UW Schools Ranked: How to Compare?

I'm interested in applying to a few UW schools but I'm kind of overwhelmed by the options. Can someone give me advice on how to compare and rank these schools based on their academic programs and campus life?

To help you compare and rank the University of Washington (UW) system schools, consider the following factors:

1. Academic programs: Evaluate the schools' academic programs based on your intended major or area of interest. Each UW school may have distinct strengths in specific disciplines. For example, the UW-Madison campus is well-known for its strong engineering, biology, and social science programs, while UW-Milwaukee excels in areas such as architecture and urban planning.

2. Campus size and location: Consider the size and location of each campus. A larger campus like UW-Madison will likely provide more resources, opportunities, and academic choices. Smaller campuses may offer more personalized experiences, close-knit communities, and smaller class sizes. Additionally, think about the campus setting (urban, suburban, or rural) and how that will impact your college experience.

3. Opportunities for research and internships: Depending on your intended major and career goals, research and internships may be important factors to consider. Larger universities, such as UW-Madison, often have more research and internship opportunities available, but smaller campuses may still offer ample chances to engage in hands-on learning.

4. Campus life: Research the social atmosphere, clubs, and organizations available on each campus. This could involve looking into campus events, Greek life, community service opportunities, and intramural sports. Consider what kind of experiences and extracurriculars you are seeking and how each campus aligns with those interests.

5. Graduation and retention rates: Higher graduation and retention rates can indicate the quality of education and student satisfaction with the campus. Comparing these rates across UW schools may provide some insight into which schools have more successful outcomes for students.

6. Financial aid and costs: Compare the estimated costs of attendance for each UW school using their respective net price calculators. Investigate scholarship and grant opportunities as well as work-study programs to get a full picture of the financial aid available at each institution.

7. Visit campuses: If possible, visit the campuses in person or virtually to get a sense of the atmosphere and community. Attending campus tours, speaking with current students, and attending open houses can help you get a better feel for what life would be like at each school.

By evaluating each UW school based on these factors, you should be able to create a more personalized ranking that takes into account your priorities and preferences. Remember that what makes a school the "best" for you will be different from what makes it the best for someone else, so focus on your unique needs and goals when comparing these schools.