University of Wisconsin-Madison: Top academics and probably the most beautiful campus in the country.
Written: Oct 19 '03 (Updated Feb 21 '04)
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Pros: Inexhaustible resources, outstanding academics, beautiful campus and city, plenty of outdoor rec opportunities...
Cons: Nothing significant.
The Bottom Line: Highly recommended for its outstanding academics, awesome campus, and you get to live in one of the country's great cities.
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| jvandegr's Full Review: University of Wisconsin-Madison |
My Background
I completed a Bachelor of Science degree at UW-Madison in the mid 90's. After completing a Master of Arts degree at Ohio University, I returned to Madison to work on my Ph.D. During this time, I've been a tutor, teaching assistant, lecturer, and adjunct professor at several colleges around the Madison area.
Overview
Here are some of the recent facts and figures about the University of Wisconsin-Madison. This is a long list, but I've included it to emphasize the quality of academics and the amazing resources available here. Also, it's helpful to compare the costs with other universities - UW-Madison really is one of the best deals around.
ENROLLMENT
Total: 41,507
Undergraduates 28,677
Graduate students 8,822
Professional students 2,380
Special students 1,628
Men 19,716
Women 21,791
Wisconsin residents 26,010
Number of states represented 50
Number of countries represented 108
Average composite ACT 27.2
Average SAT 1,265
Average high school class percentile rank 88.6
COSTS per year (for a resident undergraduate)
Total: $13,396
Fees and tuition $4,426
Room and board $5,940
Books and supplies $790
Miscellaneous
(includes travel, clothing, recreation, etc.) $2,240
COSTS per year (Minnesota resident undergraduate)
Total: $14,962
Fees and tuition $5,992
Room and board $5,940
Books and supplies $790
Miscellaneous
(includes travel, clothing, recreation, etc.) $2,240
COSTS per year (for a non-resident undergraduate)
Total: $27,396
Fees and tuition $18.426
Room and board $5,940
Books and supplies $790
Miscellaneous
(includes travel, clothing, recreation, etc.,
travel costs will vary depending
on student's home) $2,240
ALUMNI Living alumni 339,792
Residing in Wisconsin 121,509
Residing in Illinois 23,181
Residing in California 18,898
STAFF
Total Employees 13,695
Faculty 2,060
Academic staff 1 6,776
Classified staff 4,859
CAMPUS Area (acres)
Main campus 933
Arboretum 1,262
Experimental Research Stations 6,100
Off-campus properties 2,354
Number of major buildings 220
RESOURCES
Majors
Undergraduate 138
Master's 157
Doctoral 114
Courses
Total number offered 4,224
Sections 13,564
Classroom space: 430,541 sq. ft.
Research laboratory space: 1.6 million sq. ft
Computer Technology Resources
General-access computers on campus: 1,000
Number of computer labs on campus: 70
Libraries
Number of libraries: 44
Volumes in campus libraries: 6.14 million
FUNDING Budget $1,696,085,152
State support $399,100,000
Percent of budget from state support 23.5
Percent of overall UW System budget 48.5
Federal programs and projects $417,400,000
Gifts, grants and segregated funds $323,400,000
NATIONAL RANKINGS*
Research and development expenditures: 2nd
Among public universities: 1st
Number of volumes, campus libraries: 9th
Voluntary support: 9th
Among public universities: 2nd
Number of research doctorates granted: 2nd
Number of earned doctorates conferred in all fields, among all institutions: 4th
Number of earned doctorates conferred in all fields, among Big 10 institutions: 2nd
Academic programs
Number of programs ranked in NRC top 10: 16 of 39
Number of programs ranked in NRC top 25: 35 of 39
Ranking among public universities: 8th
Number of Peace Corps volunteers produced: 2nd
Number of alumni serving in Peace Corps: 1st
* These rankings are according to National Research Council (NRC), National Science Foundation, and US News and World Report evaluations.
My Experience
Yes, it's a major research university. But that doesn't mean you'll feel like a number. Take the time to talk to your TA's, your professors, your colleagues and you'll quickly start to feel like you belong to something special. UW-Madison's academic and athletic traditions run deep and the university is recognized around the world. However, it can feel like just another school if you don't take a little extra time and spend a little extra effort to make yourself a part of it. I did just that and my experience was extraordinary.
I believe that the library resources at Madison are probably the best in the country. The Library of Congress is nice too. With dozens of libraries and millions of volumes, you'll find what you're looking for. In the very rare occasion that you don't, the interlibrary loan system works well. Don't be intimated - at first, all these libraries can make things seem overwhelming. When you start doing real research, at the undergraduate or graduate level, you'll be very appreciative. Trust me, there are plenty of other large universities that don't have a fraction of the library resources that UW-Madison has (see my review of Texas State University for an example).
I was a volunteer tutor and paid assistant coordinator for the Greater University Tutorial Service during my undergraduate years. Here, I came to know a great group of people from all over campus. This organization worked extensively with international students to help them make a successful transition from a variety of different cultures to Madison. Through this tutoring, I realized just how impressively large and diverse UW-Madison's international student body is. If you're an international student considering applying to Madison, you will find it to be a very friendly and welcoming place.
Campus and Off-Campus Environment
With those impressive facts and figures, there must be a trade off - maybe the campus and the surrounding city aren't nice, right? Wrong? Recently (September 2003), Madison was ranked as the top college town in the US. In the past, it has been ranked as the best city in the US by Outside Magazine and Money Magazine.
Outdoor recreation opportunities abound in Madison, regardless of the season. There are more bicycles per capita in Madison than any city in the US and bike lanes and paths are almost everywhere. On an isthmus between two lakes, there are ample opportunities for diving, sailing, kayaking, fishing, water skiing, ice fishing, skating, etc. One of the best things about UW-Madison is the UW Memorial Union Terrace right on Lake Mendota. Indeed, I would say that there is probably nothing like anywhere. Right next to the Terrace is the UW Hoofers. The Hoofers are an outdoor recreation group serving all staff and students at UW-Madison. Hoofers has several clubs (sailing club, outing club, etc.) that allow you to easily do anything from rock climbing to river kayaking to mountain biking. I haven't heard or seen of any comparable organization at and university anywhere.
When you just want to laze around or find a quiet place to study, Madison's campus has A LOT of green space. From Bascom Hill to Picnic Point to the Botanical Gardens, you'll find your place. If shopping and eating is on your mind, you'll find it all on State Street. This extensive outdoor mall connects the UW-Madison campus to the State Capitol Building and other state and county government facilities (yet another group of resources). State Street is a wonderful eclectic mix of establishments and has received rave reviews from the New York Times and many other reviewers. Added bonus: with all these shops, it's easy to find part-time employment to help you pay your way.
The Questions I Hear
"But isn't it cold in the winter?" Yes, it can be very cold in the winter. But this is a good thing because it means you get to play in the snow and wear fleece and drink coffee and hot chocolate at one of the dozens of coffee houses and go ice skating on the lake and sit in Student Union next to the fireplace with a cup of ale etc. etc. If this doesn't sound appealing to you or if you don't think you can hack a few months of cold, go to a Florida football school and see what kind of education you get there.
"But isn't this just a party school?" Absolutely not. Yes, Badgers certainly know how to party and the school has a reputation for it (find me a college that doesn't), but there are so many other things to do - you can make your own way.
"But won't I be just one of hundreds of faces in huge lecture halls?" Yes, to start out. The further you get in your academic career, the smaller the classes tend to get as they become more specialized. Also, many large survey courses have a discussion section or laboratory section that helps you to get to know your TA and your colleagues - I made a lot of good friends in these sections.
Conclusions
Simple: good luck finding a better overall college experience at the undergraduate or graduate level.
Recommended:
Yes
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