University of Wisconsin – Madison

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Preface:

The University of Wisconsin – Madison is a public research university, and is the flagship institute of the University of Wisconsin system. Founded in 1848, the school ranks among the top ten for a number of its programs, including many in various forms of engineering. Of course, this also means that it’s quite a big ask for an average human to get in, but if you have a good enough profile, then it’s definitely worth a shot.

Location:

Madison is a mid-sized, more or less quite city and is home to a number of universities. Of course, UW is highest ranked amongst these, and is rightly given one of the best possible locations in the city. The university is more or less self-sufficient, though there are a number of bars and restaurants nearby anyway. And you can obviously make the short two hour drive to Chicago if you need to.

Infrastructure and Residing options:

The University of Wisconsin – Madison campus is definitely a sight to behold. The main campus is built on about 900 acres, though if you include all other campuses and research centers, the expanse is over 10,000 acres. The scenic beauty all over the campus is absolutely spellbinding, with a couple of rivers bordering it on two sides, and the Capital building on a third. Don’t be fooled by the natural beauty; from the inside, the buildings are completely state-of-the-art, having all sorts of sophisticated interiors and equipment. They have some excellent libraries, which together hold over 6 million volumes, and are perhaps the most expansive areas on campus.

As for living, almost all grad students live off-campus, and fortunately there’s a plethora of living options available, so you don’t have to worry about competition in that department at least. Capital Square, Carroll Street and Main Street are the standard venues that Indians choose to stay in, because they are a- cheap and b- full of Indians.

Weather:

To put it subtly, you would have seen better weather. Summers are pretty hot, and you’re going to need a good amount of sunscreen. Winters, conversely, are terribly cold, with temperatures often falling well below the zero mark. Madison receives around 100 inches of snow every year which, in case you didn’t know, is quite a bit.

Courses Offered:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Civil and Environmental Engineering
• Geotechnical Engineering
• Computer Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Engineering Mechanics
• Nuclear Engineering and Engineering Physics
• Master of Engineering in Engine Systems
• Master of Engineering in Professional Practice
• Master of Engineering in Technical Japanese
• Environmental Chemistry and Technology Program
• Geological Engineering
• Limnology and Marine Science Program
• Industrial Engineering
• Manufacturing Systems Engineering Program
• Materials Engineering
• Materials Science and Engineering
• Materials Science Program
• Master of Engineering in Energy Systems
• Master of Engineering in Polymer Engineering and Science
• Mechanical Engineering

Faculty and Pedagogy:

There are universities known for their party life, there are some known for their athletics, and some more known for their campuses, but the University of Wisconsin at Madison has earned itself a fantastic reputation thanks primarily to its academic programs. With some highly learned, reputed and dedicated professors, learning really is a joyful experience here. Although personalized attention isn’t a given, considering the size of some classes, professors are more than willing to go out of their way to help, provided it’s the students who take the initiative.

Fees:

For a college of such high standing, University of Wisconsin charges a relative pittance of about $24,000 per year.

Financial Aid:

Like is the case with most other public universities, it’s completely possible to get scholarships at UW. However, when you take a look around and see the kind of quality you’re competing with, and you might realize that you’d rather just apply for some Teaching or Research Assistantship and work for the money.

Eventual Placements:

Some fantastic companies like Philips Morrison, Accenture, P&G, Deloitte and Kohls are regular recruiters at UW, and the packages on offer more than do justice to the jobs they give you. As long as you’re able to maintain a decent level of academics, you should be quite sorted when it comes to getting a good, high-paying job.

Crowd and Campus Life:

The one thing that would surprise you (albeit pleasantly) at Wisconsin is the friendliness of everyone. Most students are extremely agreeable, and instantly make you feel at home. Even the hottest girl probably wouldn’t have too much of an attitude problem, which is a good thing if you ask us. Of course, it’s entirely possible to find a wide range of people at UW. The cultural, geographical and socio-economical diversity is really something that the university takes pride in, and it’s quite evident why.

When you talk about life at Madison, it’s really fascinating how there’s something for everyone. Of course, there’s a multitude of bars right outside the campus on State Street, but for those less ‘alcoholicly’ inclined there are plenty of options as well. Students find the coffee shops and comedy club just about as interesting as the best bars in town. Basic point – you can find people and places to do whatever it is you like doing.

Verdict:

Great college, if you can bear the weather. Oh and if you can get in, of course.

Website:

www.wisc.edu