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The University of Wisconsin - Madison

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I liked the school a lot academically; IQuite Bright
I liked the school a lot academically; I can't fault it from that perspective. Socially, however, the UW is a "party school" in a small Midwestern city extremely lacking in diversity (this probably won't bother you at all if you're from a small town).

The first year was nothing more than an extension of high school in my opinion. It was good for the bell curve (if you were taking your education more seriously compared to the rest), but it was rather annoying listening to people gossip over who hooked-up with who or having small packs of sorority girls (I know not all sorority girls are like this, so don't think I'm trying to stereotype) sit in the back of the lecture hall perusing J. Crew catalogs while talking, texting, and giggling during class.

Additionally, if you don't care for Greek life or bar-hopping on State Street (i.e. - Midwestern drinking culture), then there is really nothing to do during the weekends.

I transferred to NYU (doesn't have a traditional campus life) after my sophomore year and have been deliriously happy ever since.This review isn't meant to bash the UW; it is a very good school. Just try and determine whether or not BOTH the city and the school (BOTH socially and academically) will be a good fit for you before matriculating. If you're originally from a bigger city (I grew up in Chicago), you may not like it so much in Madison, WI.

2nd Year Male -- Class 2011
Education Quality: A-, Individual Value: F
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I liked the school a lot academically; IQuite Bright
I liked the school a lot academically; I can't fault it from that perspective. Socially, however, the UW is a "party school" in a small Midwestern city very lacking in diversity (this probably won't bother you at all if you're from a small town).

The first year was nothing more than an extension of high school in my opinion. It was good for the bell curve (if you were taking your education more seriously compared to the rest), but it was rather annoying listening to people gossip over who hooked-up with who or having small packs of sorority girls (I know not all sorority girls are like this, so don't think I'm trying to stereotype) sit in the back of the lecture hall perusing J. Crew catalogs while talking, texting, and giggling during class.

Additionally, if you don't care for Greek life or bar-hopping on State Street (i.e. - Midwestern drinking culture), then there is really nothing to do during the weekends.

I transferred to NYU (doesn't have a traditional campus life) after my sophomore year and have been deliriously happy ever since.This review isn't meant to bash the UW; it is a very good school. Just try and determine whether or not BOTH the city and the school (BOTH socially and academically) will be a good fit for you before matriculating. If you're originally from a bigger city (I grew up in Chicago), you may not like it so much in Madison, WI.

2nd Year Male -- Class 2011
Education Quality: A-, Individual Value: F
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I have lived in Wisconsin all my lifeQuite BrightNeuroscience/Cognitive Science
I have lived in Wisconsin all my life and had always kind of thought I'd want to go to UW Madison. I ended up applying to and getting into Northwestern in Evanston, and so faced an extremely tough decision as to where to go for college...I chose UW, and have not regretted it for a single moment ever since.

This campus and school has SO MUCH to offer, whether it be academically, socially, politically, or otherwise. The city is great, it's very active, and it's wonderful to see everyone out running, biking, shopping, walking down famous State St., etc. on the first day of spring.

Academically, Madison is what you make it. I'm personally double majoring in Neurobiology and Psychology and also doing a Certificate in Business, so I have to work extremely hard even though I came in here with a year's worth of AP credits (I'll still graduate in 4 years). A few of my non-science major friends, however, hardly do anything and get by with passing grades..so it really depends. Getting all A's takes dedication, but it's a very rewarding accomplishment in such a large school. I like to have a good time, but my academic load definately does not allow me to be one of those Thursday-Friday-Saturday partiers...but I do still go out often enough. Furthermore, this university is very highly ranked in research, and so I've been able to get involved in some awesome neuro research labs. To anyone considering this University, I'd tell you this--do not come in here assuming you won't have to work extremely hard if you're after a difficult major, particularly one in the sciences. The general atmosphere is very friendly, and there are many different types of people both on campus and in the surrounding area, which combine to make a very unique compliation of attitudes and activities. You will find what you're looking for because there is definately something for everybody--there are thousands of clubs and student orgs, and if you have an interest for which there is currently no club or organization, you can get university funding to form one yourself. Honestly, my biggest complaint is that there are way to many liberals running around. Other than that, I could not be more happy here. I love it so much here that I am planning on going to either neuroscience grad school or med school here after my undergrad, whenever I decide which path to take. UW Madison is awesome!

2nd Year Female -- Class 2011
Social Life: A+, Collaboration/Competitive: B
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The University of Wisconsin - Madison
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