The University of Wisconsin - Madison

I loved UW-Madison. The town and the University are one in the same -- which I loved, as the University is huge. I loved my major -- which is actually why I'm writing. I saw a couple journalism majors upset on this thing, and I thought I'd give my two cents.

Bottom line: This is a big university. Small town/high school types will no longer have a crutch to lean on. If you want to do well, you will. If you expect things to come to you, you'll feel lonely and do poorly.

I came from a mid-sized town and had a horrible first semester, because I thought things would just "fall into place." They didn't. After that disasterous first semester, I did really well -- I checked out some co-curriculars (ending up at one of the two student papers) and found a decent major.

You don't feel lost at a big school if you've found somewhere to belong. Find a club, a dorm floor, something that you'll identify with, and you'll love a "big school."

Madison itself is great. It's famously liberal and open minded, but that doesn't mean people are partying in the streets -- people are just open-minded.

I loved my journalism degree (undergrad) -- the profs were great, funny, engaging, etc. My political science degree, while worthwhile, was not nearly as difficult to get. If you seek out professors, they are more than willing to help, give advice and do whatever it takes to see you do well.

SI On Campus rated UW-Madison as the best sports school, and it shows. People are obsessed with the Badgers, which -- even though I hate football -- is just cool to see masses of people walking to the stadium on a Sunday morning. I cannot say enough of Madison. I loved it. Go there and you won't be disappointed.

4th Year Male -- Class 2004

Education Quality: A+, Faculty Accessibility: B-

UW-Madison has a strong academic reputation. If you perform some "due diligence", you will notice that this school is ranked incredibly high in many different departments: from psychology and molecular science, to engineering and business. Madison is top-tier. There is a reason why Madison is ranked so high. The courses here are very challenging. This is not your mediocre state school. In other words, the "ivy league" mentality is prevalent.

What are some pros?
Well, for your "party poopers", this might not exactly be a positive quality for you guys. UW-Madison is the number 3 party school in the entire nation. Big campus with many activites. Get involved! Make friends! Get to know the opposite sex! Have fun! Become an intellectual!

What are some cons?
This campus is not very diverse. You can take a tour of the campus and only notice caucasians. Either a lump sum of caucasians, or a handful of international students (A.K.A. - Fobs -Fresh off the boat). Is this a con? Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, right?

The campus is very glamorous and pleasant. During the winter solstice, it tends to get incredibly cold here. Folks, bring your long johns!

Some more advice:

Well, if you love the cold, disregard this advice. Try to stay away from the lake shore dormitory. Too far! Stay away from Private residence halls because of all wealthy intellectuals from the east tend to stay there.

Study! Obtain a 4.0!

1st Year Male -- Class 2007