<p>Twix: by “prestige” you know what I mean. I mean that ubiquitous USNWR ranking or similar ranking. By “powerful name” I mean respect for the school academically, its graduates for their work ethic and personal ethics, and the ability of those graduates to get jobs as measured by the number of companies who recruit on campus and the huge alumni network in the working world. </p>
<p>Again, I dont do school bashings and that includes McGill. But I also reject silly comments about McGill being a no brainer superior choice. School pride no matter where one attends (or graduated from) is normal. But not at the expense of “my school is better than yours…so nyah nyah nyah.” Pride should be measured with humility and dignity. </p>
<p>My initial comments which spawned some of the discussion on this thread, when I questioned why Americans would go north of the border to attend college when there are so many fabulous schools “back home” was perhaps misunderstood as a slap at McGill. Not so. I fully acknowledge that McGill is a fine school with a great reputation. Its a LARGE PUBLIC university, and to that extent its apples and oranges in comparison to an expensive private school like Fordham (or NYU or Columbia or Barnard or Sarah Lawrence or other privates in NYC). </p>
<p>Students can and SHOULD pick schools on what works best for them, what interests them, and how much they can afford. But before they get all excited about the “novelty” of going to college in Canada, I was simply making the point they need to consider all the factors in that. The college/university experience in the United States is much, much different than any other country in the world. There are bookshelves full of books describing this in every library and bookstore known to man. That was my primary point. </p>
<p>And yes, I am very defensive (protective) of Fordham. It has been one of the best kept secrets for New York colleges for decades…even in the darkest days when the Bronx was in real trouble. (A graduate of Fordham College from those dark days made it really big in the investment world just donated another 5 million to Fordham to build more dorms on campus.) If Fordham is not for you, the OP, or anyone…fine. All we can do is make it known and help people to learn more about it. If the OP picks McGill, fine. Its a personal decision for him/her. </p>
<p>Fordham is not known as a school that has “an attitude” or is full of hubris drenched people, though its alumni ranks are full of famous celebrities and high government officials, and they film movies on its beautiful campus frequently (including last week with Michael Douglas and Susan Sarandon). (Sorry, had to put that pitch in here). Its a school that graduates well rounded citizens/people who are hard working, with strong personal ethics, a can do attitude and eager to serve others. It is a special place in my opinion. Yes, I am biased. But that pride is also measured with humility and dignity, I hope. </p>
<p>I hope this clarifies my position and removes any misunderstanding you or anyone else has about my comments and Fordham University.</p>
<p>Best of luck to the OP in the admissions process.</p>