Hi guys. I’m planning to major in Psychology (BS), and I wanted some help choosing between these two. The suggestions need not be specific to the major. I’d really appreciate your help!
Are you out of state for both or instate for one? How significant is the cost difference between the two?
Both are great schools – Madison is more of a college town than a major city, huge sports and school spirit, the Terrace and Lake Mendota make a pretty great “backyard” for school. At the same time, for someone who wants more of a truly urban experience, Twin Cities is fabulous. Have you visited both? Consider spending time on the Psych dept website for each school, reading about any special programs, plus career paths for majors, career services support for students at each school.
@Midwestmomofboys Thanks! I’m actually an international applicant, which is why I can’t visit either of them. The cost difference isn’t much of a problem. Yeah I think I’ll check out the Psych dep website in more detail. I’m going to go for graduate studies after, so considering that, there isn’t a huge difference between the two right? Also, I got into Purdue and U of Washington as well. But I’m under the impression that u Minnesota and UW-madison are better, ranking wise and all. Is that right? Thanks again!
We live in Indiana, so know Purdue reasonably well – its strengths are in Engineering, I’m sure Psych is fine, but wouldn’t be worth it over MN or WI. Washington is a top school, same tier as Wisconsin, especially for Engineering and Computer Science but, like Purdue, Psych is not going to be what it is famous for.
Graduate department rankings put MN and WI right next to each other, each within the top 15 of graduate school rankings, so there is not a meaningful difference there.
I’d spend time on the websites, and think about whether you prefer a truly city experience for university or more of a small city. Congrats on great options!
Got it. I’ll do that. Thank you so much for your help!
Like Minnesota and Wisconsin, Washington has had a highly regarded Department of Psychology for a many years:
https://www.socialpsychology.org/gunder.htm
https://www.socialpsychology.org/ranking.htm
http://www.stat.tamu.edu/~jnewton/nrc_rankings/nrc41.html#area40
Looking at @UWfromCA info, Washington’s Psych program is also excellent, and the urban experience would be more like Minnesota’s (without the bitter cold and snow). Another factor might be ease of travel to each location – depending on where you are coming from. Wisconsin, Minnesota and Washington are all fabulous options!
@UWfromCA Thanks, I hadn’t realized that. @Midwestmomofboys That definitely makes it easier for me to come to a decision, thanks!