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University of Wisconsin-Madison Visit Report by girl de la noche

Visit to University of Wisconsin-Madison in March 2008 by girl de la noche
(Student, HS Class of 2009)
(Member since May 19 2008 with 0 posts)
 
2 of 3 people found this visit report helpful

Visit Activities:


Information Session: Yes - Pretty informative. The usual.

Campus Tour: Yes - It was just like any other tour, but it seemed unusually long for some reason (big campus, I guess).

Campus:


Friendliness/Courtesy of Students:
3 - Good
3 - Good
Everyone was nice and outgoing, but there is apparently quite a bit of self-segregation between native Wisconsinites and out-of-state students (especially in the dorms).


Friendliness/Courtesy of Staff:
4 - Very Good
4 - Very Good
They all seemed nice, and their resumes were impressive, but there were many who didn't speak passable English (especially in math and science).


Appearance of Campus:
2 - Fair
2 - Fair
The views of the lake were nice, but I wouldn't say that it's a "pretty" or "attractive" campus. A lot of the buildings were kind of bland and modern for my tastes.


Building/Facilities Maintenance/Cleanliness:
5 - Excellent
5 - Excellent
Everything was clean and well-maintained.


Dormitories:
3 - Good
3 - Good
Dorms are dorms. I'd say that UW's dorms are about average. Unless you pay more for the private dorms.


Security/Safety:
5 - Excellent
5 - Excellent
Very safe city.


Overall Campus Impression:
3 - Good
3 - Good
There were things I liked and disliked. See visit description for more info.

Off-Campus:


Area Immediately Around Campus:
4 - Very Good
4 - Very Good
State Street does have a lot going on.


City/Town/Community:
4 - Very Good
4 - Very Good
It's not as cosmopolitan as a big city. It's not as isolated as a suburb or small town. It's a little city. Pretty nice overall, but surprisingly expensive (perhaps overpriced) for the

Campus Visit Notes for University of Wisconsin-Madison


Visit Description:

I liked the academic aspect of the school a lot. Most programs are strong and rank well. I also really liked the faculty memebers I met, and a lot of the students.

However, the drinking scene is absolutely huge. Moreso than any other college I've visited. It kind of rubbed me the wrong way. I was hoping for a more...diverse social scene. There is other stuff to do, sure, but most people go straight for the beer and don't stop.

I also was kind of shocked that winter didn't end this year until May. Wisconsin really is as cold as people say.

Additionally, I was a little turned off by how integrated into the city the school was. It didn't really have a separate campus; the campus is part of downtown (not to the extent of NYU, but still).

All in all, I liked the school well enough, but I wouldn't say that it's my top choice or anything.