<p>I guess this is just a college question in general, but how much of a hassle it is to go to a school like wisconsin when you live on the east coast?</p>
<p>I'm used to really conservative, preppy, and competitive lifestyle at my school....</p>
<p>Are you going this fall, or thinking of applying? What you are used to and what you want can be very different. </p>
<p>Living on the east coast and going to school in the midwest exposes you to some differences in culture, plus there is extra travel involved. A large, liberal school like UW probably is easier to feel at home at than a school where everyone else is marching to the same drummer (unless you fit the mold). There are enough OOS students from the east coast that you won't be a lonely only, you can choose to associate with other east coast students or not. It is as much a learning experience outside the classroom as in one.</p>
<p>A liberal, laid back atmosphere allows you to try on different personas if you're tired of worrying about your wardrobe and conforming to conservative standards. You can study hard and be as competitive as you want, but with no honor roll or class rank other students don't know or care about your gpa- you do it for yourself. There are major differences in most colleges and the HS atmosphere. Do not be afraid to spread your wings and escape the familiar box you're currently used to. Also, you may be surprised to find how many instate students come from conservative lifestyles and are used to being competitive. Every new student has to make an adjustment to college, most really enjoy the freedoms and lack of conformity.</p>
<p>There is no substitute for visiting the campus during the regular school year and seeing how comfortable you feel. A good fit is determined by who you are, not where you come from.</p>
<p>They have a large Young Republicans club and a semi-conservative student daily paper. Something for everyone at UW but you will see liberals and a few commies too.</p>
<p>Story on the Badger Herald newspaper.</p>
<p>the badger herald is more of a mainstream moderate newspaper nowadays.</p>
<p>On a US college campus mainstream moderate=semi-conservative--for a college paper. Most are extremely liberal.</p>