University of Wisconsin-Madison Top Questions

I think that it is best to do some research and visit the school before you make your decision. It really depends on the person to make the best experience. As long as you are willing to work hard and get involved I think you'll make anywhere a great experience. It's really up to you what you decide to do with you college experience. I think that if you get involved on campus and give back to your community you can really learn about yourself and grow as a person.

The first thing I would advise is to actually visit all the schools you're interested in. Once you see the the school and talk to the students, it will tell you a lot and give you a feeling of whether the school fits you or not. To make the most of your college experience, you need to slowly settle in. Don't take on too much or you'll get overwhelmed in your first semester. Maybe join a couple clubs that interest you and take classes that appeal to you. The most important thing to remember is to work hard. Don't skip classes just because you can, because it can become a habit. Keep on schedule with your reading assignments as well. If you slack off you will definitely regret it, because it will be hard to bring up your gpa. Another important part of the college experience is the social scene. Be friendly and don't be intimidated because they are as nervous and new to this as you are. Take the initiative and talk to people on your floor. It's easy to make friends and they make your college years that much more fun.

First of all, I would say that students should try to make sure they truly want to attend college in the first place! There are a lot of other options and avenues out there, such as tech schools, community colleges, universities, etc. There are also ways to get jobs that they might want without a college education, although a diploma obviously looks great and is helpful. As far as finding the right college, I think it's best to look at your affordability and the location, because it's hard to determine the true "feel" for normal student life until someone really attends the school. Once a student has begun, I think it's important to use all resources available to figure out what the student wants to do with his or her life, or at least a short-term plan, so that college feels like a means to an end. Without this, it's easy to get "caught up" in the college experience/lifestyle, and succumb to too much partying or laziness in one's studies.

I would suggest that both parents and students actually go to the campus that they are looking at. I suggest that they contact the Finacial Aid, Food Service, and Admissions Offices. They should check with the Student Services Department. Know your limits. How many classes you can take and do well academically. Know your personal limits, in case the college has a history of drinking, etc. Know the costs and expenses to attend . Know the campus and programs it offers, as well as student activities. Make sure you are really ready emotionally, physically, mentally, and academically to attend college. Have Fun and Meet new people.

visit campuses, take tours, talk to people

Most important when choosing a college or university is to look at the academic integrity of the school. You want to ensure that they have the proper degree/major you are interested in and other possibilites that interest you just in case you change your mind along the way. Although academics should be the number one determiner of the college you plan to attend you also want to be sure that the extracurricular activities they offer interest you as well. You will definitely need a social life in college to stay sane. Another important thing to consider is the city/town where the college is located. It may seem unimportant since you will be spending a majority of your time on campus, but the surrounding area has more of an influence on the campus and you than you may expect. And last but not least , Good Luck!

First of all, prospective university student, do what you want to do, not what your parents or girlfriend/boyfriend or best friend wants you to do. Relationships change, you change, but your goals and ideals remain within you always, so you must be true to yourself. If you are worried about money, there are countless off-campus and on-campus jobs, scholarships, grants, and stipends available. Also, don't be afraid to have fun amidst the study-your-booty-off times. College is about figuring out who you are, what you stand for, and what you want to do with your life. Take it seriously, but not too seriously. If there is a once-in-a-lifetime event going on but you have a botany lab practical the next day, go to the event. Each little thing you attend or experience changes you in some way, and there may be some lecture, conference, volunteer activity or whatever that will open your eyes and alter your life. Be open-minded, be spontaneous, have fun (but don't forget that the GPA and relationships with professors are important, too). :)

1. Everyone is different, but it they are mature enough I definetly reccomend a big school since they are able to offer so many more classes, clubs and unique experiences that a small school can't compete with. I know far more people who have transfered to big schools from small schools than the other way around. Plus the more girls there are the better your odds! 2. Don't play video games all day or only socialize with people you met the first week of college or who are on your floor. GET ACTIVE IN CLUBS, they are great for dealing with stress and fitting into a group that is more likely to share similar interests. Clubs are a healthy way to find out activities you enjoy and to transition into college. Clubs are also likely to have older members who you can learn a lot from once you set aside your ego. And, ask out that girl you met in your english class to coffee, she might say no, but at least you will not have any regrets.

One must fully explore the opportunities each University presents. Be aware of the extra-curricular activities, look at the community envolvement, and check out the career center. You want a school that has a strong alumni network, one that reaches out to its current and past students, and one that will allow you to develop to your greatest potential. Few students know what they want to do, and having a University where you can explore other majors while getting degree credits is important. Having advisors and mentors that will share their experience and understand your needs is important. Look at the free and additional programming offered. My University had free computer classes, mind and body classes, safe walks and access to the best databases available. These can all really add to the overall experience. Talk to students. All kinds of students, to try and get an idea of what the complete experience will be like. Visit a campus more than once, preferably at different times of the year. Check out the library on a weekend, go to a sporting event. What are the students doing? If they are studying/cheering away and you want to too, go there.

I would recommend that parents and students seriously look into how they are going to be funding their college education. If their children are going to be paying for their own schooling they should be ready for the knowledge that they will still need to get their parents tax information in order to qualify for Financial Aid. If they do not plan on giving this information to their children to apply for financial aid the students should be aware that there are resources available to them for help with aid and other resources to help them secure money to pay for school without parent aid. I also recommend that both parents and students tour the campuses and ask a lot of questions to their tour guides such as how long it takes to get to classes and ask questions about classroom size averages. If you know what your major might be, make sure to look up that department before you go to tour campus and then while on campus tour the building as well as possible to ensure knowlege of how to get around the building. (some buildings can be very difficult to find classrooms based on the classroom number).