I’m deciding between the two schools. Tbh, I love both of them, the campuses are great and both the communities seem friendly. I’m leaning towards U of Rochester because I like the school as a whole and also it’s in the US. But also, UBC has a good international reputation. UBC offered me more money
Could someone give me a decent academic comparison between them. I want to major in Biology / Biomedical Engineering. Will UBCO’s engineering degree prepare me for MS/PhD in a good US university?
What is UBC?
UBC = University of British Columbia.
That’s what I thought, but I was afraid to say it because the next thought is: how many people know anything about UBC, let alone enough to offer a reasoned opinion on how it compares to UR? Not commenting about the quality of UBC.
UBC is world ranked and currently rated the top school for engineering in Canada (or one of the top three) - I think employers would recognize it. OP - where do you live?
Thank you all the responses.
@singermom4 I’m an international student (Asian). UBC is financially safe! (finance is a big concern for me). U of Rochester will be a bit stretch but I don’t want to bring any financial burden for my parents. However, I definitely want to do my Ms/PhD in a good US school (I have UC Berkley in mind as top choice) So, I want to be academically prepared as much as possible.
What do you suggest?
I think both would give you paths to a top PhD program
You can’t beat living in the city of Vancouver. It will be easier to fly home from Vancouver also. While Rochester does have a main airport, you will definitely have to make a hop or two to get to your international flight. Also Vancouver is a very diverse city whereas Rochester is a very small city - not as diverse, and has a long winter.
I don’t know any specifics about the Bioengineering program at either school. Both are great schools - I would think UBC may have wider name recognition. You need to look at undergrad research opportunities at both schools. I understand a visit is not very feasible but perhaps you can set up skype sessions with a professor or department head.
Oh whoops - I just see it is UBC - Okanagan. I have to admit I am not familiar with the satellite schools (I didn’t realize they existed). I’m not sure how the satellite school rank compares but I would think you would have opportunities at main campus or perhaps be able to transfer later. Have you tried posting on the UBC forum?
Thanks again for the response!
I actually chose UBC Okanagan over UBC for several reasons. UBCO has a student population of 7000 while UBC has 47000… The engineering classes at UBCO has 20-25 students, which i like a lot. The faculty is well reputed at both schools… However, UBC has better research labs for undergrad. Having said that, the professors at UBCO says I am more likely to get hands on research opp at UBCO bcz of its close knit vibe.
The degree value is the same, so is the rankings for both UBC
and I can always transfer if I want to. I thought I would benefit more from a smaller class.
One thing to keep in mind, however, is that overall there are more job opportunities in the States. I don’t know how easy it would be to get work visa to the States from Canada vs. studying in the States and then getting a work visa here.
^ That’s my biggest concern at the moment.
Well, you have a very good shot at undergrad research at UR.