University of Wisconsin Core
What city is the flagship University of Wisconsin campus located in?
Madison
True or False: Submitting an ACT score can still give students an edge at many colleges, even if they're test optional
TRUE
As long as the ACT score is strong enough, it is an important piece of the application and can help with admittance, scholarships, and special programs!
True or False: Volunteering can be more impactful than a long list of clubs.
TRUE
It all depends on the story behind the activities!
True or False: FAFSA is only for families with financial need
FALSE
The FAFSA is often a pre-requirement for many scholarships and other forms of aid
When is the best time to start college application essays? A) The day before the due date, B) Summer before senior year
B) Summer before senior year
What is the nickname of the University of Wisconsin-Madison's mascot
Bucky Badger
Of the list below, Which university reinstated its SAT/ACT requirement in 2024? A) Purdue B) Florida C) MIT D) Wisconsin
C) MIT
Along with many other universities across the country, MIT found that test scores provided fundamental information necessary for making strong acceptance decisions
Which is most impressive: A) A very long, random list of senior year activities, B) 2 jobs + 1 leadership role, C) Just honor society and good grades
B
Extracurricular involvement is important, but a student's activities should have a heart and story behind them
Which conference of elite colleges is known for offering the most generous need-based aid?
Ivy League
The price tag may be high, but many Ivy League schools provide very large financial aid packages for most student families
What is a "safety school"?
A college where the student's academic stats are above average, and it's pretty expected that they will be admitted
What’s the name of the University of Wisconsin’s student-run dairy store known for making its own ice cream and cheese?
Babcock Hall Dairy Store
Some colleges let students “super score” the SAT. What does this mean?
They combine your highest section scores from different test dates to create your best overall score.
Which of these is a strong example of demonstrating leadership on a college resume?
A) Starting a mental health awareness campaign at school, B) Attending every meeting of a school club, C) Volunteering one weekend per year, D) Posting motivational quotes online
Any strong resume should have a couple of leadership roles!
Which schools lock in your tuition rate for 4 years? A) Mizzou, B) Kansas, C) ASU, D) All of the above
All of the above
BUT not every school does! Many choose to reevaluate financial aid every year
Which student has the best college list? A) All Ivies B) In-state only C) Dream + match + safety + financial safety
C) Dream + match + safety + financial safety
Dreaming big AND being realistic is the key to success in application season!
Which UW–Madison facility, established in 1932, preserves native prairies and oak savannas across over 1,200 acres for research and public use?
A) UW Arboretum, B) Allen Centennial Garden, C) Babcock Hall Farm, D) Lakeshore Nature Preserve
A) UW Arboretum
Which of the following is an example of "test-optional with a catch," and what does that even mean?
A) Harvard, B) Purdue, C) Georgetown, D) University of California system
C) Georgetown
While officially test-optional, Georgetown strongly encourages submitting scores, and most applicants still do. Not submitting a score to schools like these can put a student at a clear disadvantage
Which student will likely have the strongest resume? A) Joined 5 clubs and led 2 as a junior, B) Led a passion project since freshman year
B
Following a passion project through multiple years and actually achieving something the student cares about is one of the best things that can be put on a resume
Which school offers full tuition to National Merit Finalists?
University of Oklahoma
National Merit Finalists are offered generous scholarships at many universities across the country, with Oklahoma's being one of the best
A student wants a medium-sized college with strong undergraduate research, affordable tuition, and a flexible curriculum. What should they do first?
A) Apply early to Ivy League schools, B) Sort colleges by U.S. News rankings, C) Use college search tools to do their own research, D) Ask friends where they’re applying
C
No one knows what's best for a student than the student themselves, so research is best when it's tailored and self-led
The University of Wisconsin was the birthplace of a major educational philosophy that promoted the responsibility that universities have to contribute to the public good. What is this principle called?
The Wisconsin Idea
The Wisconsin Idea refers to the principle that the university’s knowledge and research should be applied to address and solve the state’s most pressing issues, extending beyond the classroom and into the community. Institutions across the country now see their mission as much greater than educating students in isolation
What does "test-flexible" mean in college admissions?
Students have the option to submit traditional ACT and SAT scores or alternative scores (including scores from AP, IB, and other tests) to demonstrate college readiness
What does “demonstrated initiative” mean in an activity list?
Creating or pioneering something—not just participating or taking over
What’s the difference between a grant and a scholarship?
Both are free money; grants are usually need-based, scholarships are merit-based
True or False: You should pretty much always choose the most prestigious school you get into because it will be the best for your career
FALSE
FIT FIT FIT is so important! AND just because a school is prestigious doesn't make it the best for a particular student!