So it’s getting closer to May 1st and I still haven’t decided on a college. UM Twin Cities and UW Madison are my top choices right now and I haven’t been able to choose. I’m thinking that I’ll be pursuing computer science or some type of engineering while I’m an undergrad though I’m not 100% sure. I do plan on being pre-med though but I’m not dead set on it so I want to get a good undergrad degree if that falls through. I was accepted into the college of science and engineering at Minnesota and also the honors program. I’ve also been accepted to UW Madison. From what I’ve seen Madison seems to rank higher in science, math, and engineering than Minnesota. Minnesota would be cheaper, at about 9-10k a year after merit scholarships. Madison would be more like 20k, which is still not bad because of reciprocity. Minnesota is obviously a great value but I liked the Madison campus a bit more when I visited and Madison seems to be stronger academically(?). Anyway, I’d just like to hear a few opinions on this because I’m having a tough time deciding. Which school is stronger in the areas I’m interested in? Does the honors program at Minnesota make it better? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Pay attention to the requirements to get into or stay in your major.
Minnesota admits to engineering or CS majors those who have a 3.2 college GPA in the prerequisites; others compete by GPA for the remaining spaces. Wisconsin has admission (and progression for those initially in the major) required GPAs that vary by engineering major (e.g. chemical needs a 3.5), although CS appears to just need a C in one CS course.
UW is a little bit stronger in CS, Engineering, and in most other majors and academically overall.
I think you should compare UW’s slight academics/rep and (according to you) campus advantages against Minnesota’s cost advantage. Are UW’s quality and fit advantages worth the extra dough? My answer is “yes, if you can afford it,” but I am a UW grad – this is your decision.
Also, as UCB mentioned, do weigh program requirements – both to get in and to finish.