Sigh...Rice vs. McGill

College Search & Selection
1

<p>Which are both insanely different schools, I know.</p>

<p>I'm looking to major in cognitive sciences, which both schools offer, so it's not too much of a problem. I'm probably going to grad school (at least I'm planning on it right now), so finances is pretty significant.</p>

<p>So let's see.</p>

<p>Rice - Pros:
- small (~3000 undergrads) - smaller classes, personalized teaching/advising
- Houston sounds pretty awesome - but alot of students stay on campus, apparently, and the transport system isn't too good
- residential college system sounds AMAZING!</p>

<p>Rice - Cons:
- expensive (about $28k)
- no snow :( although wearing shorts all year round is pretty awesome too</p>

<p>McGill - Pros:
- much cheaper (roughly $14k-$18, depending on housing)
- snow!!! I love snow.
- Montreal - considered to be THE best college student city - lots of free festivals, museums, restaurants, etc - very easy access from the campus</p>

<p>McGill - Cons:
- HUGE! (~20,000 undergrads) - huge lecture classes, harder to get attention</p>

<p>I don't know. I think I'm leaning towards Rice, but the extra $10-14k is quite the bubble-burster. Hum...four days to decide...</p>

2

<p>Personally, I'd go for McGill if it comes to money and environment. But, it's definitely your decision.</p>

3

<p>If money were equal, I'd go Rice. Toss-up due to the finances.</p>

4

<p>
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transport system isn't too good

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</p>

<p>Not as bad as people say. I commute via bus and light rail to work every day here in Houston. Rice is right on the light rail. The museum district, the Rice Village, and Hermann Park are all within walking distance. If you'd like to go to a sporting event or downtown, those are all right on the light rail. To get to the Galleria, you take the light rail to Wheeler and then take the 82 to the Galleria. It's really not all that bad. Hopefully they'll be building the second light rail line soon, which will help things even more.</p>

<p>It gets windbreaker/sweatshirt cold here (surprised the heck out of my Utah roommate), so if you decide to go, at least bring a couple of warm things...!</p>

<p>Rice is amazing... I'd go if you can afford it! =) If not, McGill is an excellent university... and has snow. ;)</p>

5

<p>How about the weather? I know if this were my daughter's choices she would pick McGill.</p>

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<p>Rice is a gorgeous campus. It's not hot year round in Houston but you do seem to never put your summer clothes away!</p>

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<p>
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How about the weather?

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</p>

<p>Every building in Houston has central air, almost as a rule. Basically we just spend as little time outside as we can during the really hot days... And the beautiful springtimes definitely make up for the heat we have to withstand during the summers. =)</p>

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<p>The Rice cognitive sci program is relatively new and very small with few course offerings. Look into it in depth before you decide!</p>

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<p>don't know much about rice but my friends at mcgill love it there.</p>

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<p>You are right that these are VERY different schools.</p>

<p>You just have to decide which feels right.</p>

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<p>rice.....great school</p>

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<p>Who said Montreal is the best college city. with the same five clubs, seeing the same five people every night. to compare to another Canuck city. toronto, has broadway shows, world class restaurants and more nightclubs per capita than New York City and still I wouldn't put that one as the top college towns either. if you want a good college town in Canada, think Queen's university in Kingston ontario, much more Ivy feel and with three colleges in town it's overrun by the student population.</p>

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<p>Uh..there is nothing to do in Kingston. </p>

<p>Montreal is a terrific city. Living there is a learning experience in itself. My vote is for McGill.</p>