<p>hey guys,
i know there's been a thread like this before, but i soooooo dont know what to do atm!
basically i got accepted by both, but Minn offered me that amazing scholarship, and since im an international student it will be so much better for my parents budget if i go there cos i'll have to pay in-state fees.</p>
<p>so i just wanted to ask - is wisconsin a MUCH better uni, with a MUCH better reputation and academics? and is it more pleasant to live there?</p>
<p>Congrats on your scholarship! Way to go for an intl student! </p>
<p>Wisconsin is MUCH better. Period. OK, I just need to say that for the record. :)</p>
<p>I think you will get a good education at both places. For certain departments/programs, UW is a no-brainer. For others, it's probably a draw and, for a few, the edge goes to UMN. </p>
<p>If you are an undecided major, I will say, save some money and go to UMN for now. During your sophomore year, if you decide to major in an area where UW is a clearly superior choice, then transfer over. Or when you are sicked of seeing Badgers claiming the Paul Bunyan Axe every year, transfer over too. :)</p>
<p>It also needs to be noted that dallas is a UW alum and slightly biased. :) Overall, yes WI is better than MN. However, in areas such as engineering, it is only marginally better. Certainly for ChemE MN is the superior school. That may not matter at all if you are not interested in Engineering. However dallas' insights are very useful, as biased as they may be. Actually, that may be one of Wisconsin's strongest intangible selling points: school pride and alumni network. Either way, you really can't go wrong. If I were you I'd take the money. :)</p>
<p>I'm leaning towards MN. Oops!!!! I guess I'm not neutral either. :) I visited MN again last Monday and was really comfortable on the campus. I sat for awhile in the Union drinking coffee, reading the campus newspaper, and people watching. It feels like a good fit, but I'm going to hold off making a final decision until after I visit WI next week. </p>
<p>Chocol: I second the sugestion to visit both if possible. Either way I don't think either of us can pick a bad school. PM me if you want to talk or ask questions about either school. </p>
<p>barrons: Agreed. I'm a little bit biased at this point in my life, and have been influenced by many people who think very highly of the U's ChemE program. </p>
<p>We shall see who takes Paul Bunyan's Axe this year. I'm excited to see what Brewster is going to do.</p>
<p>I got a Global Excellence scholarship for international students from UM-Twin Cities as well, but in my opinion Madison is a far superior school in terms of academics as well as social life.</p>
<p>Wisconsin is better in all respects hands down. Minn. academics have a hard time comparing to Madison and you don't have to take a bus for 25 minutes to get to the two different campuses at wisc. like you have to at minn.</p>
<p>@dallas - no its for one year, renewable for all four if i do well academically. It was 15k, but fortunately, I can pay the fees for Madison, so im not going to Twin Cities.</p>