Top LACs vs. McGill...

<p>Alright, Princeton Review gives McGill crap rankings, and I understand it's a much different type of school than what I'm otherwise looking at (Amherst, Bowdoin, Bates...), but it's also waaaay less expensive. How does McGill rank academically and reputationally (is that a word?). Thanks for your inputs.</p>

<p>Also, I feel that I'm a competitive candidate for the top LACs, but by no means a shoe in (2190 SAT, 760/710 SAT 2s, 3 5s and a 3 in APs with 5 tests coming this year, 3.85 W GPA w/ toughest courseload), does anyone think I'd have a shot at Oxford in PPE? Thanks.</p>

<p>Can't imagine a more different type of experience then a small, student oriented and teaching oriented U.S. LAC vs. McGill: a huge, sink or swim on your own attitude with professors aloof etc. At least that's what we heard all accross the board last year when my D applied. Yes, the cost is much less, but if you can get in to McGill and some of the LACs, it seems like you could find other alternatives which would reduce the cost consideration. </p>

<p>My D would not have qualified for financial aid and we didn't even fill out a FAFSA, but she was offered a substantial sum of merit aid at Tulane. Enough to make it very attractive to attend there. For other reasons (her boyfriend was going to enroll there and they decided on some time apart) she chose one of the LACs. </p>

<p>The reputation of McGill is supposed to be stellar, but it still always seemed like comparing apples and oranges.(I think the commonly heard "Harvard of Canada" epithet is misleading). If you do apply, it's not like applying to one school, but each of the colleges seem to have their own different criteria and standards. She applied to "McGill" not realizing that her application would be first reviewed at one school and then if not accepted there passed to another branch. To be honest we never did find out the difference between where she was accepted and where she was rejected.</p>

<p>McGills a great school my friends sister went there last year...but sadly enough b/c of stupid parents problems...she couldnt go back and now is goin to local college for a year till they sell there house and can move up there...SHe loved McGill</p>