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The University of Wisconsin-Madison's "great reputation" and "huge variety of programs" draw "enthusiastic students" who want to make a positive impact "through research and service." This large research university has over 321 undergraduate majors and the wide range of options makes it easy to "find one that you will enjoy." As one student describes, "I'm only taking one major, but I am pursuing three certificates (minors) because there are so many interesting options on campus." The academics "challenge you to your full potential," and if you work hard, you'll "be rewarded with amazing opportunities." The school puts a "huge emphasis on gaining research experience" and provides "wonderful facilities" where research is conducted on topics "ranging from environmental to sociological to biomedical and everything in between." This also means that classes are taught by "leading researchers in their fields" who are overall "great and passionate instructors." The majority are "so enthusiastic" and "very knowledgeable, interesting, and happy to help." Students recommend attending office hours "to get the most out of their expertise" and say some professors go above and beyond "to give students extra study tips and extra office hours before the exam." From the one-on-one support to the engaging classes, it's clear that professors here "care about their students and their success." As one student says, "I have learned more at this school than I ever knew was possible."

There is "great school camaraderie" thanks to a "well-rounded atmosphere" at WisconsinMadison where students bond over academics, sports, and having fun. Whether it's studying, cheering on the football team, or joining an extracurricular, students here "go all out at everything we do." There are students from all 50 states as well as 123 countries, and about half of the student body hails from Wisconsin. It's a "very lively" campus where students enjoy getting involved on campus. People here are "very self-driven" and UW's "large variety of clubs and organizations" speaks to the students' desire to pursue their interests "with everything they have." Overall, students are "able to find a good balance between work and fun." As one enrollee puts it, "When it is time to buckle down and study, we get the job done." While classmates are "working hard in classes," they're equally "willing to get involved with fun activities and meet new people." UW's large size means there are "many different individuals on campus, so there is really a fit for everyone." Overall, people are friendly and approachable. As one student explains, "People always talk to each other" in classes and labs," and, "[I] always end the semester with a couple new friends."

UWN delivers a neat blend of city and nature, as well as a mix of outdoor activities, whether it's warm or cold. The many trails and paths are "usually busy during the weekends with joggers and bikers" and there's also windsurfing, paddle boarding, sailing or ice fishing, and cross-country skiing. Students are said to "attend Badgers games sun or snow," and though "winters are brutal" according to some, they also provide great opportunities for school spirit, like "a massive campus-wide snowball fight." There are many indoor activities to be found as well, including "free movies, art workshops, concerts, open mic nights, guest lecture series, and performances from other student organizations." And "right off campus," there are "lots of options for shopping and really amazing restaurants." Students say that it can be "a bit of a party school," particularly on weekends and game days, though "it's easy to find other things to do to have fun." There are over 900 student organizations, and students say their peers are "extremely involved in diverse organizations and extracurriculars." Essentially, "people can always find something to fit their idea of fun."

Career Services are organized through the university’s individual schools and colleges. However, the Career Exploration Center is available university-wide to help students focus their paths from the start through academic advising, workshops, and career assessment tools. This drilled-down approach to professional planning is a nice personalization in a large university. One student shares, “My career path was significantly influenced by a number of professors due to their ability to teach, care for students' success both in and out of the classroom, and excitement for research.” That last point is almost universally agreed upon as the biggest future-planning benefit to the school: With “an abundance of research opportunities in all fields,” even first-years “can easily work in a lab, and if you’re there long enough, there is potential for publication.” Overall, the school offers an array of “great programs that make you an excellent candidate to potential employers.”