The University of Wisconsin - Madison

I am a second-year student at Madison and I am transferring out to UW-Eau Claire in the fall for a number of reasons. First, Madison places a very heavy emphasis on GPAs and test scores. That isn't to say that students shouldn't do well, but I think prof's here often forget there are intelligent students who don't necessarily get 4.0 gpas and perfect scores on tests. I think those "average" kids tend to get lost in the shuffle here. Second, Madison is very condescending of other UW System schools. The people who go to school and work here have a very strong sense of pride (which is great) but when they begin insulting other UW schools, I begin to wonder how "professional" of a school Madison is. They also refer to themselves as "UW" (because apparently other UW schools...Stevens Point...Eau Claire..Whitewater...Oshkosh...do not count). I do not believe that prof's should blatantly tell students at Madison that people at the "other" UW schools are not as good. I have many friends who attend the "other" schools who are extremely bright and successful. Third, it's very hard to get into the classes you want at Madison. It's very competitive during registration, and if you can't get into your classes, then your graduation date is set back. Basically, I cannot justify spending more in tuition at Madison to study English, a major in which I can take on at any other UW school and get more attention, more classes, and more respect. It's simply not worth it. Unless you're going to be a doctor or engineer, I would recommend going anywhere but Madison.

2nd Year Female -- Class 2006

Surrounding City: A-, Social Life: D-

I would not recommend UW-Madison to anyone. The campus is very large, and students are forced to pick classes by the buildings they are located in rather than the topic. The class sizes are also too large; it's very difficult to interact with other students and faculty members. The dorms are very dirty and unkept. The students are also very disrespectful and not willing to accept others. Many of them come from upper-class families and are extremely snobby. The campus is also unsafe; it seems like every day I pick up a student newspaper some football player or basketball player has assaulted someone. The streets are very loud and cluttered at night with house partiers and empty beer bottles. It is also very difficult to find an on-campus job because the large number of students creates incredible competition. The tuition is also much higher here than at other UW schools. Parking is also a huge problem, so don't plan on bringing your car if you want to go to school here. But more than that, at Madison you are a number, not a person.

1st Year Female -- Class 2007

Surrounding City: A-, Friendliness: F