Hello everyone, I posted here a while ago but I’ve since narrowed down my options. I’m not considering any schools above $50,000, so that leaves me with McGill, Tulane, and Rutgers. However, I’ve also ruled at Rutgers because I do not wish to attend school in my home state, I want to branch out, and I’m not particularly fond of the size of the campus. That being said, I’m now deciding between McGill and Tulane and I’m completely torn. At McGill, I’d be in far less debt as tuition and room and board would be less than $25,000, as I would be in the Faculty of Arts. At Tulane, I received a $20,000 scholarship but that would still make tuition and room and board somewhere between $45,000-$47,000 plus airfare. I have yet to visit Tulane (I will be in the first week of April) but I’m pretty sure nothing about the visit will really deter me from the school. For financial reasons, choosing McGill seems obvious. I love the city, the more international student body, academic rigor, and I could really picture myself there. However, I’m limited in what I can study as it’s extremely difficult to transfer to a different faculty, and there is little academic support available. You really have to fend for yourself, which I’m okay with, but I’m just a little bit intimidated and worried about future career prospects considering the lack of services available for students on campus. Also, I’m worried I’d feel isolated up there considering the long, dreary winter. Then there’s Tulane. It costs far more, but the school seems so much more supportive and welcoming. When you’re admitted, you’re admitted to the whole school and really have a chance to discover what you’re interested in. I love the school’s emphasis on community service, and overall everyone there seems really happy. It seems like a place where I could succeed both academically and socially, and who doesn’t want that? Additionally, something about staying in the country is comforting, even if the distance from my hometown to New Orleans is further than the distance from here to Montreal. I know that I could be happy at either school, at least I think I could, but something about Tulane keeps drawing me in despite the fact that McGill is better ranked internationally. Basically, I’m really unsure about what to do and would appreciate advice! (Note: You can talk about financials, but please don’t make it your entire justification for why I should attend one school or the other).
I’m glad you made your admonition to us not to solely focus on financials, although they can be a factor. Keeping that in mind, you have go with what your heart is telling you as well as what is practical. It seems your heart is telling you Tulane, so that is that. As far as practicalities are concerned, Tulane’s flexibility gives it the edge in that category as well, given that you do not appear to have a firm idea of what you will major in. Of course financials are part of the question of practicality, and there McGill has the edge in terms of financials. In any event, I do think it is wise for you to seek advice on this important question. Best of luck!
Thank you @NJDad68 ! Yes, I feel like Tulane is the school for me deep down, but most people picture me more at McGill and it is just so much less expensive.
@confusedsenior02, it is your life, not the life of “most people.” It is best to learn now to listen to your heart and also to do what is right for you. In life you will find that most people’s “advice” is really just a projection of what would be good for them, or what they would want, without really listening, empathizing, and stepping into the listener’s shoes. This can even include people who care deeply for you. All that being said, if you really think that McGill would be best for you, and it is consistent enough with what your heart is telling you, then by all means go for McGill. You really can’t go too wrong either way. Congrats on having such a nice choice!
Thank you again @NJDad68 . That really made me feel better, thank you.