Application Essay: UW Madison

UW Madison sent me a postcard at the end of July 2021. 

It asked: “Are you ready to change the world?” My immediate response: YES! 

I have striven for the honor to attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison for as long as I can remember. The University of Wisconsin Madison draws me in with its history of being identified as a distinguished school that provides an extensive variety of academic and extracurricular opportunities for its students. I aspire to be appropriately challenged to increase my knowledge, to become an active member of a diverse student population, and to discover how to connect my passion and purpose with my future career. 

Undoubtedly, the University of Wisconsin-Madison is one of Wisconsin’s most academically challenging colleges. I want to be challenged. In my upcoming senior year, I am taking AP Statistics, AP Calculus BC, AP Environmental Science, along with three dual credit classes. I will also be actively involved in FCCLA, student senate, NHS, math club and league, and big brothers big sisters. I have always worked hard at everything I do, and college won’t be any different. I want to go to Madison because it will push me to work hard and learn more. 

Furthermore, UW-Madison offers a multitude of different opportunities that I would love to explore. From almost 900 student organizations to the choice of 65 countries to study abroad, along with many different volunteer and community-based opportunities within my major, I know UW Madison will help me to grow mentally, academically, and personally. Specifically, I would love to study abroad, exploring the many different options and organizations that fit my interests. I place a high value on involvement in the community and serving others. UW Madison would provide me with the opportunity to accomplish both.

Additionally, growing up in central Wisconsin, I had set my goal to attend UW Madison for as long as I can remember. Some of my favorite memories created in Madison are walking down state street - catching a glimpse of the prestigious capitol building, watching the otters and most recently their pups at the Henry Vilas Zoo, and exploring local coffee shops. Becoming a Badger, by acceptance to UW Madison would fulfill my dream of learning and growing within my state & community.

Mosinee has a population of approximately 4,033, my graduating class is around 160. Our small town lacks the diversity and culture I look for in Madison. My family plans mini-vacations to Madison a few times every year. I have observed the contrast and know that living in Madison will expand my horizons and expose me to a multiplicity of people. Due to Madison’s diverse population of students and staff, I look forward to learning more about other people and celebrating our cultural similarities and differences. 

  I plan on majoring in Community and Environmental Sociology along with Environmental Sciences. These majors will provide me with information about the environment, along with the opportunities to change it for the better. These majors interest me because I want to make a difference in the world. I know that I am here on this earth to make it a better place. I realize that our environment, our world is struggling. I feel a calling to learn more about what I can do to help it. I believe in UW Madison’s focus on implementing the Wisconsin idea: that education should impact one’s life even outside of the classroom. Ultimately, I want to be able to take my knowledge and make a difference with it, and I know Madison is the right place for me to start my journey.