McGill vs. GWU

College Search & Selection
1

I was accepted to McGill, and I’m still awaiting my decision from GWU, but it’s probable that I will be accepted. Of all the schools I applied to, I have narrowed my decision down to these two, but I cannot decide which to select. Overall, I know that McGill is the superior school, however I want to major in International Relations which makes me wonder if GW is a better choice. GW has a very highly ranked program and has many connections to the State Department which is where I hope to end up working. Additionally, McGill does not offer IR as a standalone major but simply as a minor concentration for political science majors. As I am still awaiting the decision, I also do not know any financial packages that GWU will offer, but on its own tuition at GW is much more expensive than McGill even for an International Student. Finally, after college I most likely will attend grad school so I wonder if McGill is a better choice just due to its prestige even if GW may have better political connections. Thanks for reading this, and any advice would be greatly appreciated!

TL;DR: McGill or GWU for a student who wishes to study International Relations and possibly go into US politics?

2

–What is the approximate cost difference?
–Have you visited either campus, especially McGill? Montreal in the dead of winter can be brutal… walking backwards to class so the wind doesn’t freeze your eyeballs kind of stuff. Fun, though, apart from the rigor mortis.

3

If you really want to work at the US State Department, I would go to GW so you can establish connections/internships/etc in DC. Overall “prestige” won’t matter as much. Of course that’s providing you can safely afford it.