hypothetical situation - Which uni should i pick?

Applying to College
1

<p>Hey guys,</p>

<p>In the hypothetical situation that I get rejected from my two top choices (NYU and USC), and my schools were narrowed down to Mcgill University and University of Maryland, ranked 3rd and 4th on my list consecutively, which one should I pick?</p>

<p>Mcgill has the definite advantage of international reputation. Also, it's located in one of the most beautiful cities ever(Montreal) and I LOVED the downtown campus when I visited. My only problem with going to Mcgill is that I don't know French. However, given the fact that just about everybody in the Uni speaks english(students and proffesors) and I found it pretty easy to navigate the city(downtown) without knowing a single word of French, I don't see this as being a problem. I would also be more than willing to make an attempt to learn the language, so I can see it becoming an advantage for me in the future.</p>

<p>The only thing preventing me from going to Mcgill is my parents don't exactly give it full approval. However, they have stated that they would send me there if I strongly desired it. But since my parents are paying for my education, I've decided to reconsider and analyze my situation. Should I pick UMD over Mcgill? The only quip my parents have with Mcgill is that it is in Canada - it's more of a prestige and job opportunity thing which I think is ridiculous considering Mcill's international credibility. Sure, it may be hard to land a job in the U.S, but I'd be more than glad to work in a top-ranking firm in Canada(Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, etc). Besides that, the costs will be just about the same and both schools are conveniently located.</p>

<p>So what should I do then? Is going to Canada for undergraduate study from America really such a bad idea? I don't think it is but I need to convince my parents it isn't. What school would you guys pick and why? Keep in mind, I really don't mind going to UMD - I love the school a lot but I'd much rather go to Mcgill.</p>

<p>Any comments are appreciated...preferably those from people who are familiar with both schools.</p>

2

<p>Your parents sound like first-rate meddlers.</p>

<p>If it was a pricing issue that would be one thing, but you said yourself that its mainly the "Canadian" thing.</p>

<p>Just point out that there are a huge amount American students at McGill and that is a highly prestigious university.</p>

3

<p>thanks just_browsing..will do</p>

<p>bump</p>

4

<p>UMD v. McGill??? Cant go wrong either way. Both are pretty equal overall and both have a great int'l rep. It really doesnt matter. Oh, and the Eastern U.S. sends a ton of kids to McGill.</p>

5

<p>I would double check McGill's job placement, but I would think it is the same or better than UMD's. McGill is just as strong as UMD if not stronger in most every subject except computer science. If McGill is more of a fit then you will be more sucessful there.</p>

6

<p>thanks guys</p>

<p>any more input?</p>