Thinking About Tranfering to a Canadian Institution. HELP!

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Toronto
1

<p>Hey all. I am looking to transfer to a Canadian school, but I have a lot of questions and I would really appreciate some insight/input.</p>

<p>Here is some background:
I just finished my freshman year at the University of Rochester, and maintained a 3.2 GPA. I am majoring in ecology and evolutionary biology, hoping to go on to do something environmental. I may change my major to biology and anthropology. In high school, I was a very good student. I took International Baccalaureate classes, was extremely involved, and graduated in the top 10% of my glass with a 3.9. I got a 28 on the ACT. This semester, I hope to get between a 3.7 and 4.0 and pass my final IB test so I can receive my IB diploma. Unfortunately, UR is giving me very insufficient financial aid and the people there are pretty weak. I have been thinking about transferring for awhile now. </p>

<p>Right now, my top choice in McGill, but I am also interested in Mcmaster, Queen's, Waterloo, and U Toronto. </p>

<p>Here are my concerns:</p>

<p>How is the education at the universities? I am hesitant that their large size will make the education less valuable, even though they are very prestigious. Is this true? How are the class sizes and professor contact?</p>

<p>Do any of these schools have distinctive reputations for attracting a certain kind of person/student? Are they diverse? </p>

<p>Do any of them have strong programs in natural sciences?</p>

<p>How are the locations of these schools? Are Waterloo and Mcmasters in cool areas? Is it expensive or cheaper to live off campus particularly in Montreal or Toronto since they are large cities?</p>

<p>Is the financial aid good? I know it is for Canadians, but what about international students? Coming from a good school like UR, will my chances be high to receive some kind of merit based scholarship?</p>

<p>I know there is a lot to respond to, but any input would be greatly appreciated because I really need the "inside scoop" Thanks!</p>

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<p>Phoebe, you’ve asked a lot of questions and I’ll try to answer just a few, briefly. First, though, you should have a look this link to OUAC which is the organization that handles applications for Ontario universities. It will provide you with an abundance of information, in addition to links to the websites of each school.</p>

<p>[OUAC:</a> Undergraduate Applications - 105](<a href=“http://www.ouac.on.ca/105/index.html]OUAC:”>http://www.ouac.on.ca/105/index.html)</p>

<p>Now, just a few comments.</p>

<p>You can get an excellent education at any of the schools you listed. Canadians, in general, look at U of T as the best school in the country. The difference between the U.S. and Canada when it comes to post-secondary education is that all Canadian schools are public and there is not a great variance in the quality of education available here. U of T and McGill are in large urban areas. McMaster is in Hamilton which is a smaller city but still an urban area. Queens and Waterloo are in smaller Ontario cities. </p>

<p>Three of my Ds are attending/have attended U of T. Two other Ds attended U.S. colleges. I haven’t seen any detriment to those who have gone to U of T. Yes, it’s a large school but that has not translated to be a negative, at least for them. The two Ds who have now graduated from U of T were able to easily establish good relationships with profs and had no difficulty getting good letters of recommendation for grad school and law school.</p>

<p>U of T is likely to be the most diverse of the schools on your list.</p>

<p>Getting an off-campus apt in Toronto that is within walking distance is likely to cost you approximately $700/month if you are sharing with roommates. If you wanted an apt for yourself, plan on at least $1000/month for a studio, at minimum.</p>

<p>International students are not eligible for Canadian government financial aid. You would have to check with each school as to how they handle merit scholarships and whether internationals are eligible. Transfers, in general, are less likely to be awarded merit scholarships. They are usually awarded to first year students and are renewable each year, as long as a certain gpa is maintained. Also, realize that you will be paying international fees, and not what Canadian residents pay.</p>

<p>My suggestion is that you study the websites for the schools you’re interested in, and then contact them directly with your specific questions. Good luck to you.</p>