<p>Well, this is where I've arrived --though not entirely to my satisfaction. In any case, I would like to get some opinions based on what I've gathered so far.</p>
<p>NYU
Pros: Gallatin would be great for my interests, LOCATION, lifestyle
Cons: Difficulty of transferring, COST</p>
<p>McGill
Pros: Reputable, semi-affordable, location
Cons: Stigma of the Canadian degree?</p>
<p>Michigan
Pros: Best transfer potential, VERY affordable (scholarship)
Cons: Location</p>
<p>I'm from Atlanta and money is definitely being heavily considered. Specifically, and in accordance with my parents paying their full EFC, I would have no debt at Michigan, $3-4k a year at McGill, and $6-8k a year at NYU.</p>
<p>Oh, and if you were asking where I live for the sake of being close to home, it really doesn't matter. I have flight benefits so they're all plenty "close" to home.</p>
<p>In the US there's no stigma attached a degree from McGill. In fact, the reverse is probably true. People see McGill as the 'Harvard of Canada,' when it's actually less selective than most top-20 schools here. Anyway, I think you should go with the school offering less debt--in your case, UMichigan. I'm also kind of biased bescause that's my dream school :D. Congrats on your acceptances!</p>
<p>I've never been and I've been told by a friend that I would like it, but I really am strongly striving for a more urban situation...</p>
<p>That being said, I am going to visit Michigan and McGill next week --that may impact this decision. The thing is, I know that I would get sooo much from going to Gallatin. I have some very eclectic interests and an individualized major (specifically with access to Tisch) would be very nice.</p>
<p>I'm going to be in NYC this weekend and am meeting with a financial aid counselor. I'm hoping for the possibility of an increase in aid (though I've heard that it's highly unlikely), but more importantly, I will discuss how NYU can be affordable. I will look at second-year scholarships and 5-year combined degree programs as this would definitely help.</p>
<p>I hate NYU campus.. its all over.. columbia's is nice an centered and NYU does not form, its just everywhere.. and random.. i'm not a fan</p>
<p>umich - i rather not be in debt.. i'll be there on friday touring their arch dept. thou, i've been there a lot, my sister goes there.. if you want the urban life- detroit is 45 min away, and if you want good shoping >somerset mall.. umich can be one big city for you... Somerset</a> Collection - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</p>
<p>mcgill - i almost applied.. don't know much.. harvard of canada sounds about right</p>
<p>there are like tons of groups.. my sister is part of an volunter/asian group.. i mean how more random can you get.. i think it's religious too... UMICH is huge, i'm sure you'll find something.. they have tons of kids from everywhere.. when we were driving my sister up for welcome week.. there were cars from FL and PA and pretty much everywhere.. again UMICH is its own city</p>
<p>side note - football tickets are pretty good... :/</p>
<p>I understand that you want a diverse culture in your undergraduate experience. However, you are underestimating the Michigan campus. Ann Arbor is one of the most diverse cities in the state. In fact, it has one of the highest foreign-born populations in the state. There is a local mall (Briarwood) that has four major department stores (JCPennys, Macy's, Sears, Von Maur). There are many major and small-town eateries in the downtown area that have Asian, Mediterrean and European cuisine. The city has successfully combined urban and country life. The weather is a con (cold, snowy winters but the fall is very nice). I am not a Michigan grad (I'm actually a Northwestern grad) but I currently work at Michigan and it has plenty of lifestyle at a cheaper price than NYU. The city of Chicago is only a 4 hour drive on the weekend too.</p>
<p>Um Harvard of Canada... that's a little exaggerated :) I mean, here no one worries about getting in because we know the exact gpa that is required to be accepted unless you want to be a doctor.</p>
<p>McGill is all over Montreal too so it's far from being a college town. But don't forget, the nightlife is huge and the legal age is 18!!</p>
<p>A little advice: look for off-campus housing. It's much cheaper than residence. Also, it will be a different experience since most students in residence are Americans.</p>
<p>All the schools are excellent. I believe Michigan has a the most respected international reputation. It has top 10 programs in almost everything.</p>
<p>Yeah, I feel like both of the world rankings are too unconsolidated to be considered when comparing universities.</p>
<p>And I'm fairly sure that I would be going to grad school in the states to eventually (and ideally) get a faculty position at a university in the states.</p>