The University of Wisconsin - Madison

In high school, I thought I was very smart until I came to this school. Now, I feel very average in intelligence. The environment is definitely competitive, and there are a lot of weed out classes. If academic rigor is what you are looking for, this is the place for you. Even if you think you don't have to try and can still pass, you're mistake. People try very hard and get only Cs. The professors are nice if you talk to them, but a lot of them seem like they are "over it" and are there for research and not to teach a bunch of college kids. The university tries to be diverse by giving students teachers from foreign nations in difficult classes, and if you're paired wit a TA from the same background, learning is almost impossible unless through tutoring. Success is also determined on what professor, TA, and tutors available to you. One lecture in my Chemistry class had an average of 89% on the test, and the other had an average of 45%. Housing is relatively expensive, but if you're living in the right dorm making friends is EXTREMELY easy and most people are friendly. A lot of kids, especially greek life students, can be mean and snotty, and a lot of kids here are from a white, upper middle class background. When you have a group of friends, though, you'll have the time of your life. The football games here are AMAZING, and Madison definitely lives up to being the best college sports town in the nation. Theres red everywhere, tailgates everywhere, and and endless amount of things to do. Night life is fun, and not hard to find something to do. Would definitely recommend this University if you're up for a challenge.

1st Year Male -- Class 1921

University Resource Use/ spending: A+, Useful Schoolwork: C

1st Year Female -- Class 2018

Education Quality: A+, Collaboration/Competitive: B-

I transferred out of Madison to be closer to home as I am from out-of-state and traveling back and forth was a hassle. Honestly I regret it more than anything. UW was an academically challenging (but tolerable) school where I felt as though everyone around me was of similar levels and we could have intelligent conversations and class moved at a good pace. Socially it was always easy to find plans whether it be through greek life, a house party, or even just around the city of Madison itself. I wasn't involved in greek life but my friends who were were not exclusive at all and i in no way felt left out or excluded. I really enjoyed all the city of Madison had to offer and wouldn't have left if it weren't so far from home!

1st Year Female -- Class 2018

Campus Aesthetics: A+, Individual Value: B-