University of Wisconsin-Madison Top Questions

Perpetuated by being named a top partying University by various magazines (such as Playboy) as well as ranked as a top public education institution, the University of Wisconsin-Madison has an unique public image. It is at once viewed as an alcohol-fueled party center as well as a home for those committed to growing and learning as not only a student but as a person. In my experience, both these stereotypes have a basis, but the focus here at UW-Madison truly is academics. While its true that Badgers do not shy away from having a great time--especially during the crazy football season--anyone who applies here is aware that if accepted, they enter a university that is demanding, prestigious and worth one's effort.A typical week for my friends and myself here is going to class and working hard Monday through Friday, with only Saturday night reserved for blowing off steam. Even Sunday is saved for homework by almost all students (seriously, try finding a seat at College Library on a Sunday - impossible!). Although the work load is demanding and sometimes keeping up is a challenge, it seems all students here know that their effort is worth it, that recieving a degree from UW-Madison is a special, honorable achievement. It's a nice thought to keep you motivated during the thick of the semester. Aside from the drinking scene here, there is also an amazingly diverse social scene as well. I've met people from all over the country (and even world) while here at Madison and it amazes me that all are here for the same reason: to learn. This unifying commonality really provides a strong sense of community here. I've made great friends from joining groups and organizations and enjoy getting to know the varied groups of people here. UW-Madison is one of the most unique schools in the country, and I couldn't be happier to be a part of it.

Perpetuated by being named a top partying University by various magazines (such as Playboy) as well as ranked as a top public education institution, the University of Wisconsin-Madison has an unique public image. It is at once viewed as an alcohol-fueled party center as well as a home for those committed to growing and learning as not only a student but as a person. In my experience, both these stereotypes have a basis, but the focus here at UW-Madison truly is academics. While its true that Badgers do not shy away from having a great time--especially during the crazy football season--anyone who applies here is aware that if accepted, they enter a university that is demanding, prestigious and worth one's effort.A typical week for my friends and myself here is going to class and working hard Monday through Friday, with only Saturday night reserved for blowing off steam. Even Sunday is saved for homework by almost all students (seriously, try finding a seat at College Library on a Sunday - impossible!). Although the work load is demanding and sometimes keeping up is a challenge, it seems all students here know that their effort is worth it, that recieving a degree from UW-Madison is a special, honorable achievement. It's a nice thought to keep you motivated during the thick of the semester. Aside from the drinking scene here, there is also an amazingly diverse social scene as well. I've met people from all over the country (and even world) while here at Madison and it amazes me that all are here for the same reason: to learn. This unifying commonality really provides a strong sense of community here. I've made great friends from joining groups and organizations and enjoy getting to know the varied groups of people here. UW-Madison is one of the most unique schools in the country, and I couldn't be happier to be a part of it.

Madison has a reputation for being THE party school. In fact, many friends and relatives were genuinely concerned when I told them where I was going to college. But this is a quite limited view that does not encompass the scope of UW. Yes, Madison has an active drinking culture, but there's so much more to going to school here than alcohol. We have some of the best academic programs in the area, especially for a public school. In my experience, there is a niche that will suit almost any student. Between the wide variety of academic departments and other clubs and groups, it's difficult to not find someone that shares your interests. Our party school reputation, while holding some truth, detracts from the fact that Madison is a diverse community of people of all backgrounds and lifestyles. There's a place to fit almost anyone at UW, just look for it.

When people think of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, people tend to think of sports. We are known as very devoted Badger fans. While this is very true, our university is not made up of only jocks and cheering fans. The students here have many non-sports related interests and passions as well. There are clubs and activities for just about everything. Partying is another common stereotype. Considering this is college, many people do party quite a bit. However, no one ever looks down on someone who prefers not to engage in partying. The great thing about this campus is the acceptance students receive from their peers.

UW is made up of so many different groups of students that its hard to pinpoint one stereotype. Much of our cultural hybridity includes Greeks, "Coasties" (a term recently coined by a couple of students), a lot of Asian-Americans, and a large homosexual group. There isn't a lot of stock that can be put into these stereotypes, but I would say that they tell you a lot about our campus. Our immense numbers of fraternities and sororities shows that our students enjoy coming together in large groups for social, academic, and community service opportunities. The Coasties prove that we have students from literally all over the country, and the Asian-Americans are just a small portion of the students we have from all over the world. Lastly, our constantly-growing group of homosexuals on campus is not necessarily any larger than similar groups on other campuses--we here at Madison just happen to be more accepting of all lifestyles and walks of life, helping the gay community to fit in better than they might at other schools that are not as open minded as the Badgers.

Not necessarily. While it is true that UW-Madison has a reputation for being a "party school." being a Badger is much more than that. Most of this reputation comes from two events during the school year: Halloween (which includes Freak Fest on State St.) and the Mifflin St. Block Party that takes place the weekend before spring finals. The stereotype of UW students as a group of crazy college kids that go out and get wild on a nightly basis is definitely a stretch of the truth. Yes, there are a lot of parties that occur on campus but it isn't necessary to participate in them to feel like part of the Badger community. As long as you've got Big Red blood running through your veins, there is a place for you at UW-Madison.

UW Madison is a diverse school for the most part, but there is a persistant stereotype that the college is populated by drunken jocks. Although this of course holds a bit of truth as the college is located in Wisconsin and has many football fans there at, there are also a large number of students that are very dilegent in the academics. Also, despite this fun-loving atmosphere the school is also very rigorous and requires excellence indeterminate of sports affilation.

I think one common stereotype of students that go to UW-Madison is that we are all a bunch of over-achievers who drink too much. While many students do enjoy the enormous party scene, there are just as many that are reserved, quiet students who don't party as much. There is also a bit of a "bro" stereotype at the school, which sometimes translates to frat guy, but these types of guys really aren't in the majority.

Wisconsin is known for how hard it parties, and the students definitely follow the norms.

Students at UW-Madison are usually seen as hard workers and harder partiers- and this reputation is spot on. Badgers are among the best and brightest minds in the world, and you will almost never see a day where the library isn't full until late-night hours. However, come game day/ weekend day/ random Margarita Monday, you'll be hard-pressed to find a better crew to party with than one made up of UW students. People here know how to have a great time, get a little rowdy...and then still rock a test the next morning.