UIUC vs UW Madison?

<p>I got accepted to both and I am waiting to hear back from more schools in april but
out of these two schools, which one would be better for me?
I can't afford go to visit any of them so those of you who know the schools well please help me :)</p>

<p>They are both great with equal reputation but UW madison is cheaper than UIUC.
But then I heard it is really hard to make good grades in wisconsin compared to other schools.
I prefer more academic atmosphere. I don't like parties and drinking.</p>

<p>And a prettier campus ! :)</p>

<p>Which one should I choose?</p>

<p>According to what matters to you most from the above, there is NO question that Wisconsin is the correct choice.</p>

<p>UW-Madison is situated alongside Lake Mendota, and the campus is very scenic. At one end is State St., home to many shops and restaurants. </p>

<p>As for the partying and drinking: well, it is a very big school, and there is no shortage of partying and drinking, but the advantage of big schools is that you can find your own crowd. I doubt that it is significantly different in that regard than other large flagship universities, including UIUC, although my personal experience with UIUC is pretty limited.</p>

<p>Among people I have known, both my own generation and that of my college-age kids, most think Madison is a better college town. But that is a subjective matter, of course.</p>