The University of Wisconsin, Madison, has been on my list to tour for years, given its increasing popularity among California students and Forbes Magazine’s latest declaration as a “New Ivy.”

I just returned from the campus and am excited to share my experience. It lived up to the hype.

Location and campus: Upon first glance, the University of Wisconsin, Madison,  looks like a combination of the best features of UT-Austin and the University of Vermont, with its campus nestled right up next to the Capitol, tons of hilly green space that is beautifully manicured bordering a large body of water (Lake Mendola). Big Ten school spirit, even in the summer, was evident throughout the tour and the friendliness of the Midwest was at all corners of campus.

Targeted Student Audience and Academics: This large research institution of 35,000 students is gaining popularity rapidly, and I would recommend students add it to their list if they want to pursue the Sciences, STEM, and Business, are looking for a change of scenery from UC, and want to enjoy a strong athletic and social scene. It has a huge new Data Science and Information Science building that should be finished in 2025. They plan to return to standardized testing in 2027.

Unique Characteristics: Undergraduates focus on “The Wisconsin Idea,” where each student uses their education to improve people’s lives in Madison and beyond. The Wisconsin Guarantee is starting in the fall of 2025, where the top 10% of in-state graduates who receive an ACT score in the 90th percentile nationally or who are a National Merit Finalist will be granted automatic admissions. They said this will not affect the number of out-of-state acceptances. Students should show interest by touring, attending a summer program on campus, connecting with an admissions representative, or attending an online event.