Okay, I know this isn’t college, but it’s urgent and I need good answers, so that’s why I’m turning here.
Was accepted for an MSc in Environment and Sustainable Development at University College London, as well as an MSc in Sustainability Management at the University of Toronto.
Both schools are global top 20, but in the QS rankings (which are also British), UCL is ranked #5th overall, tied with Oxford.
However, I like Toronto’s program better, it’s professional as opposed to research, has a co-op program as opposed to researching for a month in a developing country (still both great opportunities), and it’s also closer to my girlfriend whose studying for her masters in Buffalo (where I went for undergrad).
But, I’m trying to justify choosing U of T over UCL. Am I an idiot?
Can anyone help me out with this decision?
My career goals are to work in D.C. for either the EPA, USDA, DoC, or NASA, or work for a consultancy, or work for SpaceX/Boeing/Tesla/SolarCity etc.
Congrats on both acceptances. Go with the program you want. Toronto was your preferred school 2 years ago and it still is. If it is just the perceived prestige of UCL that is giving you pause, set that aside.
University of Toronto is a well-respected school, and if it’s your preference you should go with it.
How’s it fare with University College London here in the States?
Also questioning the prestige value of being in London versus Toronto. Obviously, London is a better city.
I’ll be honest…for a while I really really wanted to go the UK for grad school. I was set on it. And now I feel like my gf (not her doing, it’s solely within my head) is swaying me to go to Toronto. But the program itself is better in Toronto. So I don’t know what to think right now…
Does either excellent university – or program – seem to have an advantage in post-Master’s career placement, networking, and so forth? if so, that could be an important decision element. CONGRATULATIONS on these two fine acceptances.
I like how toronto is professional, it includes a co-op, and courses are suited to industry and government. That’s opposed to UCL’s program, which is more on developing countries (hence, development), and I feel like that can be limiting.
The co-op will give you an advantage in career placement. Profs at U of T are more likely to have connections in the States.
Toronto is not as close to Buffalo as it appears on the map. With a car, it’s probably 2 1/2 hours. Without a car, it can be a hassle and a half. I don’t think you’ll get to see your girlfriend as often as you think you will.
I have a graduate degree from U of T. I was interviewed by people who had never heard of it in the States. Still got the jobs. This was 20 years ago though. I think UCL will have the same issue.
Toronto is usually in the top 5 or 10 of best places to live the world. http://pages.eiu.com/rs/eiu2/images/Liveability_rankings_2014.pdf London isn’t
fantastic info - thank you bouders. As for the distance, we go out to toronto a lot from buffalo, and we can typically make it in 1.5 hours by the QEW, provided traffic is low, but that’s always tough.
thanks again!
@bouders Yep, I was a bit surpised OP said “London is a better city.” Toronto is amazing. Have spent a lot of time in both cities. Both are wonderful, and have their advantages. But I don’t think one is “better,” except perhaps for London having easy access to Europe’s great cities by rail and air.
As for the Buffalo/Toronto corridor, traffic on the QEW, and then clearing customs, can be a nightmare at some hours.
I guess when I said better…it was coming from that whole grass is greener on the other side thinking…I mean toronto is more like NYC. London is well…London. It’s ‘different’ and that has appeal. But yes, Toronto is incredible as well…and it’s not like I’d be in Syracuse NY or something…
I think I’m gonna stick with Toronto on this one here…if I wanna get some experience in the U.K…I’ll use my co-op for that
Got it, OP! You are indeed correct that there is no place quite like London!