<p>I have never heard of legacy helping at McGill, but that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t. I suspect that it doesn’t because McGill is a public university and because the American anti-democratic elitist ideals just wouldn’t wash in Canada–people would be horrified at the thought that money could help one gain admission.</p>
<p>I have heard some people claim that it is harder for Americans to get into McGill and others claim that it is easier (the rationale for it being easier is that Americans pay much higher tuition so McGill wants lots of them; that argument doesn’t cut it with me–tuitions for Canadian students are much lower because of the tax dollars that support McGill and McGill doesn’t get tax dollars to support non-Canadian students). From informal evidence, the US students appear to be on average about the same calibre as the other international students and the Canadian students, although there is a smaller percentage of US students at the bottom end and at the top end, because US students at the top end usually have many good options with much better merit/financial aid in the US.</p>
<p>Thanks. Yeah, makes total sense with the legacy thing. So basically is it safe to conclude that American students and Canadian students have a fairly equal chance?</p>
<p>^Basically yes. Somewhere in one of trhe threads I posted a link to the admission stats on the McGill website. It showed that the acceptance rate for American students was slightly lower than for Canadian students. </p>
<p>McGill does not use legacy, AA or athletic factors in admission. Actually, it is only a small number of mostly elite American private universities that factor in legacy in any significant way.</p>
<p>Hey I am currently on the waitlist and was wondering my chances? How many do they usually take off the waitlist? Is it a random selection or do they have an order off the waitlist based on application strength?</p>
<p>Also how would you compare McGills business program to some top American business schools, specifically villanova university (#7 undergrad business school in US according to business week) and bentley university (#32)?</p>
<p>I would not read too much into acceptance rates; two groups (e.g. Canadians and Americans) could have very different acceptance rates even though the bar is set in the same place for them; or they could have the same acceptance rate even though the bar is set at different places. In general, Canadians tend to apply to far fewer schools than US students and they usually only apply to schools that will accept them. </p>
<p>I think that it is safe to say that McGill tries to ensure that there is a level playing field for applicants regardless of their country of origin.</p>
<p>@qoneill19" "Also how would you compare McGills business program to some top American business schools, specifically villanova university (#7 undergrad business school in US according to business week) and bentley university (#32)? "</p>
<p>While Villanova and Bentley are good business schools, most people would not put them in the same category as say Wharton or MIT for undergraduate business. Desautels has a very strong international focus and a large international enrolment. From what I’ve read here on CC, Villanova has limited diversity in its student body. Bentley is still a regional school with most students coming from the northeast US. Bentley is almost exclusively a business school with few other majors. </p>
<p>Basicaly, the environment and focus of each school is totally different. The academics are good at all three schools.</p>
<p>I decide to study business and I plan to learn something before go to Montreal. So Tom can you kindly guide me that which stuff you think that i should learn? Some basic French, or Business English?</p>
<p>Ok…sorry to bombard you with a million and one questions, but here it goes: does the school offer all the necessary classes for med school in the US and will they be accepted? Also, if I’m just in the faculty of science, will it provide me with a well rounded education or will it just focus in science? Science is just one interest, however. How much freedom is there at McGill to explore and find your major? I know that kids there are really driven and know exactly what they want to do. I have absolutely no idea, med school was just a thought. Would McGill still be the place for me if I’m unsure of my area of study? On a more fun note haha, what are some of the most interesting or fun classes you’ve taken or that you know of? How did you find the social scene and how much time do you really get to go out in the city? And what did you absolutely hate about McGill? Were the winters ever down right depressing? Sorry for so many questions, but I have to decide pretty much by tomorrow and these are really important!</p>
<p>@qew986: While a knowledge of French is not required at McGill or for living in Montreal as a student, a basic knowledge of the language would be helpful. If you are not a native anglophone, you should not have any need for 'business English" as the terms used in business are presented through regular coursework.</p>
<p>@Rushed: Medical education in Canada is fully integrated with the American system. All medical schools in Canada are fully accredited by the LCME, the American medical school accrediting body. At McGill, I believe that there is more focus within each school on that field. For example, while there are distribution requirements (Science students must take some arts classes and vice versa,) it is possible to concentrate heavily in your home faculty. The “Arts and Sciences” program is designed for students who want two majors, one in each field. Like any school, if you make a radical change in major, you may need to take additional courses to fulfill the new msjor requirements. If you are entering the 4 year program, freshman year provides an opportunity to explore different courses. If you enter the 3 year program, there is less time to explore. Re: the social scene, I and others have posted replies earlier in this thread. Some students seem to party 6 nights a week and still get a 3.8 GPA, most aren’t able to do that. A few first year students get in trouble because they major in Partying. Most shape up before it is too late. What I disliked about McGill…April! Spring is slow to arrive, the debris of winter is everywhere and the pressure of finals. Sorry about the late reply.</p>
<p>How hard would you say it is to maintain a high GPA with the grade deflation at McGill (I mean around like a 3.7+) in the science program? And am I killing myself aiming for that? haha. I mean I have a pretty strong work ethic, I’m a straight A student and will graduate with 11 APs in a competitive private school , but my SAT/ACT scores weren’t amazing for current competitive standards (1340 on the 1500 scale or a 2010 on the 2400 scale, and a 30 on the ACT). I’m also reading a lot about how there are some restrictions on some grad schools in the US for Canadian colleges. Do you know anything about that?</p>
<p>I’ve heard advising is pretty bad and most things you’ll have to do and research yourself. Did you find it to be that bad? And do you have to find your internships and research opportunities all on your own, or will the school help you? Sorry to bother you with so many questions!</p>
<p>Thanks a lot for doing this, very appreciated. I had a question regarding the admission requirements for a student transfering to McGill. I just finished my first year at another university in Canada and I wanted to transfer to McGill (Faculty of Arts). My GPA for my first year was a 3.7, I was wondering if that was high enough to be admitted as a transfer student. Could you please shed some lighton the admission standards for transfer students applying to McGill? Even if you are not 100% sure or that familiar with the admissions standards for transfer students, please give me some sort of estimate, to give me a sense of direction.</p>
<p>@newbie: Unlike freshman admission, McGill dodes not publish minimum standards for transfer admission. I would say that a 3.7 GPA would likely get you into the Faculty of Arts.</p>
<p>Hey…first of all im not from the US…I have been accepted by Mcgill in the Electrical Eng program as an International student…there are some questions i have in mind…what is the job placement scene after Mcgill in Canada or the US? or anywhere in the world…plus ive heard some people going jobless in Canada after Mcgill even…im really confused because ive got other options too like UCL, but i want to know if mcgill is a safe investment…and yes one more thing how much per year salary can one get in canada after Mcgill…Thanks to anyone who helps me on this…</p>
<p>^I’m wondering the same things as komailnaqvi. I was accepted by the B-Comm programs for both McGill and WashU in St. Louis. From what I’ve heard, both schools are excellent, but I just want to be absolutely sure that if I go to McGill I’ll be able to work in the states after graduation. Thanks for any thoughts/input</p>
<p>arsenaleung: Most degree programs at McGill will allow students to take a certain number of credits on a pass/fail basis. The courses still give you credits towards your degree’s credit requirements (the 120 or 130 or whatever credits you need), but they do not count towards your GPA.</p>
<p>thx for all the helpful info tomofboston! I’m a BC student attending Mcgill this fall. </p>
<p>As for going to Med school at Mcgill, is it true that I have to obtain a Quebec citizenship beforehand? I know they have a specific quota for out-of-province students entering med school so my chance of getting in is very limited. Also, can u offer me some insights on how to transfer to US med school with a canadian citizenship? I heard from one of my friends that US med schools only accept american students. My reason for transfer is cuz I feel like a lack of French may jepordize me in terms of getting a job in Montreal, especially when It is required as a means of communication for med students taking their internship at hospitals…</p>