Fordham University vs McGill University?

College Search & Selection
1

I’m from Massachusetts, and I was accepted to both universities for Environmental Studies.
I’m interested in the political and legal side of Enviro. Fordham after aid comes out to $40k for me, McGill is around $30k I think.
I’m a pretty social person and I love the city. Anybody have insight on some pros and cons of each?

2

Wow. great options. I love Montreal and McGill is a great school.

Fordham is more traditional college experience in an American sense.

Tough choice. @TomSrOfBoston knows a lot about McGill. Maybe he can help you.

3

At McGill environmental studies is offered at both the downtown and Mac campuses. Which would you be attending?

Are you adventurous, independent, a self starter? McGill may be the right choice.

If you are looking for the “traditional college experience” then Fordham may be the right choice.

Here is a link to an old article that compares the student experience at McGill versus American colleges;
https://web.archive.org/web/20060507173200/http://www.mcgill.ca/reporter/38/01/drinking/
The author did an unscientific study of the drinking culture at a cross section of American colleges. He also visited McGill for a contrasting view.

I would strongly suggest you visit both schools if you have not already.

4

@TomSrOfBoston thanks for your response!

I’ve visited both schools (and both campuses of each school), and at McGill the Downtown campus seems like it would be better for me.

I love that article - my mcgill tour guide had something similar to say when I asked about Greek life on the tour. He said something along the lines of “Greek life isn’t huge because people here don’t feel like they have to hide out in packed houses and binge drink solely because of the drinking age”
Which honestly is a big pro for me.

In terms of academics at McGill, I keep seeing everywhere that it is an overwhelming amount of work, and that it is much harder to do well at McGill than at other universities. What is your take on this? Does grade deflation hurt students if they choose to apply to grad school?

Thanks again for all your help, I really appreciate it

5

The workload at McGill is demanding but it is possible to do well. Being organized and knowing to seek out assistance when needed are the keys. The academic rigor at McGill is well known among grad schools adcoms and the GRE/GMAT/LSAT would be the equalizer.

You are correct that Mac campus would be more appropriate for someone interested in the scientific side of environmental studies.

6

Greenfinger, Wondering where you ended up and how it’s going so far? My D is considering both…

Thanks!