The University of Wisconsin—Madison is a public research university located in, well, Madison. The oldest and largest public school in the state, Wisconsin is known for its exceptional athletics. A proud member of the Big Ten, the school also offers a plethora of activities and clubs, including a robust Greek Life. Located in a popular college town for those who can handle winter, the school has more than 30,000 undergraduate students and an acceptance rate of 52%.
Tell us why you decided to apply to the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In addition, please include why you are interested in studying the major(s) you have selected. If you selected undecided please describe your areas of possible academic interest. (you may enter up to 650 words).
Before You Do Anything Read This Part
First thing’s first with this essay prompt. Don’t say you’re undecided. Even if you are undecided, the university doesn’t need to know that. Each school is trying to cultivate an exceptional class of students, each of whom has a chance to go out into the world and become the best in their respective fields. As such, schools are interested in recruiting the most promising students in their respective niches. All you really have to show the admissions committee who you are is your resume, your test scores, your grades, your recommendations, and your essay. Each component of the application needs to demonstrate a part of your personality and also, your unique expertise. Saying you are undecided as a major doesn’t tell the admissions folks anything about you. Do yourself a favor and position yourself as an expert in a very specific niche. (Writing about an intended major in your admissions essay doesn’t bind you to it!)
Unpacking the Question
Before you get started, read the question over again. Most—if not all—university supplements are really just asking you “why this school?” This one is obviously no different. But your answer should be a bit more crafty then just a straightforward “I love this school because x, y, and z.” Your response should actually be a sales pitch about yourself cleverly disguised as an answer to the question. Your objective should be to identify what you and Wisconsin have in common and why you’re the best candidate to go there. Illustrate the overlap in the Venn diagram between you two.
Research
You should start out by doing a deep-dive into the university, particularly in the area of your academic interest. Read about all of the classes. Learn about the professors and their areas of research. Read about the clubs and extracurriculars that relate to your area of interest and learn all that there is to know. Identify the things that make you genuinely excited academically and that relate specifically to the niche you’ve carved out for yourself.
A Bit About You
We recommend beginning your essay with a story of how you came to adopt your particular area of expertise. This should take the form of a simple story, 1-2 paragraphs long. It shouldn’t be a big deal story either. Maybe you saw something on the local news just before starting high school about cuts to a composting program and you decided you were interested in sustainability. Perhaps you became obsessed with naming all of the U.S. presidents in order as a kid and set out on a lifelong journey of American presidential history. Really do some reflecting and see if you can identify the moment that started it all for you.
Connecting the Dots
Now, you need to talk about why you and the University of Wisconsin-Madison are a match made in heaven and your union is based on your academic area of expertise. Talk about two specific 200-level or above classes you would like to take and why. Connect these classes directly to your academic interest and talk about how taking those classes would be an extension of the path you’ve already been on. Talk about the professor with whom you’d like to research and why. Likewise with relevant clubs and activities.
Need some help cultivating a great essay about your academic interest? Call us