<p>I was accepted to both and plan on studying economics. All things being considered (academics & student lifestyles), which one do you think is better decision? With financial aid packages, the price difference is too small to be a deciding factor.</p>
<p>They are both excellent schools, but pretty different from each other. UW is a Big Ten school with all that entails. If you are looking for big time college athletics, you can’t beat UW. Madison is a wonderful city to be in, much more so than Rochester. UR on the other hand is much more focused on undergrad education. Your classes will be smaller and you will have a much better chance to get to know your professors. Either school will provide grad school and employment opportunities after graduation.</p>
<p>ATrain, would you mind me asking what your GPA and test scores were? I’m trying to get a gauge on what I need for the UW honors program. My dad has actually worked at both universities, so I have a feeling for both of them. I believe academics are basically equal, but Rochester is in the middle of nowhere and the campus is pretty small, and IMO it is trying to look like an Ivy and it just doesn’t work. I just don’t like the feeling there at all. Madison has something for everyone, and with such a large student body you will definitely find a crowd to hang out with. If you want college sports, there isn’t really a choice, UW is second to UMich with its combination of academics and sports</p>
<p>I would go for Madison based on its location (my preference) and its awesome combination of academics, social life, sports, Madison culture.</p>