<p>Could use some help! My D (U.S. student) is trying to decide between McGill and USC for biological sciences (not pre-med). We know both are good schools but trying to get a sense of post graduate statistics such as how many go to grad schools? which grad schools? get jobs? where? Are there internship opportunities during undergrad? Besides the obvious differences (weather, public vs. private, U.S. vs intl.) are there things we should seriously consider? Thoughts?</p>
<p>I think that McGill will prepare your D for grad school as well as any other large, well-regarded research university. It’s name recognition is regional, as is USC’s, but when it comes to the biological sciences I believe it is particularly strong.</p>
<p>My D goes to McGill and is just finishing her first year. We live in SoCal so are very familiar with USC. You have already pointed out the major differences between the two, and they are in fact, quite major. Private vs. public, southern California vs. Montreal, US vs. Canadian. You did not mention finances, so I assume that is not an issue, though even as an international student McGill’s tuition I believe would be lower than USC’s. I also don’t know where you live, and if USC is a local university for your D or not. </p>
<p>I think that USC, being a private university, will offer smaller classes and more personal attention than McGill. I would say the same thing if I were comparing USC and Berkeley. Your D will also probably find it easier to get an off-campus job in Los Angeles than Montreal unless she speaks fluent French. Research opportunities at McGill are definitely there for the students who actively pursue them. And that is key at McGill – the student needs to make things happen for themselves, there will be no hand-holding! But that is not to say there is no support – there is an active science student society on campus, the students are very supportive of each other, and plenty of opportunities for those who seek them. </p>
<p>I think what it really boils down to is where your D will be happiest! All the statistics you are asking about are irrelevant if your D is unhappy where she is and thus isn’t performing at her best. If she has a good GPA upon graduation and some good research experience on her resume, I don’t think either university will hold her back from any opportunities, nor give her a significant edge over the other. </p>
<p>Good luck! It is a tough decision, and feel free to PM me if you’d like.</p>
<p>Thank you so much for your input! This is like comparing apples to oranges in a lot of ways. I agree that the key component is where she will be happiest. We are visiting again both schools this week to try to determine this. It is a hard decision and both options are great.</p>
<p>Are you sure $31k in tuition alone is lower than what you’d pay for USC? Biology (pre-med or not) would run you that much; USC has better financial aid than McGill.</p>
<p>If you were talking about anything not STEM or business, really, then some cross-admits to both McGill and USC would turn down USC for cost reasons.</p>
<p>Regarding the costs - USC came in with financial aid so the prices will be about the same over four years (McGill’s College of Science tuition/cost of living expenses). Thanks for your help!</p>