Ben '14

Name: Ben
Grade: Senior
Hometown: Fox Point, WI
Activities: Operation DREAM tutoring, STAR Service Club, Spanish Honor Society, UCC Volunteer, Global Scholars, cross country, and tennis

Hi, my name is Ben, and I am a senior here at University School. I came to USM in seventh grade. When I shadowed here, I was very impressed by the students, teachers, and the amazing learning environment, which I still love to this day. University School does a lot to make us feel comfortable and help usget to know other students, from having a guide as a new student to having assigned lunch tables. As much as I hated to leave behind my old school and old friends, I am glad I made the switch.

I have had a lot of opportunities to get involved with the community at University School. I joined the tennis team in the spring of seventh grade, and I have continued to play ever since. During the summer of freshman year, I decided to take a chance with a new sport, so I joined cross country. I really enjoyed the team and the running, and it was a great way to meet students before the first day of school. I have also been involved in volunteering, first through STAR Service Club and Spanish Honor Society, and then helping to set up a tutoring program with USM students and Operation DREAM boys. USM has given me a lot of chances to explore my talents and learn new skills.

Winning a state championship in tennis!

Jack '14

Name: Jack
Grade: Senior
Hometown: Colgate, WI
Activities: soccer, basketball, baseball, club soccer, and Global Scholars

Hello, my name is Jack and I am a senior at University School of Milwaukee. I have attended USM since prekindergarten, making me a “lifer.” Being a part of the USM community for almost my whole life has been a unique experience that I don’t think can be replicated at any other school. The teachers, faculty, students, parents, coaches, and alumni create an extremely welcoming atmosphere and it is really a joy to be a part of. The small school and small class sizes here are key to that atmosphere as the students get to know everyone in the school on a first-name basis and create personal and lasting relationships with the teachers.

Additionally, the no-cut athletics policy allows students to play sports they are passionate about or try out new ones with their friends. This policy by no means diminishes the competitiveness of the athletics, however. On the contrary, the athletics here are extremely competitive in all varsity sports and apart from a handful of sports, the junior varsity and freshmen teams are as well. The athletic structure at USM helps to build relationships outside of the classroom and allows students to meet those they would not otherwise meet. Sports also give a much-needed reprieve from the rigorous academics that are the trademark here at USM.

Harriette '14

Name: Harriette
Grade: Senior
Hometown: River Hills, Wisconsin
Activities: Varsity Field Hockey, Golf, Service Club of Milwaukee, STAR Service Club, Global Scholars, president of the Spirit Club, president of the Random Acts of Kindness Club, Trident Yearbook Editor, Honorary Class Board Representative, and Arrow House Captain 

Hi! My name is Harriette and I am a senior at University School of Milwaukee. I have attended USM since pre-kindergarten and absolutely love it! Although I have gone to USM my entire life, I was nervous for High School. My nerves quickly went away as upper classmen welcomed me during my fall sport, field hockey. Everyone is extremely welcoming and friendly at USM! My favorite part about USM is the small class size. With small classes, it is very easy for teachers and students to form great connections. For example, my sophomore English teacher encouraged my classmates and me to bring in our papers before they were due for him to check and edit. Teachers are always available and their doors are always open.

What I am most looking forward to this year are the senior freshman sibling activities. The siblings are a group of two seniors and two freshmen, in which the seniors welcome the freshman to the high school. We do fun activities, such as dress up together for the back to school dance, make each other treats, and introduce the freshman to the upper school. It is a great way to make freshman feel welcome and have fun with people in different grades.

Welcome and Preview

Welcome! This year, the Admissions Office will feature student blogs from our Student Admissions Ambassadors. These blogs will offer an unique perspective of life at USM from some of our best "experts." Throughout the school year, you will be able to read about the programs, events, and activities that make USM a special place for students. AND, best yet, you can read about them from the perspective of the students who live this experience every day.

The next few posts will introduce you to several of our bloggers.

Stay tuned for more...