University of Wisconsin-Madison Top Questions

After having graduated with an undergraduate degree, I feel that I have a very well-rounded idea of the most important things one must look for when choosing a college. There are many important issues that students face that must not be overlooked. Here are my words of advice for students looking to make the most out of their college experience. 1. Is the college you're choosing going to be financially within your reach? Be sure that you're choosing a college because of its merit, not because it is private or "everyone is going there." Student loan debt becomes very real post-graduation, and jobs may be hard to come by. 2. What are your main interests? Choose a school that accommodates the values you most appreciate. While college is about growth, it also is about learning who you really are. If you love people and sports, a large State school is a great fit. If you love small classes and tight-knit communitites, look at smaller schools. 3. Go to class!!! You're paying a lot of money for a degree that will hopefully make you more. Don't waste your time and money in the process.

Basically, it's difficult. You can never know for sure whether you're making the right decision until you take that first step. But because of that, and in light of my experiences at UW-Madison, you cannot to be scared of making mistakes. As time goes on you realize that everyone makes the same embarrasing mistakes as you will, or perhaps already have, so there is nothing to be afraid of in the first place. Many incoming students expend alot of energy stressing about grades, but it is not the letter that defines you, it's how much you've learned while here - and social experiences are part of that learning experience. The more you relax the more you realize that having fun with your friends, both in and out of class, is where the true learning takes place. No matter where you go or what you do, you will always find shoulders to lean on, some even for life, so don't be afraid of taking that leap of faith, don't put too much emphasis on money, and most importantly, follow your heart - do that and you've already accomplished more than the average college junior.

College is a very important time in anyone's life. Both parents and students need to be involved in this educational experience and it must not be taken too lightly. It is an extremely fun time for students, but it is important to stay focused on schoolwork. In order to maintain on track, students and parents need to work on choosing a major that works for the student so that he or she can graduate on time. It is important for students to get involved in social events in order to make friends on campus. Parents need to be supportive especially when times are tough for the student. College can be the best time of your life if you do well and get involved.

In searching for the right school, make sure to visit many. It's impossible to tell how well you like a school based on the promotional materials they send you. Once you're at school, be as involved as possible. By making new friends, trying new things and expanding your mind, you'll learn more about yourself and life than you will about your major! Don't forget to study though.

No matter how expensive tuition may be, please go to the college you want to be at and be a part of. There is always financial aide and private loans available to pick up the costs. Take advantage of it all. Sign up for everything and go to the first meeting, that's how you find your interests, and don't stick to anything that doesn't interest you, that will only waste your time. Remember, work hard, play hard, that's the motto of the University of Wisconsin, ranked number17 in the world!

Take your time, visit all the schools you can, talk to as many student at the schools as you can. Be yourself and honest to yourself in the process and you'll find the right place. Don't focus on the negatives that get pushed about drinking cultures, drugs, etc, it's your life and you can always stay away from those scenes if you choose. Pick the school that you feel most comfortable at.

Have fun, enjoy the randomness of life, and don't take everything so seriously. Love it while you can.

To parents: Instill core values into your children as the progressive, liberal values of the campus/environment have a lot of sway on impressionable minds. To students: there is more to the college experience than drinking and partying such as getting involved in student/campus affairs, using professors and teaching assistants despite large class sizes (most are afraid to use this valuable resource and professors/TAs end up twiddling their thumbs during office hours as very few students make use of them), and surrounding yourself with people you'd like to model (e.g. people in your same major, entrepreneurially minded people, socially and environmentally responsible people, those with a shared vision, etc.). Above all else, become proactive in all areas of interest to you and even those that are not to challenge the status-quo work in collaboration with others to impact fellow students, campus, and community at large. By doing this, you will have experienced the Wisconsin Experience - the idea that together, we create and apply learning inside and outside the classroom to make the world a better place.

Don't rely too much on what you read in terms of numbers or testimonials. The best way is to visit campuses announced and unannounced to see the different angles because those who give tours tend to send a different feel to swaying decisions rather than saying what it really is.

Visit all of your prospective schools, attend a lecture or two, and most importantly, talk to current students in a variety of different majors. Facebook is great for this. I've been contacted by probably about 5 prospective students, and have done my best to give them as much information as possible. Don't be afraid to contact us. Also, DO NOT let your parents decide where you will attend school. Take their position into account,sure, but please make the decision BY YOURSELF, not taking into account their feelings, but only the rational parts of their argument.