<p>I just found out last night that I had been accepted into the University of Wisconsin... As I had been expecting postponement, I had immediately assumed I was just going to go to the U, but now I'm left with a tough decision. </p>
<p>I have applied for nursing, but for Wisconsin they only accept 25-30 freshman whereas Minnesota accepts approx 100 freshman. Both schools if you're not accepted you have to apply your junior year. Granted if I get accepted into one of the freshman guarantee programs, my decision will be easy. However, if I don't get accepted into either or I get accepted into both, I will need to make the decision.</p>
<p>When touring Minnesota, I really liked the feel of the campus. I also liked the underground tunnels for in the winter and I liked being able to rely on the train to take you off of campus. However, based off what I've read (I'm not from Minnesota and I'm not sure if I would want to partake in Greek life) I'm worried that I would struggle to meet new people due to "lack of on campus social life" and people going home during the weekends. One of the benefits of Minnesota is also the fact that the Mayo Clinic is approximately an hour away, which would be a dream to volunteer/intern/work at.
However when touring Wisconsin, although I did like the feel of the campus, i didn't like it as much as Minnesota. I'm also worried about the competitiveness of Wisconsin, my mom and both noticed how it seemed like a lot of the people there had a "I'm better than you" attitude and I'm just not that kind of person. Also I understand that Wisconsin is known to be a "better school" than Minnesota, and considering how hard I've tried throughout high school, I would feel guilty not going to the school that could, potentially, offer me a better education. </p>
<p>Overall I'm mostly concerned about meeting new people and whether or not the education is all that different. Two major things I'm also looking for in a school is the study abroad program and 4 year graduation rates (I've heard in past Minnesota's were low - with the 4 year plan are they getting any better? Also, I heard wisconsins are dropping - is that true?). Any input on these things would be very much appreciated. </p>
<p>Also, a big reason a lot of people go to Wisconsin (at least from my school) is sports, however I'm not too big on sports so that won't be a major deciding factor for me. </p>
<p>You aren’t likely to be able to volunteer/intern there during the school year. It isn’t that close… it would be a LOT easier to volunteer at the University hospital instead. There are going to be plenty of great opportunities there. And regarding academic quality, I don’t think you are going to find a huge difference in the nursing programs.</p>
<p>I believe U of MN has surpassed U of W in the past few years in graduation rates. The most recent numbers I can find have 59% for U of MN in 4 years (and 75% in 5 years), and 56% for U of W - Madison. So they are really pretty comparable.</p>
<p>I can’t imagine there is much difference in study abroad between them. I think that while some students go home on weekends from U of MN, there is still plenty going on around campus and people who are there. And… in case sports are a factor, U of MN does have a pretty good football team (beat Nebraska today, playing WIsconsin for the Big Ten West title next week!).</p>
<p>I think it probably should come down to (1) if you get into nursing as a freshman at either school, and (2) how much you feel at home and like the campus. Sounds to me like MN should get the nod unless you get into the nursing program at Wisconsin.</p>
<p>You can’t go wrong with either one, so I would go with whatever one “felt” best to you. MN is really growing in prominence, especially with kids here on the east coast. </p>
<p>Another thing - my parents are unable to help me pay for college, so price is probably something I should factor in too. I used the net price calculator and filled it out to the best of my ability and it said for Minnesota I will have to pay approximately 20k a year whereas Wisconsin only 13k… I have been applying for scholarships but I doubt I’ll end up getting that much. </p>
<p>If you can go to college for 13k at Wisconsin, that will be hard to beat. The questions are a) how are you going to raise 13K for each year plus 4% more each year? and b) does that 13K incorporate your taking $5500 in loans, work study, and a PELL grant?</p>
<p>Way to throw a boomerang into the conversation. ^^what he said, how are you going to go at all with no help? Probably factor in price, whaaa? So you are instate for UW, but you can’t get helped by parents and think you have money for out of state?</p>
<p>Madison COA is 25k for everything if you are dorming. Are you thinking of commuting from home? Or does the U supply money over your loan and what Pell you get?</p>
<p>@BrownParent well Wisconsin and Minnesota have a reciprocity deal so I do get in state tuition at the twin cities, when doing my net price calculator Im not sure if that was factored in or not which I probably should’ve checked. My parents will pay for me to get to and from school during holidays and Im sure they will also help out with food plans etc. it’s just the actual tuition that they refuse to pay for. I have yet to fill out fafsa so the net pricing calculators aren’t completely accurate yet, but nonetheless either way I know niether myself nor my family will be able to pay for my entire tuition no matter which school I go to. </p>
<p>in that case, you need to apply to colleges that will meet your need or will offer you a better deal. In this region, you have Beloit, Lawrence, Carleton, St Olaf, Macalester, Gustavus Adolphus (depending on your stats).
St Olaf and Carleton have a partnership with the Mayo clinic (summer internships), don’t know whether Macalester does.</p>