Grinnell vs. McGill

Student Lounge International Students
1

<p>Hey everyone, so I've brought down my college choices to Grinnell College and McGill University. Before anyone asks, yes they are two completely opposite schools but as an international student in need of FA, you can't be too picky. :)</p>

<p>My interests are mainly Biology and Anthropology. </p>

<p>Here are the pros and cons of each college as I see them:</p>

<p>Grinnell:
Pros: Small class size, personalized care from professors, focus on undergraduate education, more opportunities to form close friendships (for networking later in my career), good endowment (for study abroad/internships), guaranteed housing for four years</p>

<p>Cons: Rural location (will I get many internship opportunities? Will I die of boredom?), no international recognition</p>

<p>McGill:
Pros: Urban location (more internship opportunities + more enjoyable), more international recognition, more chance to see what's going on in the field</p>

<p>Cons:
Huge class size, little focus on undergrad education, the hassle of finding my own housing and supporting myself after my first year, not sure about FA after first year, less opportunities to form close friendships (less networking)</p>

<p>There you have it. I know it looks like I prefer Grinnell...and I suppose I do. However, I just can't seem to let go of the urban environment McGill would offer and the recognition it would lend to my degree at top grad schools. Some important questions:</p>

<ul>
<li><p>Which school's name will be looked upon more favorably by top grad school/professional schools (Ivies etc.)? Will Grinnell's relatively obscure name prove to be a disadvantage? Or will a Canadian degree be more disadvantageous than an American degree?</p></li>
<li><p>Will I get many internship opportunities in rural Iowa?</p></li>
<li><p>What's the career advise center like at each school?</p></li>
</ul>

<p>Thanks a million for your help!</p>

2

<p>Do you want to live in Canada or USA? Obviously Montreal is a great cosmopolitan city and McGill is better known outside N America. So you are right, quality of life for international student might be better with McGill. </p>

<p>Both colleges really will give you Grad School, provided you do well in undergrad.</p>

<p>About internships, I dont think you are restricted to Iowa. You can do summer internships anywhere…I would compare your major rankings across the two universities.</p>

<p>As far as life in Canada vs US, I think US has more opportunites but Canada is not as restrictive in their off campus employment opportunities for students.</p>

<p>It is a tough call, i would say if you are ok with the small town feel, Grinnel might be a better choice. The overall opportunities are far more in the US though Canada has other things going for it. No family anywhere? (Also try posting in the college boards for current students to weigh in)</p>