University of Wisconsin-Madison Top Questions

What should every freshman at University of Wisconsin-Madison know before they start?

Laura

"Laura, I know you can't wait to get out of your tiny, overcrowded house but you're going to miss your sisters, and you'll even miss your overprotective parents! Don't be so eager to leave; take the time to enjoy your family's company and remember to call them once in a while. Mom gets really worried about you. Don't try to completely erase your past; reinventing yourself will only make you feel lost. I know you don't believe it yet, but you're pretty and you're smart. You are capable of so much more than you give yourself credit for. Have a little more confidence in yourself and don't be afraid to talk to the cute boy sitting behind you in Psych class. He's a really nice guy. Some days when you'll feel so stressed you'll want to cry, but a late-night excursion to the lake with your friends will make you feel a lot better, I promise. Just trust in God the way you used to and study hard! Oh and don't nap before work. You won't wake up in time for your shift."

Lisa

If I could go back in time and speak to my high school self, I would tell myself to get more involved with and aware of international affairs. I would tell myself to stop caring about what other people think, because in college I would be able to be myself without feeling judged or different. I would ask myself to please not wear that bright blue ugly dress I wore for Junior year prom. I would tell myself to lay-off the late-night pizza freshman year of college. And most importantly, not to worry, because everything will work out and that I will be truly happy and successful at Wisconsin.

Keri

I am very lucky because I loved my college experience. I went from a small private school, to a fairly large public high school, and then to a much larger Big Ten University. I think the best advice I received before I selected my school and transitioned to living out of state was from my AP English teacher. Mrs. Peterson said, “You have to pick a place where you can see yourself.” Whether or not this advice impacted my final decision it was certainly the most memorable and one I have shared with others. I pictured myself on the Wisconsin campus and I could see myself living and learning there. Looking back I would also remind my high school self to take advantages of opportunities. These words of wisdom are not extremely original, but I would remind myself that you never know how the relationships you make will support you in the future. Making friends in the dorms, trying out recreational sports, getting a part time job, and varying studying location with a study partner are all activities which facilitate personal growth and build networks. These networks make a large campus community feel smaller and more connected.

Alyssa

Take more AP classes in high school so I can earn credit for college. It will make the corse load easier. There will be less time spent on general classes, and more time focusing on my major.

Adam

My schedule was filled with AP courses. On some days, I didn't even have lunch. My friends thought I was crazy, but I justified myself by saying "I'm preparing myself for college." Now that I'm in college, I realize that I overworked myself in high school, unnecessarily pushing myself to the extreme limit. Of course, my intensive courseload probably helped me get into my desired university, but it also had a detrimental effect on my GPA - it does not reflect the student I really am. If I were to advise my high-school self, I would say to relax. Instead of finishing my school's entire core cirruculum, I should add some breaks in my schedule to make sure that not only am I taking challenging courses, but I also have enough time to excel in them. Because of my choices in high school, I now qualify to finish my four-year degree in two years. But that's not something you want to do - college isn't a place to pass through as quickly as possible, but a place to realize your true identity and what you want to do for the rest of your life.

Daniel

Looking back at my senior self I would give myself a few pieces of advice. The most crucial bit is to have self responsibility, theres no parents pushing you to go to class or do your work. Going to class was at first the toughest obstacle due to the increase in responsibility. I would most definitley recommend not taking an online math course in my first semester (specifically college level algebra). Overloading your courses and taking core classes and requisites early on in college was not a great choice. It places unnessecary stress on a brand new student. Honestly I didnt really talk to many people about the academic aspects of college so therefore I was unprepared. I should've asked about what classes to take and how to approach my schedule. The last few words of counseling I would tell my past self is to go into the whole experience with an open mind and enjoy the wonderful experience that is college.

Kyle

The most important information that should be given to students leaving high school and entering college, is that the lifestyle is radically different. You enter an extremely different atmosphere that centers around you making all of your own decisions and figuring out your own life. Finances can be very difficult, so remember that too. There is a very large emphesis on making you responsible to attend class, know the material, and receive good grades. Many students aren't held responsible for similar things in high school, and that is much different in college. The caliber of learning and tests are exponentially higher, and you must really make an effort to push yourself to do well and stay on top of everything. I know that I didn't really try in high school, and entering college was a huge wake-up call. Because you are on top of your own lifestyle, it because extremely easy (and temptating) to just slack off to lounge and enjoy your life. College can be an truly helpful and unforgettably amazing experience, but it has to be done right. So remember to enjoy your time, but know that it's not free.

Cody

I didn't have many choices of where to go due to my annxiety and depression. It caused me to go to a community college instead of a four year. Even though I regret not being able to go to a four year college, I think the desicion to go to a two year was excellent finacially. My family isn't really in the position to help pay, since my dad runs his own construction company and my mom is retierd from the U.S. Postal Service. Neither of them attended college and wasn't prepared for the financial investment for my education. Since i'm only in my second semester, I can't say a lot about college. If I had to give myself any advice it would be to go to a community college, then transfer to a well respected university to get my bacholer's degree. Hopefully the path i've chosen is the right one. Only time will tell.

gerena

los estudiantes universitarios necesitamos la trasmicion para poder tener informacion sobre todos los eventos relacionados a la universidad y a los trabajos de la universidad

Miriam

I have learned that what you put into your college experience is what you get out of it. If you choose to take a class solely because it is easy, you will not learn. If you take a class because you love the topic or professor, then that class is the one you will remember when you graduate. Take risks in college, whether it is joining a dance class even though it scare you or answering a question in a four hundred person lecture hall even though you are not sure of the answer. Also, continue activities you did in college, such as sports, writing, or music, because this could help you adjust to a new environment. Most of all, ask questions, because that is when opportunities will arise. Ask the financial aid office for scholarships if you need help; ask your academic advisor about internships in your field; ask your friend how they got into the school's honor society. You must always be your advocate, because no one will until you prove you are worth it.

Scott

I would not really give myself a lot of advise as a high school student. I worked hard in high school and was prepared for college so I am pleased with my preparation.

Hannah

Though it has only been a semester, I feel that I have already gained valuable life experiences through daily interactions with my peers, teaching assistants, and professors. I have learned through classes and my job how to deal with people, how to listen to complaints and take criticism, and how to respond to the thoughts and ideas of others. The classes I have taken so far have opened my eyes to other areas of the world, some of the issues that plague our world today and how they began, and what some of the possibilities for our future are. This university has broadened my worldview, and I've only been here for five months. The list of valuable lessons and experiences to be gained from the UW is endless, and what I have gotten out of my time here is only the beginning.

Murphy

My experience at the University of Wisconsin-Madison has truly changed my life. This past semester, I took classes and met people that have inspired new dreams, challenged old thoughts, and helped me create a new vision for my future. I have learned important study skills and the importance of motivation and dedication. I have learned the power a single voice has in the process of positive change. I have learned the importance of team work. I am more comfortable with myself as well. I entered college lacking self confidence and unsure about my future. Although my path is not set in stone, UW-Madison has given me the tools I need to explore, examine, and understand the many opportunities that await me after graduation. I know that my professors, peers, and advisors believe in me. This is invaluable. I remember visiting UW and knowing the minute I set foot on campus that it was where I belonged. Simply put, it just felt right. Madison is preparing me for a life full of success and happiness and for that it deserves tremendous applause.

Brittany

My college experience has made me become a better aspect to my community. I feel that I'm a part of something bigger by attending college. It has been valuable for me to attend college because I want to succeed in life and I feel that in order to succeed one must be focused on what they want to do. By attending, I am focused on what I want to do and what I want to make myself. Also, I feel that I've gotten more motivated since I've started my college experience. Before I started looking into colleges and enrolled, I wasn't exactly sure if I wanted to go to college, or if I should just find a minimum wage job. College made me realize that I can make a lot of myself and enjoy doing so.

Sarah

My college experience increased my knowledge of several domains of professional fields. My HDFS degree required me to take a lot of courses in unrelated majors in order to sculpt me into a well-rounded professional candidate for whichever career I choose. I think the college experience taught me indepedence, as I was away from my parents for 4 years in my own apartment or the campus dorms.. My experience at UW not only taught me academic skills to enhance my confidence in myself as an adult and professional, but also enhanced my social life; allowing me to make friends that I will keep for a lifetime. Being a student at a Big Ten university has been a memorable opportunity and the campus life is an experience in and of itself. I am proud to be graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and when people ask me where I went to school and whether I will remain tied to this institution, I always say---Badgers are for life!

Arielle

For me, beginning my life at the University of Wisconsin, Madison changed everything. Before Madison, I attended the Convent of the Visitation, an all-girls, private, Catholic, college preparatory institution. I had been there since I was seven years old. I graduated with 77 girls in my class and looked forward to moving on to a class size of over 6,000 students. Madison has greatly broadened my horizons, both academically and socially. I have been able to choose classes that interest me, and I have been challenged in all of them. Additionally, I have probably met more people in the last 4 months than I did all four years of high school. Madison presents so many opportunities for me, and now that I am settled in and adjusted, I cannot wait to take advantage of as many of them as I can.

Rachel

The first few days of college I expected to miss home. I did not. My college did such a great job of transitioning new students to college life. There was a huge variety of welcoming activities and things to do. College has changed my life, and I have become even more independent than I was in high school. Not only am I independent, I am comfortable and actually enjoy the independence greatly. When I do visit home, I cannot wait to go back. I think this is fantastic; my college experience is providing a strong education and also life skills and independence for when it comes time to make my own life after I graduate.

Brittany

I currently attend a community college and plan to transfer to a university within the next year. Though this is my second attempt of going back to school I feel very confident in reaching my goals of one day earning an MBA. My experiences at this stage of my college career have been tumultus yet gratifying at the same time . I find that it's tough going to school full time working full time, and still finding time for family, friends , and myself. I'm sure this is a common feat for most students these days, especially those reinventing themselves after such a hard hitting recession. It may seem a bit cheesy say but time management and stress management have been two very valuable lessons learned in college, and it's nice I didn't have to pay for them or by a book. Life is hard for a lot of people right now, so I am very gratefull to have the oppourtunity to be able to go back to college. I can only hope that as I come across more hurdles in the next coming years, the lessons I learn in college continue to help me to succeed.

Amanda

College is enabling me to be myself. Ever since I was little I have wanted to help people. As an adult, I have continued community service on a part-time basis, but the desire to do something meaningful on a full-time basis continually calls to me. Through much introspection, I have realized that I will be a greater help to my community if I realize my own greatest potentials and contribute accordingly; I now know that my education is key to making it happen. The classes I took at Harper kindled a love for the sciences and scientific inquiry. I have decided that I would like to utilize that scientific knowledge to help the community. I want to aid, comfort and care for the sick and their families. After graduating with my Bachelor’s, my goal is to attend medical school and become a physician . College is enabling me to actualize my fullest potentials and ultimate contribution to society.

Alysha

College has been an exceptional experiance. I have been challenged, I have learn a lot of interesting facts, and I have been given the opportunity to become someone I am proud of. I am thankful for the teachers that have challenged me and helped me learn the information is nessary to continue on and hopefully someday become a successful veterinarian. I am in school for not just a degree, but an education. A lot of people try to get through their classes by using minimal effort: They do just enough to get their degree and move on. However, I am more than happy to be in class to hear the lectures and I love using and practicing my new knowledge and skills on homework and tests. I know it is the education I learn and not just the degree that will one day help me obtain and keep a job that I will be happy with. School is also my favorite place to be. I feel needed when I tutor others, I feel lucky to have an opportunity to go to school, and I feel closer to achieving my future dreams and aspirations with every new year.