Objectively, do you think I can relax about applying to McGill?

Colleges and Universities A-Z McGill University
1

Hello! I posted a thread of this sort in a more general forum already. I got some really great feedback, but I would also like some McGill-specific opinions!

I’m a senior from Georgia, USA and attend a public school.

SAT (new): 780 reading, 700 math. Am retaking in August, goal is to get to 730 in math.
SAT II: 800 United States history. Taking Literature and Math II in October.
AP scores: 5 in ush, Lang, us gov, comp gov, psych. 4 in physics 1 and env sci. 3 in statistics.

GPA: 4.0 unweighted, I’m pretty sure. Or like 3.98…?

my “transcript” :slight_smile:
99 - adv algebra 1/geometry a
99 - adv biology
99 - adv literature I
98 - healthcare I
98 - adv chemistry
100 - adv world history
100 - fitness + health
109 - AP psychology*

100 - adv algebra 2/geometry b
100 - AP us history a
104 - AP us history b
99 - Latin I*
98 - Latin II*
100 - adv literature II
99 - healthcare II
104 - AP environmental science
99 - anatomy and physiology

105 - English composition (at community college)
98 - American literature*

104 - AP statistics*
110 - AP comparative politics (half credit)*
94 - SAT preparation (half credit)*
100 - directed study
99 - adv physics
102 - AP physics*
106 - AP us politics
100 - current issues
100 - adv pre calculus

SENIOR YEAR
at school: AP calculus ab, AP macroeconomics, AP art history*
at my state flagship university (ranked 56th in nation by USNWR): Russian I, Russian II, Anthropology, Ethical Philosophy

* indicates course taken online thru accredited virtual school

I understand that McGill doesn’t evaluate anything else? Not even essays??? That seems a lil crazy to me but hey, I’m not arguing :slight_smile:

I will most likely apply to arts and sciences both because I want to keep my options open to pursue a double degree. I am leaning very strongly towards coupling an internationally-oriented field, such IR, international development, or World Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies, with something quantitative, such as mathematics or economics.

I am kind of confident that I am a strong candidate, but I am a bit clueless when it comes to international schools, so I thought that getting a second opinion couldn’t hurt :slight_smile:

thanks for reading this! I really do appreciate it!!
-peaceprincess

2

Hello again! :-* Here are the minimum requirements for admission. It is UW GPA and SAT or ACT scores only.
http://www.mcgill.ca/applying/requirements/minima/usa
There is a separate application for major merit scholarships which is holistic: EC’s, essays, letter of rec.

In terms of the nitty gritty McGill is very similar to American colleges, although terminology differs On campus housing is only available to first year students otherwise everyone lives in adjacent neighborhoods. A knowledge of French is not required but there is a great opportunity to learn if you so choose. Montréal is home to 500,000 Anglophones and from downtown to the western tip of the island English is the dominant language.

My son is an alumnus. Others may post more detailed information.

3

Now that I see your individual grades, this is stronger than my older daughter who applied to McGill Arts and Sciences and was accepted. McGill is a safety for you. I have no idea whether you will get merit based financial aid, and if you do get offered aid it is likely to show up some time later than your acceptance.

In my personal opinion McGill is a challenging but wonderful university in a great city. You don’t need to speak any French to go there, but if you do learn a bit of French it will help you to further appreciate your four years in Montreal. Buy a good winter coat, good boot’s, mittens and silk gloves, and a tuque (and find out what a tuque is). Have a St Ambois Oatmeal Stout for me with your poutine, and have a great time! This sounds great and I am jealous that I am not starting at McGill in a year (I am a bit too old now, perhaps in my next life!). Bonne chance!

4

@DadTwoGirls @TomSrOfBoston Thank you both so much!! I really, really appreciate your expertise in navigating through the inevitably stressful app season. If I do find myself at McGill come next fall, I will be sure to follow your advice! :slight_smile:

5

My S just started at McGill this week (he is in the middle of Frosh). He is LOVING Montreal and the incredible diversity of students. When he moved in, the first three people he met were from Australia, Vancouver, and Pakistan. The McGill experience is different than a U.S. university experience in some ways but in a good way. There is not a lot of handholding and helicopter parents will not like the school. But the academics are top notch, it’s amazingly social, and it is a great place to transition from high schooler to adult.

Your grades are awesome…you won’t have a problem at all.

Definitely take a look at McGill. Read through the threads. And if you can do a visit to Montreal, do it…especially during Winter. Good luck!

6

@SwimmingDad Thank you so much! I am getting more excited about McGill by the second :slight_smile: I hope to visit in February!

7

If anyone happens upon this thread later, an update: Accepted with merit scholarship a week ago :slight_smile:

8

Congrats! Well done.