<p>My son needs to choose between Maryland (College Park) and Wisconsin (Madison). I'd be really interested in hearing which school, in general, you would argue for. Obviously, my son's particular circumstances will play a significant role in his choice, but I'm interested in hearing more general arguments for one or the other school. (A "general" argument can, of course, itself be based on particular circumstances, so feel free to argue that one or the other school is preferable if the prospective student lives near the school, has some particular set of interests, and so on.)</p>
<p>Madison has something for everyone, and it is nearly impossible to be bored here. It is next to a beautiful lake and the state capital, a great party school, it has one of the best gameday atmospheres in the country, it is affordable, and it is a top notch education.</p>
<p>Wisconsin is a great and IMO highly UNDER-rated university. I would opt for Wisconsin as well for the exposure to great professors and a good combination of social and cultural activities.</p>