The University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee

Date: Nov 15 2018
Major: Biology (This Major's Salary over time)
I have been a student for the past couple years. I transferred with 3 years to go to obtain my bachelors and now I have one year left. Which will be dedicated to clinicals! I am very excited. My degree is Biomedical-focus Laboratory Scientist. I have taken classes that I would rate as mediocre but the majority have given me a challenge. I like a challenge, because when I am challenged, I learn! I am grateful most for professors in the Chemistry Department and the Biology Department. I have enjoyed the labs immensely, lectures are good, and exams are fair. I feel prepared for my career, and that is because I have taken time in my courses. Yes, there are students who don't give a rat's butt. However, if you try to excel and go slightly above what is required, you will do fine! You'll stand out. 2 of my professors have offered to write me letters of recommendation if I need it, which shows me that they care about my future.

I am a commuter. I am a mother of a one year old, work, and go to school. I would say my social life is lacking but that is just my current chapter. However, I have met fellow students who are not on my journey. They are staying in the dorms, they're playing sports, they're in sororities and/or fraternities. They tell me about their experiences—we connect, yet we're different. I LOVE THAT. I also love that there are people like me. Started school a little later, have a family, work a job, and have huge responsibilities outside of school (I am 26). I think it is unique to experience such diversity at a campus and to feel welcomed no matter what your background entails.

My student adviser has been a huge help. He meets with me at the beginning of every semester to see where I am at and prints out a current schedule of what I need to sign up for in order to achieve the requirements for my degree. He actually does this for everyone is the Biomedical branch. He e-mails us weekly with mock-interview opportunities, volunteering opportunities, announces guest speakers speaking on what's applicable to our field of study, and always alerts us to scholarship opportunities. He also holds open advising hours 2 day a week. Thank you Bill! The students are very approachable and nonjudgmental (as I mentioned above). The school prides itself in research and diversity (age, ethnicity,religion, etc). I hear many students complaining of the material Professors expect us to master, but nine times out of ten it is totally necessary. That's why I ask you, do NOT throw the baby out with the bath water. Yes, there are many students who don't want to put in the work. There is a portion however who shine. Those are the ones I like to compete with. They would say they like to compete with me too… because we encourage each other to do better.

I would recommend this school. I noticed in comments prior, they had mentioned how Milwaukee was underrated. I agree with this statement. They are constantly trying to innovate and create. I was close to attending UW-Eau Claire but I am happy I chose Milwaukee.

My only qualms:

Chemistry lab rooms are over used and need some work.

TA's often teach the lab and don't reach expectations.

Safety concerns; there is a bright side to Milwaukee and the darker side. There isn't enough security in the world that would be adequate enough to handle Milwaukee's dark side (luckily for UWM we're placed in a decent neighborhood but Marquette is in an area where there is more crime and violence). Since I commute I have never had to deal with this. I have heard from my fellow students that unfortunate things can happen when the sun goes down.

Well, there is my experience. It may not be for some people, but I am happy I found what's right for me.