<p>Hey all. So it's decision time for me. I've basically whittled it down to McGill vs. Tufts. I'm strongly leaning towards McGill, for a multitude of reasons, such as, well, Montreal. Academically, which is obviously really important, the two are both pretty solid schools with solid reputations. McGill would be cheaper (to the tune of $15k a year) which is important considering I want to go to law school.</p>
<p>The decision would be pretty simple for me if I didn't have one nagging question. I want to go to a good law school in the States. Doesn't have to be Harvard/Yale etc. I'd love Columbia or a school like that (channeling my inner Marshall Eriksen, no spoliers please, almost done with Season 8.) Would going to McGill make it harder for me to get into a top law school? </p>
<p>I know it's a bit harder to keep the ol' GPA up, but I feel like the prospective law school should know that. I find it hard to buy that GPA as a number alone is that important. Surely it has to be taken in context.</p>
<p>I could be wrong, hence my question. Appreciate any responses.</p>
<p>It seems ridiculous that a school with massive grade inflation should make you more likely to get in. I don’t doubt what you’re saying, just think that that whole process is lame.</p>
<p>Are your parents affluent and generous? If not, you will be borrowing a lot of money for law school. You do not want to finish undergraduate work with a ton of debt for yourself and your parents. </p>
<p>I would think the only difference that matters is that if you intend to practice law in America, you would get prepared for American law better at an American university. McGill likely focuses on Canadian law, eh.</p>
<p>I view McGill as a more prestigious school, kind of like a Canadian Vanderbilt. I’d go there instead of Tufts. GPA is critical so if going to McGill would harm it, then don’t, and keep looking. </p>
<p>@torveaux Prep for law school is no different at McGill or at Tufts. You can major in US history at McGill! But if the OP is looking for an easy 3.8, he should go to Tufts and spend or borrow an extra $60,000. </p>
<p>@tomofboston Yeah, I know. One of my Poli-Sci professors was a McGill grad (both BA and PhD.) I am always a fan of going to the best value option. The reputation for nearly every school is highly overrated. Getting an undergrad degree from any accredited institution can set you on your way to grad school. Tufts is unknown outside of the Northeast. No different than McGill in that regard. The average person in the US would assume either is just a basic LAC somewhere ‘else’. </p>
<p>If GPA is critical, work hard. If the school really matters just work harder.</p>
<p>There are grads from Canadian universities who are successful in law school admissions every year. Of course, you’ll need a very good gpa, but if you want to attend a ‘top’ law school and have a good career in law, you’re going to need to work hard. Start early! </p>
<p>I am never a proponent of taking the easier major at an easier school with less competition when your career plan is as above. </p>
<p>I know that most 18 year olds hate this advice, but call or email each school and ask to see their law student acceptance data. Each school keeps tabs on which students apply to which schools, what GPAs and LSAT scores they have, and the admissions outcome.</p>
<p>You are at the point of having an acceptance and being ready to out down some serious money at both schools. You have the leverage to get this information - get it and use it. Pick a handful of law schools and compare acceptances from McGill students and Tufts students. </p>
<p>If you loathe the idea of doing this kind of research before making a big decision involving four years of your life and a lot of money, don’t go to law school. </p>
<p>In the event you end up attending McGill and you realize that you’d rather practice law in Quebec, then the difficulty of major comes into play.</p>
<p>Appreciate all the replies! I know I want to go into American law. I’m not the kind of person to run away from hard courses. If I take the easy route I’ll get hosed when I get to law school. I think bearing in mind the cost, the fact that it’s Montreal, and that I have family there, McGill is probably the right fit. </p>
<p>I’ll definitely call the schools to get some info about law school admissions. </p>
<p>I knew McGill was more widely known in medical circles than just in the Northeast (as far as the US is concerned), but it’s still rigorous at the undergraduate level.</p>