Why I Chose to Attend the University of Wisconsin - Madison for My Undergraduate Studies
How did I end up at the University of Wisconsin - Madison for my undergraduate studies? It wasn't exactly my initial or preferred choice. My parents made the big decision for me. When I turned 18, I felt like an adult, living at home in New York, and enjoying the freedom to come and go as I pleased. However, my parents weren't too thrilled with me frequently coming home late from my adventures. One day, without warning, they announced I couldn't live at home anymore. They decided I had to transfer to an out-of-state university. Under some pressure, my application materials ended up at the University of Wisconsin - Madison. When I received the acceptance letter, they signed me up and drove me to Madison.
Looking back, it's clear that attending Madison was the best decision I ever made. The school transformed my life. In my undergraduate years, I thrived academically and socially, forming many lasting friendships. Surprisingly, I even stayed on to pursue my Ph.D. My education at UW-Madison laid the foundation for a successful career and a bright future.
Advantages of Attending the University of Wisconsin - Madison
UW-Madison offers an incredible range of academic opportunities. I particularly appreciated the high rankings of various programs and departments. The History department was ranked number one in the U.S. when I started my studies. My graduate school, the School of Library and Information Studies, was also ranked number one in 1997. This excellence extended to other programs as well, with the New York City Public Library hosting interviews with UW-Madison graduates.
Tuition may be high, but it's still a good value. Other universities were even more expensive, making UW-Madison a standout choice. The campus life was also fantastic, offering a multitude of activities. Whether you're a sports enthusiast, a book lover, or just enjoy a quiet night in, UW-Madison has something for everyone. The University of Wisconsin Women's Hockey team was phenomenal, and fans were always in the hunt for a NCAA title.
Add to that the world-class research facilities and dedicated researchers. From the Hubble Telescope to Vitamin D research in milk, UW-Madison has had a hand in many groundbreaking discoveries. And, of course, Bucky Badger is a fan favorite and a symbol of school spirit.
Personal Connections and Memories
UW-Madison wasn't just a choice; it was a home. I grew up in Madison and had no other choice but to stay. The school was about a mile from my apartment, making it easy to commute. It was one of the greatest experiences of my life. Despite coming from a small Wisconsin city, I never had any doubt about which university I would attend.
Lastly, UW-Madison provided everything I could ever want in a university setting. I fell in love with the city of Madison and its vibrant community. It was the ideal place to chase my dreams and build a successful career.
For those considering UW-Madison or any other university, it's worth the effort to explore all the opportunities available. The University of Wisconsin - Madison truly transforms lives and makes a remarkable place for both undergraduate and graduate studies.
References: U.S. News World Report Rankings (2019)University of Wisconsin - Madison History DepartmentUniversity of Wisconsin - Madison School of Library and Information StudiesNew York City Public Library