McGill vs. University of Michigan

College Search & Selection
1

I have NO idea which to choose. I want to major in a science, most likely biology, and I’m thinking about pursuing a premed track. I live in Massachusetts, and I am a dual-citizen with Canadian and American citizenship.

Michigan Pros:

  • Undergraduate research opportunities
  • Strong academics
  • Large alumni network
  • Variety of class courses (I’m interested in also taking humanities classes – I don’t want to only study science in college)
  • LOTS of school spirit which I love
  • Higher ranked than McGill, but I’m not sure how much this matters

Michigan Cons:

  • COST – $210,000 for my four-year bachelor’s degree
  • Farther from home than McGill, can’t drive

McGill Pros:

  • COST!! – Only $70,000 for my four-year bachelor’s degree
  • Close to home
  • Montreal is a great city
  • Also has solid academics

McGill Cons:

  • Very little undergraduate research
  • Huge classes
  • The university has recently undergone budget cuts, but I’m not sure how significant the budget cuts are and if they would affect my education
  • Grade deflation (?) I’ve heard that it’s very difficult to keep a high GPA at McGill, which could be significant if/when I apply to graduate school (especially if I try for med school)
  • Very little school spirit

Basically, Michigan wins on every count except cost. Michigan is the better school, I believe – but is it $130,000 better? My family didn’t qualify for financial aid from either university, but McGill is cheaper because I’m a Canadian citizen and their tuition is much lower.
I loved Michigan when I visited. I liked McGill, and I think I could get a solid education there, but I think I would enjoy myself more at Michigan.

Which do I choose? Is a Michigan degree worth the high cost, over a degree from McGill? Which will help me more in terms of graduate school? Help!!!

2

How certain are you that you want to go to med/grad school (especially med school due to the cost)? How difficult will it be for your family to finance med/grad school? Those are two key questions that you need to settle before you can make a sound decision.

3

Michigan is not $130k better than McGill…no university is. If your parents can afford the difference without any hardship, then Michigan is worth it because it does offer an experience that seems better suited for you. However, if your parents cannot afford Michigan with ease, go to McGill.

4

As you are a Canadian citizen, and able to attend McGill for that much less than Michigan, I’d go with McGill. It is a really strong research university, one of the very best educations in the entire country, and located in a wonderful city. Perhaps consider Michigan for graduate school.

5

No university is worth the higher debt. The only problem I see with McGill is the huge classes aspect however Michigan is going to have the huge classes too. :stuck_out_tongue: Go with McGill! I understand wanting to pursue an education at a university in the United States but UMich is not worth all that debt for an UG education – especially if you want to go on to grad school. As @anhydrite says, possibly consider UMich for grad school.

6

McGill is known for premed. If you can take the cold go to McGill.

7

TOTALLY FALSE!

Michigan is a large public school too and will have large classes, especially freshman year. The only difference is that you will be paying $40,000/year there compared with $8000/year at McGill.

If you plan to go to med school have your parents save the money, or avoid the debt, and give it to you for med school tuition.

If you do the work and do not get seduced by Montreal nightlife, you will get a high GPA at McGill.

8

Why are these the only 2 choices?

9

"McGill Cons:

  • Very little undergraduate research

TOTALLY FALSE!"

Do you have any info to back this up? I’ve heard (from a science professor at McGill) that nearly all the research at McGill is only available to grad students.

10

Check out this and related websites:

http://www.mcgill.ca/science/research/ours