<p>So here's the deal. I'm considering transferring out of McGill to UBC and I was wondering if it was a good idea. I mean do students do that? Because technically McGill is ranked higher than UBC so in a sense i'd be transferring down.....
Okay so firstly because my major here at McGill is a Science and I know that McGill is known for its science program. But that leaves me to wonder if it's strong in science for Graduate program and not its undergraduate program (what i'm doing)
So does it matter where you do your undergraduate program be it McGill or UBC for a major in a life science.
I just generally don't like the excessive partying here. The environment is sort of depressing since the campus buildings are all identically old and grey.</p>
<p>True, McGill is “ranked higher,” but UBC is a perfectly respectable institution and is known worldwide for excellence in the life sciences particularly. I’m also unhappy with the school I’m currently attending, so I’m trying to transfer out too (to McGill), because I know you can’t spend four years in a place unhappy. Don’t pay attention to ratings when it comes to schools like UBC and McGill. That’s like comparing Harvard and UCLA. Yes, Harvard is known as a significantly “better” school, but UCLA pumps out thousands of extremely well-qualified graduates every year. Plus, Vancouver’s an up-and-coming place when it comes to science and technology. Being exposed to all that innovation during your college years might give you a leg up in the long-run. But yeah, if you’re unhappy, transfer. Don’t waste four years of your life being dissatisfied.</p>
<p>McGill is known for science, but so is UBC. Life sciences at UBC are extremely reputable.</p>
<p>Many Canadians allege that the school you attend doesn’t really matter at all, but I can’t verify the truth of that statement.</p>
<p>Life sciences at both schools are fantastic. McGill, honestly, is probably better than UBC, but if you’re unhappy, don’t let that negligible difference stop you. UBC is, as I said, fantastic, and no employer or grad school will say “Oh, s/he went to UBC, never mind then.”</p>
<p>“I just generally don’t like the excessive partying here.”
MTL is a great city and trust me there are great things to do without having to party. Since even if you do transfer you’ll be stuck at McGill for at least a few months, why not go down to SSMU and see what’s going on? Join a club and meet interesting people - people who are like you an don’t like to party.</p>
<p>"Many Canadians allege that the school you attend doesn’t really matter at all, but I can’t verify the truth of that statement. "</p>
<p>this is true IF AND ONLY IF you stay in Canada. If you move to the US, things are much more ranking-based. Canadian universities are few and public in relation to the US. Therefore, you will pretty much get the same education anywhere you go. Rankings are usually based on grad and faculty research output so i dont really see how it measures the undergrad experience</p>
<p>The top research unis in Canada are all the same. The same is not true for the crap schools, which are never discussed on this board anyways.</p>
<p>In my opinion, it would be transferring down, that’s probably how most people at UBC will see it too, but your happiness is most important. You’ll definitely get a lot less partying at UBC (my sister goes to UBC, I go to McGill). It’s kind of in an inconvenient location relative to the rest of Vancouver, so people don’t go clubbing nearly as much, plus the age is 19 there.
Personally, I prefer the McGill campus over UBC. And I agree that there is excessive partying here, but I live off campus so it doesnt bother me.</p>
<p>One thing though, I don’t know if you’ve ever stayed in Vancouver, but it rains a ridiculous amount and it can be depressing the first year, but after that you get used to it.</p>
<p>thanks for the various replies!</p>
<p>i was wondering though, how does the party scene of UBC compare to that of mcgill?</p>