University of Wisconsin-Madison Top Questions

Make a decision. Its not as bad as you think it will and college is an amazing experiance no matter where you go. Get involved meet different people.

Use campus resources to the fullest extent, as they are often free and very valuable. You will have to pay a lot of money for such services post-graduation!

The most important piece of advice I could give anyone about finding the right college is to visit the college. All colleges promote their education and extra-curricular services (so pretty much all printed documentation will have basically the same information). Visiting the campus will give you a real taste of what campus life is like. Madison was the last college I planned on going to because of it's size, but after going to my cousin's graduation at Madison I knew I had to go there. Now, I couldn't see it any other way. As for making the most of your college experience, get involved! I am extremely active in our SWE organization and have made so many friends. We are also extremely active in the community, which allows me to have fun while helping out our community. I am also involved in other organizations such as IIE and NOBE. Every campus has a variety of organizations and opportunities to get involved; there is something for everyone. Just find something you like, and participate!

If you are unsure of what you want to do, make sure to attend a school with enough opportunities available to find out what that is, but small enough so you don't get lost and overwhelmed.

Select the best school for you, not for your parents or out of solidarity with your friends. Consider your options carefuly. Take your time and try your hardest, and you will be happy with your choice. Good luck!

When I began my college search a little under two years ago, I was sure that I would attend an Ivy League school. I was in the top ten of my class with a 4.0 GPA and already 15 college credits under my belt. I was positive that I would get into my first choice, Notre Dame. However, as life teaches us, plans do not always work out the way we want. I did not get into Notre Dame and ended up attending Madison. That unfortunate incident has now become one of the greatest events of my academic life. Madison is wonderful. Unlike many fancier schools, Madison is a place of equal opportunity where the amount of money or type of lifestyle does not matter at all. Most importantly, here in Wisconsin, students are continually challenged to think on their own and to discover themselves. That is what you should look for in a school; a place where you must come up with your own questions and answers and also a place where you are free to be who you are without any judgements at all.

I would suggest visiting many campuses before choosing one. Make sure you like the campus, the people, the location from home, and the majors.

My advice would be to start thinking about your college choice early and make sure that you take all aspects of the school into account. You want to find a place that feels like home to you. Once you do find a college, I think it is important to remember that transfering is always an option if you are not happy at your school. Everyone deserves to have a positive college experience. After you find the right fit, it is all about meeting new people, learning new things, and remembering to schedule in enough time for sleep!

I highly suggest touring each campus the student is interested in attending before applying and making a decision. Make a list of pros and cons about attending each school. Learn more about the social scene, academic competition, grading procedures and what there is to do around town. One must be certain that all the resources the student will need are available. Make sure the setting is comfortable and there is plenty of study space. Make sure there is a place for the student to live, and take note of important deadlines! Making the most of the college experience involves balancing work, studying, and social activities. On my campus, for example, there is a huge emphasis on social activity, but academic-wise the school is very tough. Many people have to drop out because they choose to party instead of study, and it is a great temptation. The best advice I can give is to get involved on campus, get a part-time job, study as long as it is productive, and make time for yourself! Stress-relivers are very important.

Visit everywhere you're thinking of going and talk to students, it's the only way you'll know if it's right.