I have been accepted to both the University of Minnesota Twin Cities and the University of Wisconsin Madison. I am planning on majoring in interior design/interior architecture but I have no idea what college to go to. I live 30 mins from the Twin Cities and about 4 hours from Madison so I really like that Madison isn’t so close to home. I also really like that the campus is a little smaller and is in the city but still has the lake so you can get away from the excitement. I also like the atmosphere and school spirit Madison has to offer but I’m worried about getting accepted into my program after the 1st year because there is a less than 50% acceptance rate whereas, at the U, it is much higher. Also, Minnesota has a lot more to offer in the art and design scene both at the campus and in the city itself. It also has more backup majors I’m interested in. Any thoughts on what’s more important the college itself or the program you want to do? Thanks.
UW is awesome – as an alumnus, I am biased.
UW has a slightly stronger rep and probably very slightly higher academic quality. UW does have an edge in the sports scene: experiencing a game at Camp Randall Stadium is not just about the game – it’s all the other things like Jump Around, Buttercup, the 5th Quarter, and the rivalry between student sections O and P that make it the best ticket in town. Students of vastly differing political and social preferences are nonetheless united as Badgers. There is a robust party scene, lots of fun to be had on State Street, the view from the top of Bascom Hill, taking a break on the Union Terrace – other things that augment the experience in Madison.
The Twin Cities do offer more of an urban/city experience, and it would be a little easier for you to get into your major. That last point is a definite pro for the U of M.
If they are close in cost I’d pick UW, for personal reasons and those mentioned here, but Minnesota is a good school and if you feel that the cost/fit combo is better, it would be a fine choice as well. You probably can’t go wrong here.
What proportion of applicants get into the program you want at the U of MN? If it is relatively higher than 50%, that is something to take into account in favor of MN. On the other hand, your family’s location near the Twin Cities means you could go to the UW and try to find summer internships in MN if you think there are good opportunities there.