University of Wisconsin-Madison Top Questions

Finding the right college is all about finding somewhere you can see yourself living on your own in and being dependent. It is about walking around the campus for the first time and being able to imagine yourself doing this every day. It is about learning about the opportunities available at the univeristy and deciding whether or not you will be able to succeed in that environment. Many people say that when they arrived at the right college for them, they just knew right away. Discovering the right academic path for you is all about analyzing yourself. Ask yourself: Do I feel comfortable in this environment? Can I see myself succeeding here? Will I be able to take advantage of all the opportunities provided at this university? Choosing the right college is one of the hardest decisions a person can make in their lives, but it can be easy if you reflect back on yourself and imagine what your life will be like at that university. In the end, it's not about the college at all; it's about you and highlighting your abilities.

Visit, visit, visit!! Go with what you feel is right... when you step onto that campus, you just know.

College is a time of self-discovery. Everyone comes here and has a completely different experience. It's all about what you make of it- whether you join a club, a sport, student body government, get a job, party, the classes you choose, the people you meet, whether you study hard, whether you don't- everything you do shapes the experience that you have here. And don't worry if you don't have a plan, no one really does. I've changed my major at least 5 times. But it does get tough, there will definitely be days when you wonder why you're here, when the stress throws you over the edge and all you want to do is quit. But you have to remember that you are not alone. It will all be worth it in the end. And only you can make the most of your college experience, even with the ups and downs, it will without a doubt be the best four (maybe five) years of your life.

I would tell students to go and tour the campus. Visit on a Friday and then maybe stick around for the weekend, just to get a feel for campus life. In addition, I would encourage the student to talk to currently enrolled students. To make the most of their college experience, they need to make sure to get involved. Campuses offer a variety of activities for students to get out and meet new people. I would advise to make the most of it.

Choosing the college to attend for the next several years of your life is a big decision and one that should not be taken lightly. It is best to start the decision process early. It is never too early to start surveying your options. To potential students, don't be afraid of asking for help. Your parents, your peers, your teachers all have opinions and it is not a bad idea to hear them all out; they may know things you can't find in pamphlets or on websites. To parents, essentially, it is your child's decision. Give them enough room to let them discover what they want to pursue and where they want to pursue it on their own with your comforting guiding hand not interfering too much. This time in a teen's life is the first spark of independence that will only ignite further upon admittance to a university. Fitting in will all come with time and isn't something to fret about. Everyone finds their way eventually and neither kids nor parents should be worried how long it takes for the student to find their niche in their college community.

Don't stress too much about finding the perfect fit and don't be heartbroken if you do not get into your first choice school. Things have a funny way of working out, even in ways that you don't expect it. Once you get to college, take advantage of all the resources given to you, from libraries to office hours with your TA or professors. Make sure to go to class. Its very basic, but its incredibly hard to catch back up once you've missed a few lectures. Try out a bunch of little things, and in that search, you should find something that you love. There are an excess of clubs and things to do. Meet people. And remember, if it really doesn't feel right, you can always transfer. Take everything a day at a time.

Apply to many schools even if you have your heart set on one. Try and go on a college visit to every school you are considering and make sure you take a tour led by a student or faculty. Talk to students from different colleges and ask questions. If you have a certain major in mind look into the different academic departments of the school to see if they offer classes that fit your needs. Once you get into the school of you choice, make sure you talk to your advisor to pick a class load that is managable for you. Get involved RIGHT AWAY! Have an open mind and give every new person you meet a chance, no matter what demographic they come from. Keep up with reading. Study, Study, Study. And remember to have fun and make the most of your college experience because it will be gone before you know it!

Make sure that you get out there and meet new people. College is going to be what you make it. Study hard but have fun while you're doing it. Work Hard but play hard too. Have fun.

Going and visiting the colleges and sitting in classes is a great way to get a feel for the classes. Make sure you are on top of what you want to do and be your own advocate!

Breath, don't rush into your decisions. Look at a few schools; find out what they have to offer, find out what they lack. Don't be afraid to look outside your comfort zone, don't be in to big a hurry to get away. If you don't know what you want to do, don't panic. If you do know what you want to do, keep an open mind. Find a balance between work and play, you need both. Take one class every semester that you look foreward to, regardless of whether or not it counts towards your major. Don't do anything you'd be ashamed to tell your children you did in your wild youth. Listen to what your parents have to say, even if you don't think you'll take their advice. Don't forget old friends, don't be afraid to make new ones. Live in the dorms your freshman year and leave your door open, it's the best way to meet a variety of people. Be nice to freshmen when you are a senior, you were one once. Help when you can, get help when you need it. Pray every day.