University of Wisconsin Madison ⋆ College Magazine

UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON-Wisconsin, Madison

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THE VIBE

Big school with a lot of pride

WHAT IT FEELS LIKE TO GO HERE

Madison is that school that your whole family wants you to go to because of the academics, and you can’t wait to attend because of the parties. Even though it’s a big campus, it feels small. Madison, Wisconsin makes the perfect college town since it’s not a small town in the middle of nowhere, but it’s also not a huge urban city. “There’s always something going on whether you’re involved with it, watching it or seeing it,” said junior Abby Kalenberg. Your life will revolve around Saturday football. If you’re into school pride, then you’ll want to transfer to Madison.

AWESOME ALUMNI

Madison started out many famous people whose names you’ll surely recognize. For instance, 46^th Vice President Dick Chenney graduated from Madison. Even cooler? Actress Joan Cusack who you might know from School of Rock majored in English here. Many athletes also once called this school home, including San Diego Chargers running back Melvin Gordon, Olympic runner Evan Jager and Houston Texas’ defensive end J.J. Watt. A lot of famous people started out a Madison, and who knows, you could be next.

WHERE WE HANG

Bascom Hill is the place to go. Whether you need somewhere to do homework or somewhere to hang out, Bascom Hill gives you a great spot to sit. Besides that, football games and a social life go in hand in hand at Madison. The students harbor tons of pride in their school, so they really go all out. In other words, if you aren’t wearing red, then you’re doing it wrong. So pull out those red overalls and get yourself some football tickets. If football doesn’t interest you much, then check out the Arboretum or the lake. Another great place to hang out on the weekends is the bars. “There are a ton of bars within walking distance, you can pick and choose where you want to go every weekend,” said junior Joe Nessa. No matter what you like to do, you’ll find somewhere to call “your spot.”

Q&A

1. How much are students partying?

“There is a really good work/play balance at Madison. The library is always full, but many students love to party,” said junior Abby Kalenberg.

2. What will you get in trouble for at your school?

“One of the biggest things my friends and I laugh at is when there are big groups of freshman walking around trying to find a party on the weekend. They end up asking anyone they see and it’s hilarious,” said junior Joe Nessa.

3. How much sex are students having?

“I think Madison is kind of all over the board. I know people who don’t want anything serious and just hook up, and I have other friends in pretty serious relationships,” said junior Bella Newman.

4. What would you tell incoming freshman about your school?

“I would tell them to join an organization and really participate. A lot of students get caught up in the everyday trials of college and don’t take a look around. Madison is much more than parties, bars, and school,” said senior Caleb Foust.

5. Why did you choose Madison?

“I grew up in a very conservative city and so coming to the liberal capital of the midwest for school was incredibly intimidating. However, as I started to push my boundaries a bit and embrace my curiosity as well as the spectrum of diversity in culture, politics, ethnicity, spirituality, etc. that make up Madison, I found a better understanding of not only myself but our world,” said senior Laura Carlson.

STUDENT REVIEWS

“Everyone at Madison is really high energy and friendly. Game days are the best part. There are so many students here who are dedicated to success, everyone wants to do really well” – Joe Nessa, Class of 2018

“Madison is just the best! It’s truly unlike any other city I’ve ever experienced. It is very welcoming and diverse in every way.” – Bella Newman, Class of 2018

“I love how small the campus feels. Also, we make our own ice cream here, and it’s really good.” – Abby Kalenberg, Class of 2018

“Madison is that the people of this incredibly beautiful city are so passionate about what the do and what they stand for. It create wholesome, diverse, and just exciting opportunities to get involved in anything you could possibly dream up.” – Laura Carlson, Class of 2017

“Madison is a fantastic campus for extracurricular activities. Since the student population is so large and the city formed around the campus, you can find others interested in just about anything you can think of.” – Caleb Foust, Class of 2017

TOP THREE MAJORS

1. Biology

2. Economics

3. Political Science

TOP THREE MOST POPULAR STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

1. Hoofers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEBwGHUO2Ac

Hoofers gives all students, experienced or not, the chance to try some fun outdoor activities. “We have six clubs: horseback riding, ski and snowboarding, sailing, mountaineering, outing and SCUBA diving. No experience is required to join any of the clubs and all of our members are supportive and willing to help newbies,” said Foust, the Hoofers’ president. Scuba diving? We’d totally go for that.

2. Badger Volunteers

Badger Volunteers sets up UW students with amazing volunteer opportunities. You commit to volunteering once a week, partnering with organizations like boys and girls clubs, adult day clubs, education centers and outreach ministries. They works specifically with groups focused on education, sustainability and public health. “They have things like a Special Olympics and a lot of people are involved in it. It’s really cool,” said Kalenberg. If you love to volunteer or just want to spic up your resume, this is an easy way to do it.

3. Greek Life

With over 55 different frats and sororities to pledge, you can’t go wrong when trying to find a whole new network of brothers or sisters at UW-Madison. Greek Life also does a ton of philanthropy, each organization with their own cause. “If you even have a tiny bit of interest in Greek life, do it. It’s super fun,” said Nessa.

GETTING IN

For anyone trying to get into Madison, you’ll want to focus on academics. “They typically want four years of math. They also definitely focus on GPA. However, extra-curriculars are important as well. If you have a good academic record, but you don’t do anything else, you probably won’t get in,” said Newman. So make sure to get involved in high school, but never put your activities above your grades. They will look for GPAs between 3.7 and 4.0 and the average ACT score is a 28. In other words? Madison wants well-rounded students who strive for excellence.