University of Wisconsin-Madison Top Questions

My advice when choosing a college would be to consider more than simply the academics. How close is it to home? Are you going to want to go to a college where all of your classes are filled with hundreds of people? How do you feel about teaching assistants? Though, I have to say, I think the most important advice I can give would be to say it's okay to be completely freaked out - that's normal! It may seem like every other freshman has everything all figured out, but they don't. And really, we're in college - we're ALL confused and stressed and a little bit lost, but that's the beauty of college! You can explore and have fun while surrouned by people who are all trying to figure out what they want out of life just like you are. So freak out! Be confused! Explore different subjects and classes! Just don't forget to enjoy the ride, because it will be over before you know it.

Don't worry about it. Work as hard as you can (or need to) so you can get into the school of your choice, but there's no need to stress . All that really matters in the end is getting an education in a good learning environment -- the specifics of different schools can seem pretty desperate, but you only need to go by general categories. To be honest, there's not much difference between Michigan and Wisconsin: they're both huge public schools in the midwest. Just like there's really not much to seperate Harvard and Yale or Kenyon and Emory. So long as you can achieve a general fit (small, urban, whatever) and attend the appropriate program it really doesn't matter where you go. Education is a consumer brand, but to focus on the brand name is to miss the product itself.

Find what you want to do in life before making your choice on the college you want to attend. You wouldn't want to go to a college that doesn't offer what you want out of life.

I would advide students seeking a college experience not to limit themselves to the comfort of going somewhere near to home and or friends. I decided to go out of state for school because of what the school and city had to offer me and my own interests. In doing so I have been stretched in ways I had not foreseen and have become a better and stronger person in the process. My best advice would be to follow your dreams. What makes you excited about life? Follow that passsion and find the best road/school/city that will enable you to spread your wings and really learn and develop your particular skill or passion. The rest will unfold naturally, just be brave enough to take the first step! Lastly, don't let money issues get in the way of going where you want to go for school. Paying out of state tuition hasn't been easy, but I know the things I have learned along the way have been worth every penny. So follow your heart and do what you love, because if you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life!

College visits are helpful but not always necessary if you do enough research. Size and type of school environment matters a lot when it comes to your success. Students need to know what they are looking for when it comes to the type of school they are looking for before they start the application process. Choosing a school is very much like making a new friend. There are places that you can see yourself doing better than others simply because you match up better with your personality. Some schools are more quiet and simple while others are bold and boisterous. It just depends on what fits you best.

Take your time. When you visit a campus, don't focus on the school and what programs and departments it has. That is important, but its not what you are going to remember about your college experience. Stop and take a look around, and see if its a place where you could see yourself. Is it someplace you can picture studying? Somewhere you can live, make friends, learn about yourself? School is obviously the most important part of the decision, but don't forget about the other things. Don't be too decided on who you are either, because a lot can change in four years. Give yourself room to change, and pick a school that will allow you to do so. When you get to college, get involved. Not necessarily in school sports or clubs, but in other people and places around you. Study hard, but have the most fun possible. Don't miss out on your life.

Tour schools again after you get accpeted durring the school day -- you will instantly know which one is right for you!

Plan! Figure out what school you want to go to but deciding what they offer that interests you, then save money!!!!

First of all, don't stress out too much about the decision! Usually your gut feeling is the best choice. No matter where you end up you can be happy by keeping an open mind and a positive attitude. Secondly, make sure to think about the future, instead of your immediate feelings after high school. Although you may be feeling desperate to get away from home (I was!) keep in mind that when you are on campus, you will be away from home no matter how close the school you choose is from where you originally are from. Transportation is expensive and tedious. Believe me or not, as you get older, you will value being closer to home. Third, you can always make a big school feel small, but cannot make a small school bigger. I go to a school of over 30,000 people and have never felt more connected. Finally, get involved. Join an intermural, the art club, the drama society, or a sorority/fraternity. The friendships and connections you make is going to make your college experience rememberable because in college you really learn as much or more out of the classroom as in the classroom.

Pick Wisconsin!