McGill - what is student life like there?

<p>This is supposed to be a world class university. I have known some students, whom I respected for their intellect and drive. We visited it on a campus tour and I was impressed; we even got in and talked with a wonderful professor, who happened to be in his office. Finally, under certain circumstances (Canadian or French citizenship), we have heard it is a phenomenal deal financially, esp. in comparison to the US. So we are seriously considering it as an option for pre-med/med.</p>

<p>Nonetheless, I also heard that it is a diploma mill, that students can't approach profs, etc., much like the FACS in France. This is not my impression, but I would love to hear about the experiences of students and their parents, particularly in the sciences.</p>

<p>So no one has any perspective to offer on McGill? </p>

<p>The phrase “diploma mill” is often applied in the context of universities devoid of rigor, which McGill definitely isn’t. </p>

<p>Diploma Mill is a term used for “easy” schools or certain online / unaccredited / for - profit universities that seem to throw out tons of degrees using not very difficult coursework.</p>

<p>McGill is one of the premiere universities in Canada, but that’s about as much as I can tell you.</p>

<p>It is called the Harvard of Canada, yet was described as a “diploma mill” to me by a critic. I am hoping to hear from students who would counter that claim. She claimed classes were very large, contact with profs nearly impossible, much like a big state school in the US or a FAC in France. This is not my impression, but I want feedback.</p>

<p>The very large classes are usually U0-level or in the popular majors… I suppose upper-division coursework will be more enjoyable to you than the U0 courses.</p>

<p>@alcibiade You would have gotten many more replies more quickly if you had posted this under the McGill thread here on CC, which is very active.</p>

<p>McGill is a large school and a place where a student has to be proactive to succeed. It is not a nurturing environment for the needy student. First year classes are large but that is common at all large universities. At Harvard, Econ10 has 700 students each semester. You will get out of McGill what you put in. </p>

<p>thanks, Catria and Tom.</p>