I went into the University of Wisconsin overtly confident that I was going to breeze through and be on my way to UCLA medical school. This university has challenged me more than I ever would have expected. Almost in every major offered Madison recognized as one of the top programs in the country. Still overconfident? UW offers many honors programs. For example, I am currently enrolled in the Biology Core Curriculum program, a four semester researched based advanced biology program. It gives you opportunities to work one on one with professors, a rarity at most large schools. Programs like these are offered throughout each major.
If you are finding yourself having troubles, there are many people available to help you. Professors are all required to have open office hours and will usually meet with you outside of them if you ask. Graduate TAs are often excellent resources as well. Also, most libraries have tutoring programs in a variety of subjects.
If you are interested in getting more involved in your learning, join a research lab! Each program conducts research and many welcome undergrads. It is a great way to get to know leading researchers in the field and looks great on a resume. Much tuition goes toward research so I highly recommend getting involved!
Do you enjoy the experience at your school?
Madison is more than just a good school with a strong emphasis on research. It is a place to have fun and enjoy many life experiences. Nothing quite compares to doing the Jump Around after the third quarter of a Badger Game in a sea of red and white (try not to lose your balance!!) There are numerous activities to get involved in and plenty of opportunities to meet new people. There are also plenty of free events at Memorial Union to attend if you are unfortunate enough not to get tickets to the numerous Badger athletic events. It pretty much can be anything you want it to be. If you want to spend your time droning at College Library, fine. But it's not all about doing homework. There is balance that must be had and the University of Wisconsin recognizes this. I love it here!
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
No university is cheap. Or at least, the ones worth going to aren't. I am a resident from Wisconsin so I am a little biased. If you are out of state though, still consider the school. Many scholarship and financial aid packages are available. I know many who get most of their tuition paid for each year.
What are you paying for? Top teachers who all have graduated from excellent schools with PH D's in their respective fields. You'll be surprised that your professors will often be cited in your textbooks! You are also paying for research in each subject so once again I highly recommend getting involved! Housing is also included in their estimate which is a fair amount for the quality of the room. But their are many other less expensive options for housing if you want to explore those as well!
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
Get involved! Everyone who I've met at UW has been a leader in some form or another. I'm not saying you have to be captain of the lacrosse team, but be an active contributor to the lacrosse team! Leadership skills will not only help you succeed at UW, but in life as well so it is best to start early!
Study! Develop those study skills early because believe me Madison is not like high school anymore. Get to know your teachers so you can establish a relationship with them (you do need a strong letter of recommendation).
Visit Madison! Make sure you see it. Most kids will write it off as a huge school taught by TAs that only cares about their grad students. This is far from true. As someone who easily gets lost, it's not as bad as it looks. If you visit, be sure to attend a class! Most lectures are rather large and it is easy to sneak in and see the academic atmosphere.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
~Hardworking---school is tough no matter what major you are in.
~Leaders---there are so many opportunities to involve yourself. Be sure to do it! It may be a large university, but there are plenty of opportunities to make a name for yourself
~People who enjoy a challenge--it's tough, you either have to get over that or transfer. You may not get an A in every class; although it is possible.
~Balanced individuals-Know when to separate school and fun. Everyone needs a break from their studies. Madison is great place to have fun and relax as well.
I went into the University of Wisconsin overtly confident that I was going to breeze through and be on my way to UCLA medical school. This university has challenged me more than I ever would have expected. Almost in every major offered Madison recognized as one of the top programs in the country. Still overconfident? UW offers many honors programs. For example, I am currently enrolled in the Biology Core Curriculum program, a four semester researched based advanced biology program. It gives you opportunities to work one on one with professors, a rarity at most large schools. Programs like these are offered throughout each major. If you are finding yourself having troubles, there are many people available to help you. Professors are all required to have open office hours and will usually meet with you outside of them if you ask. Graduate TAs are often excellent resources as well. Also, most libraries have tutoring programs in a variety of subjects. If you are interested in getting more involved in your learning, join a research lab! Each program conducts research and many welcome undergrads. It is a great way to get to know leading researchers in the field and looks great on a resume. Much tuition goes toward research so I highly recommend getting involved!
Madison is more than just a good school with a strong emphasis on research. It is a place to have fun and enjoy many life experiences. Nothing quite compares to doing the Jump Around after the third quarter of a Badger Game in a sea of red and white (try not to lose your balance!!) There are numerous activities to get involved in and plenty of opportunities to meet new people. There are also plenty of free events at Memorial Union to attend if you are unfortunate enough not to get tickets to the numerous Badger athletic events. It pretty much can be anything you want it to be. If you want to spend your time droning at College Library, fine. But it's not all about doing homework. There is balance that must be had and the University of Wisconsin recognizes this. I love it here!
No university is cheap. Or at least, the ones worth going to aren't. I am a resident from Wisconsin so I am a little biased. If you are out of state though, still consider the school. Many scholarship and financial aid packages are available. I know many who get most of their tuition paid for each year. What are you paying for? Top teachers who all have graduated from excellent schools with PH D's in their respective fields. You'll be surprised that your professors will often be cited in your textbooks! You are also paying for research in each subject so once again I highly recommend getting involved! Housing is also included in their estimate which is a fair amount for the quality of the room. But their are many other less expensive options for housing if you want to explore those as well!
Get involved! Everyone who I've met at UW has been a leader in some form or another. I'm not saying you have to be captain of the lacrosse team, but be an active contributor to the lacrosse team! Leadership skills will not only help you succeed at UW, but in life as well so it is best to start early! Study! Develop those study skills early because believe me Madison is not like high school anymore. Get to know your teachers so you can establish a relationship with them (you do need a strong letter of recommendation). Visit Madison! Make sure you see it. Most kids will write it off as a huge school taught by TAs that only cares about their grad students. This is far from true. As someone who easily gets lost, it's not as bad as it looks. If you visit, be sure to attend a class! Most lectures are rather large and it is easy to sneak in and see the academic atmosphere.
~Hardworking---school is tough no matter what major you are in. ~Leaders---there are so many opportunities to involve yourself. Be sure to do it! It may be a large university, but there are plenty of opportunities to make a name for yourself ~People who enjoy a challenge--it's tough, you either have to get over that or transfer. You may not get an A in every class; although it is possible. ~Balanced individuals-Know when to separate school and fun. Everyone needs a break from their studies. Madison is great place to have fun and relax as well.