Wisconsin-Madison OR UGA?

College Search & Selection
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<p>Hi all,</p>

<p>My son has several nice college choices and is pretty much down to these two schools - he has been accepted at both. I'll try to give some basic background/interests but don't want to bias your input with too much info or my opinion yet. I am hoping this post will allow us to "think out loud" and "help me help him" sort the choices from an objective viewpoint. I may also post this on the parent forum.</p>

<p>We live in Virginia so both are OOS public universities. Costs for each are very comparable so remove cost as a deciding factor. Both are a long distance from home (other than driving for initial freshman move in, he will fly back/forth to school - time and costs to do so are similar). He has visited both and loved both. DS is not sure on an exact career path so wants a school where he can pursue numerous options... that said, he is considering a pre-med path though not necessarily with a bio or chem major. He also likes the social sciences so something with good science and social sciences (bio, chem, history, poli sci, econ) as well as good potential for acceptance at grad or med school as an option. Not interested in hard sciences (engineering, computer science, physics), business, or languages as a major focus at this time. Perhaps some combo of science/social in something like environmental policy??? Basically wants a strong liberal arts education with potential for research, internships or other specialized opportunities as his interests develop.</p>

<p>We looked at a large variety of schools and he was really drawn to the larger university settings with lots of vibe and a great college town. He wants "the whole college experience" with big sports (as a fan to watch and to play intramurals), parties, interesting lectures/speakers, etc... He loves a good music scene (again, both to go to concerts as well as practice rooms and such to play his guitar). He'd prefer a more liberal school or at least one with lots of ideas and tolerance and variety. He doesn't know anyone really at either school, but a couple of his buddies are considering UGA. He doesn't care for the cold, but I think would deal with it if all else points to UW. He loves the outdoors in general (both have advantages here - Wisco cold, but the lake and bike trails etc...). He is social and loves meeting new people.</p>

<p>So, where would you choose or recommend and why? I will share some of my opinions and other info as the thread progresses. </p>

<p>Thanks!!</p>

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<p>I can put u in mansion, somewhere in Wiscansin.</p>

<p>Wisconsin has a better rep overall academically. But UGA has a better "college experience" because its in the SEC, which means its sports actually matter.</p>

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<p>
[quote]
But UGA has a better "college experience" because its in the SEC, which means its sports actually matter.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Rather, which means its football actually matters. The SEC is awful at everything else, most notably basketball.</p>

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<p>erm, Baseball? Gymnastics? Tennis? Swimming?</p>

<p>Thought so. btw that's just UGA, imagine all the other schools.</p>

<p>I'll concede Basketball lol.</p>

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<p>Just because the SEC basketball teams weren't that strong this year, Vanderbilt has been to the NCAA tournament for many of the past years. Usually, several SEC schools go. The games are fun to attend and are very intense with lots of rivalry.</p>

<p>Both schools are excellent. Wisconsin has a stronger academic reputation, but Georgia is just fine. I would stay in the south if it were my choice. I love Athens.</p>

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<p>Wisconinsin>>UGA. Wisconsin is excellent in biology and chemistry and is a more prestigious university overall. I don't see how anyone can say that U-W gives less of a college experience than Georgia. Where are you barrons? Please enlighten these people!</p>

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<p>I was in a very similar situation a few years ago. I had narrowed down my top choice to UGA, Wisconsin, Michigan, and UCLA. I then narrowed it down to Madison and UGA.</p>

<p>I am now a junior at UGA. And I don't regret a second it. I have loved it here. From what you said in the post, I think UGA would be a great fit - it was an amazing atheletic scene, a geat social atmosphere, and a beautiful BEAUTIFUL, sunny, campus. </p>

<p>Also, the kids at UGA are very bright and driven (how else would they have gotten in?).</p>

<p>Has your son been accepted into the Honors College?</p>

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<p>Hillary2012. Why do I have a feeling you don't care for winter weather all that much?</p>

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<p>I have a professional degree from Wisconsin, and long, long ago in high school I went to a summer program at UGA, so I have some familiarity with Athens too. Both schools would provide a very good "big college experience." The City of Madison is much more progressive, and most of the year (not including November to March) more scenic than Athens. Wisconsin, as you know, has a better academic reputation overall, but UGA is considered one of the stronger southern state flagship schools.</p>

<p>I think your son should think carefully about how much real winter weather will bother him. When the azaleas are blooming near Athens most kids are still layering in Madison. But there are 40,000 students in Madison who seem to have a great time despite the weather anyway. And there's nothing quite as glorious as late summer through fall in the upper midwest. </p>

<p>By the way, if the college sports scene is what's really important to him, Sports Illustrated rated Madison the best college sports town in the nation.</p>

<p>Good luck with your choice.</p>

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<p>Sometimes Barrons has to work.;-)
I think others have done justice to both. I think for the more intellectually inclined who want a little more urban type campus UW>>UGA. Lots more job and research opportunities. Med and vet schools on campus. Also VA and several other hospitals near campus. You could learn to love ice hockey as well as football and basketball.</p>

<p>You want #1 or #2??</p>

<p>SI.com</a> - SI on Campus - Best College Sports Towns - Thursday September 11, 2003 10:59AM</p>

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<p>haha because i much prefer the sun to snow!</p>

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<p>You're right, saying 'everything else' was a poor choice of words. I was referring to the 2 major spectator sports, football and basketball. The SEC is second to no conference in football. In basketball, not so much, not to say that the Big 10 is that great compared to the Big East/ACC. In reality, both schools have excellent athletics, meaning that your decision will come down to two things: academics and weather. I guess what I'm saying is that we can't really decide for you, then.</p>

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<p>UW-Madison>>>UGA</p>

<p>Big Ten>>>SEC</p>

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<p>
[quote]
Big Ten>>>SEC

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Never in one million years.</p>

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<p>Let me rephrase that</p>

<p>Big Ten>>>SEC (Except for football)</p>

<p>I mean look at basketball, or just plain academic quality of the schools in their respected conferences. I realize these are athletic conferences, but there is also the point of being a student athlete.</p>

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<p>Big Ten > SEC for basketball and academics
SEC > Big Ten for football and climate
SEC just edges out the B10 for hot girls, but factor out Michigan and Northwestern and the B10 would be competitive</p>

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<p>^lol I love your post mephist0</p>

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<p>Georgia has a great atmosphere and is a good school as well. If I had to choose between the two, I would probably go to UGA.</p>

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<p>Thanks for all the valuable input. Great stuff!!</p>

<p>OK, as we pretty much knew, he can clearly have an awesome sports experience at either! SEC and Big 10 are both great and I think he'd be happy with either - no need to pick sides at this juncture ;-)</p>

<p>Madison and Athens are both awesome college towns - in fact, each town was a major factor in his choosing these as his top 2. Music, restaurants, "funky" feel, friendly even though the vibe is a bit different. Madison may offer a bit more as the city is larger and also state capital, but Athens is also lovely with lots to offer. Weather gets the nod in Athens for sure (and the gorgeous girls did not escape his notice - I am sure they are gorgeous at UW, too, but we just couldn't see when they were covered in full weather protection :-)! ) After enjoying a GLORIOUS late August day in Madison, we did make sure to re-visit at the end of January after he was accepted. We took our tour on a ONE degree morning. It freaked him out a bit, but he was ok. I told him we would just get a "big honking Michelin man parka" and he'd learn to deal - plus, the library is warm so he can just spend lots of time there! LOL. He loved the lake, and it was at least SUNNY with the cold. :-)</p>

<p>Perhaps I overstated the "liberal thing" as we live in a very conservative "red" area - I've never been 100% comfortable with it (DH and I from NY and Baltimore area), but he's grown up here so is more used to it. Although he would definitely like a more liberal or diverse setting, Athens would probably qualify compared to our home town. And, while not super religious, he is one of a very few Jewish kids at his school (I can literally count the number in the whole high school on my fingers) so it would be nice to have more of a religious mix as well as some international students, etc... maybe that is my bias (then again, I went to W&M which is considered fairly homogeneous and loved it so who knows?). </p>

<p>To answer a question from the thread - No, he did not apply to UGA's honors program. It was his plan, but the app was due right at the end of 1st semester and he was swamped with a huge AP English term paper and numerous exams as well as senior play and sports. He wasn't so seriously considering UGA at that point, so let it go. The plan/goal would be that he could apply during freshman year if he chose.</p>

<p>OK, so let's talk more about the MAIN reason for going to college - ACADEMICS! This is where I go back and forth and am of two minds. Obviously both schools have amazing educational opportunities with many bright, motivated students. I believe that college is what you make of it and, should he choose to fully avail himself of the many opportunites provided, he could get an excellent education and thrive at either school. And, I recognize that "rankings," "ratings," reputation, prestige... are not everything. BUT it is hard to ignore that they do play a role in grad/med school acceptance, job recruitment, etc... and by most measures U of Wisconsin seems to be the "stronger" academic school with a great reputation. I mean, they have like 70 programs in various fields that are considered "top 10" in the nation. UGA has some programs that are very tops as well, but given that DS is not 100% what he wants to major in, does it make sense academically not to choose UW? DS is quite bright with decent stats, but he not likely to be THE tippy top at either school. Honors might be a good option for him at UGA, but he is not a "high intensity academic" destined to be a Rhodes scholar - he is a hard worker and likes to think and discuss - he reads for pleasure a lot - he also wants balance, fun and quality of life - motivated, but not ultra-driven or uber-competitive with peers. Hope that gives a picture although his school choices might already have done that.</p>

<p>This is where I will betray my bias - I was always raised to believe you go to the "BEST" school you can get into at which you will also be happy and able to be successful. How much difference is there really between them? What about getting into graduate or med school (if he sticks with that)? In the end it is truly his choice, and we will support whatever he wants to do - really. It is his life to make of it what he will. It is possible to go to "Joe Schmoe" college and have a great and successful life and career, and it is also possible to go to Ivy U and not. </p>

<p>Phew, thanks. If you are still reading, thank you. It is helpful just to put it "on paper" and step back a bit. I welcome any other thoughts, suggestions, observations. In particular, from an academic standpoint... how significant is the difference and does it matter given that they are both good schools?</p>

<p>By the way, he would probably SAY he is leaning towards UW, but I get a sense that he also really likes UGA and is conflicted which is why I am writing this - to see if reading comments from outside, objective folks helps settle what is right for him in his mind. We know lots of kids choosing and making such the FINAL choice is hard for most. They've worked so hard to have CHOICES and are now justifiably relishing them.</p>

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<p>Well, I'm obviously biased (see earlier post) but I just can't stress enough just how great an environment UGA is. The campus is beautiful, the weather is picture-perfect, Athens is probably the nicest college town in the country, and the academics are superb. </p>

<p>If you have any specific questions, feel free to PM me.</p>