a major toll on the academic aspect. On the other hand, some students overwhelm themselves with school work, and the social life becomes in existant. Believe it or not, this can also have a very negative affect on your academics. It's never a good thing to overexert yourself. Last, but definitely not least, college is about broadening your horizons an exploring things in life that you may not have been exposed to before. Keep and open mind, be versatile, and always keep your future plans/goals in mind.

I think you have to strongly consider what you want to do with your life. If you're uncertain remember you can always transfer, picking a college doesn't mean you're stuck with it forever. Still, make sure you know the size of the campus, the diversity it has, its programs available, and the city around it. These are all important factors in deciding which one is best for you. Always remember that while you're in college that if you need help, find it. It doesn't always come to you, but at any good university it is there. Talk to just one person and they may either answer your questions, or refer you to others that can. Don't let yourself get behind because you were too afraid to admit you needed help.

Don't just look at brochures, visit schools and talk to current students--not just the ones paid to give tours--and find out what they like, what they don't like, and if they're overall happy with where they ended up. Find out what the academic and social climates are like, and decide if they match your interests. And finally, make sure there are plenty of degree options, since most students end up changing their minds several times before they graduate.

Make sure to explore your campus of choice fully before you commit. Also, enjoy every minute because once you're done with college it is work all the time!

None.

apply to Wisconsin, you won't regret it.

Search for a school that fits your needs and get involved!

The college system increasingly becomes more a business and less a school incrementally, year by year. Most studies claim that a four-year college degree is required for "success" in the modern, technofetishitic world we inhabit. This is not true; those surveys are largely taken by universities who need more enrollment to grow. Technology is serviced and maintained by technicians, not professors, and entrepenuers who invent and market new ideas or products usually do not have bachelor's degrees. If you truly aspire to a professional career like doctor, lawyer, or teacher then a four-year college is what you need. Be prepared to work to prove your dedication to that goal. Four-year colleges prove a person can work hard, learn in a short amount of time and apply that knowledge. However, if you can fulfill your passions and be happy without a professional career like those above, go to a two-year school or technical college. You can acheive economic and social success without a bachelor's degree. Our world needs intelligent, dedicated people at all levels and niches of society. College can take you there but you first must decide on your dreams.

Finding the right college is all about finding somewhere you can see yourself living on your own in and being dependent. It is about walking around the campus for the first time and being able to imagine yourself doing this every day. It is about learning about the opportunities available at the univeristy and deciding whether or not you will be able to succeed in that environment. Many people say that when they arrived at the right college for them, they just knew right away. Discovering the right academic path for you is all about analyzing yourself. Ask yourself: Do I feel comfortable in this environment? Can I see myself succeeding here? Will I be able to take advantage of all the opportunities provided at this university? Choosing the right college is one of the hardest decisions a person can make in their lives, but it can be easy if you reflect back on yourself and imagine what your life will be like at that university. In the end, it's not about the college at all; it's about you and highlighting your abilities.

Visit, visit, visit!! Go with what you feel is right... when you step onto that campus, you just know.

College is a time of self-discovery. Everyone comes here and has a completely different experience. It's all about what you make of it- whether you join a club, a sport, student body government, get a job, party, the classes you choose, the people you meet, whether you study hard, whether you don't- everything you do shapes the experience that you have here. And don't worry if you don't have a plan, no one really does. I've changed my major at least 5 times. But it does get tough, there will definitely be days when you wonder why you're here, when the stress throws you over the edge and all you want to do is quit. But you have to remember that you are not alone. It will all be worth it in the end. And only you can make the most of your college experience, even with the ups and downs, it will without a doubt be the best four (maybe five) years of your life.

I would tell students to go and tour the campus. Visit on a Friday and then maybe stick around for the weekend, just to get a feel for campus life. In addition, I would encourage the student to talk to currently enrolled students. To make the most of their college experience, they need to make sure to get involved. Campuses offer a variety of activities for students to get out and meet new people. I would advise to make the most of it.

Choosing the college to attend for the next several years of your life is a big decision and one that should not be taken lightly. It is best to start the decision process early. It is never too early to start surveying your options. To potential students, don't be afraid of asking for help. Your parents, your peers, your teachers all have opinions and it is not a bad idea to hear them all out; they may know things you can't find in pamphlets or on websites. To parents, essentially, it is your child's decision. Give them enough room to let them discover what they want to pursue and where they want to pursue it on their own with your comforting guiding hand not interfering too much. This time in a teen's life is the first spark of independence that will only ignite further upon admittance to a university. Fitting in will all come with time and isn't something to fret about. Everyone finds their way eventually and neither kids nor parents should be worried how long it takes for the student to find their niche in their college community.

Don't stress too much about finding the perfect fit and don't be heartbroken if you do not get into your first choice school. Things have a funny way of working out, even in ways that you don't expect it. Once you get to college, take advantage of all the resources given to you, from libraries to office hours with your TA or professors. Make sure to go to class. Its very basic, but its incredibly hard to catch back up once you've missed a few lectures. Try out a bunch of little things, and in that search, you should find something that you love. There are an excess of clubs and things to do. Meet people. And remember, if it really doesn't feel right, you can always transfer. Take everything a day at a time.

Apply to many schools even if you have your heart set on one. Try and go on a college visit to every school you are considering and make sure you take a tour led by a student or faculty. Talk to students from different colleges and ask questions. If you have a certain major in mind look into the different academic departments of the school to see if they offer classes that fit your needs. Once you get into the school of you choice, make sure you talk to your advisor to pick a class load that is managable for you. Get involved RIGHT AWAY! Have an open mind and give every new person you meet a chance, no matter what demographic they come from. Keep up with reading. Study, Study, Study. And remember to have fun and make the most of your college experience because it will be gone before you know it!

Make sure that you get out there and meet new people. College is going to be what you make it. Study hard but have fun while you're doing it. Work Hard but play hard too. Have fun.

Going and visiting the colleges and sitting in classes is a great way to get a feel for the classes. Make sure you are on top of what you want to do and be your own advocate!

Breath, don't rush into your decisions. Look at a few schools; find out what they have to offer, find out what they lack. Don't be afraid to look outside your comfort zone, don't be in to big a hurry to get away. If you don't know what you want to do, don't panic. If you do know what you want to do, keep an open mind. Find a balance between work and play, you need both. Take one class every semester that you look foreward to, regardless of whether or not it counts towards your major. Don't do anything you'd be ashamed to tell your children you did in your wild youth. Listen to what your parents have to say, even if you don't think you'll take their advice. Don't forget old friends, don't be afraid to make new ones. Live in the dorms your freshman year and leave your door open, it's the best way to meet a variety of people. Be nice to freshmen when you are a senior, you were one once. Help when you can, get help when you need it. Pray every day.

My advice when choosing a college would be to consider more than simply the academics. How close is it to home? Are you going to want to go to a college where all of your classes are filled with hundreds of people? How do you feel about teaching assistants? Though, I have to say, I think the most important advice I can give would be to say it's okay to be completely freaked out - that's normal! It may seem like every other freshman has everything all figured out, but they don't. And really, we're in college - we're ALL confused and stressed and a little bit lost, but that's the beauty of college! You can explore and have fun while surrouned by people who are all trying to figure out what they want out of life just like you are. So freak out! Be confused! Explore different subjects and classes! Just don't forget to enjoy the ride, because it will be over before you know it.

Don't worry about it. Work as hard as you can (or need to) so you can get into the school of your choice, but there's no need to stress . All that really matters in the end is getting an education in a good learning environment -- the specifics of different schools can seem pretty desperate, but you only need to go by general categories. To be honest, there's not much difference between Michigan and Wisconsin: they're both huge public schools in the midwest. Just like there's really not much to seperate Harvard and Yale or Kenyon and Emory. So long as you can achieve a general fit (small, urban, whatever) and attend the appropriate program it really doesn't matter where you go. Education is a consumer brand, but to focus on the brand name is to miss the product itself.

Find what you want to do in life before making your choice on the college you want to attend. You wouldn't want to go to a college that doesn't offer what you want out of life.

I would advide students seeking a college experience not to limit themselves to the comfort of going somewhere near to home and or friends. I decided to go out of state for school because of what the school and city had to offer me and my own interests. In doing so I have been stretched in ways I had not foreseen and have become a better and stronger person in the process. My best advice would be to follow your dreams. What makes you excited about life? Follow that passsion and find the best road/school/city that will enable you to spread your wings and really learn and develop your particular skill or passion. The rest will unfold naturally, just be brave enough to take the first step! Lastly, don't let money issues get in the way of going where you want to go for school. Paying out of state tuition hasn't been easy, but I know the things I have learned along the way have been worth every penny. So follow your heart and do what you love, because if you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life!

College visits are helpful but not always necessary if you do enough research. Size and type of school environment matters a lot when it comes to your success. Students need to know what they are looking for when it comes to the type of school they are looking for before they start the application process. Choosing a school is very much like making a new friend. There are places that you can see yourself doing better than others simply because you match up better with your personality. Some schools are more quiet and simple while others are bold and boisterous. It just depends on what fits you best.

Take your time. When you visit a campus, don't focus on the school and what programs and departments it has. That is important, but its not what you are going to remember about your college experience. Stop and take a look around, and see if its a place where you could see yourself. Is it someplace you can picture studying? Somewhere you can live, make friends, learn about yourself? School is obviously the most important part of the decision, but don't forget about the other things. Don't be too decided on who you are either, because a lot can change in four years. Give yourself room to change, and pick a school that will allow you to do so. When you get to college, get involved. Not necessarily in school sports or clubs, but in other people and places around you. Study hard, but have the most fun possible. Don't miss out on your life.

Tour schools again after you get accpeted durring the school day -- you will instantly know which one is right for you!

Plan! Figure out what school you want to go to but deciding what they offer that interests you, then save money!!!!

First of all, don't stress out too much about the decision! Usually your gut feeling is the best choice. No matter where you end up you can be happy by keeping an open mind and a positive attitude. Secondly, make sure to think about the future, instead of your immediate feelings after high school. Although you may be feeling desperate to get away from home (I was!) keep in mind that when you are on campus, you will be away from home no matter how close the school you choose is from where you originally are from. Transportation is expensive and tedious. Believe me or not, as you get older, you will value being closer to home. Third, you can always make a big school feel small, but cannot make a small school bigger. I go to a school of over 30,000 people and have never felt more connected. Finally, get involved. Join an intermural, the art club, the drama society, or a sorority/fraternity. The friendships and connections you make is going to make your college experience rememberable because in college you really learn as much or more out of the classroom as in the classroom.

Pick Wisconsin!