I’m currently trying to decide between attending U of T vs UBC for a sociology degree to then apply to an American top-tier law school. I’m having trouble deciding because I’m confused about which has a stronger reputation in the States (I am from Canada) and which school is more comfortable to be at (in terms of excruciatingly challenging classes, etc.). I know there are TONS of other threads about this but they’ve mostly been describing the experience of science majors, while I want to go into arts. I have a grade 11 overall average of 95%, so I do well in school but I do get overwhelmed sometimes and want to take that into consideration. Also, I am NOT a partier whatsoever and don’t really plan to be, which is something else I want to take into consideration.
Any help anyone can offer me is much appreciated! My parents both attended small, Atlantic Canadian universities so while they’re knowledgable they don’t know much about bigger universities.
Top American law schools’ adcoms are quite familiar with the major Canadian universities. As you know the large Canadian universities are relatively easy to get in to but hard to graduate from, especially with a high GPA. Go where you feel comfortable and work hard.
Also, are you and your parent ready and willing to pay and/or borrow +/-$180,000 for a top US law school?
Planning to attend law school, particularly ‘top’ U.S. law schools, when you’re still in high school is, largely, a mistake. You have no idea how well you’ll do in undergrad, or if your interests will change in the coming years. It’s fine to have goals but to have this particular goal, to the exclusion of any others is somewhat foolish.
As Tom says above, U.S. law schools are very expensive. If you have any desire to practice in Canada, it makes no sense to attend a foreign law schools. And unless you have dual citizenship, there will be challenges working in the U.S., not impossible ones, but challenges nonetheless.
A high school student should be focussing on studying at a school where they will be able to explore different subject matter, to have good EC opportunities, to make new friends and expand their horizons. If in a few years, you’re a top student, and still interested in law school, prep well for the LSAT, and explore your opportunities based on where you want to work and what the current legal employment issues may be.
It is easier for a Canadian law school graduate to move to and practise in the US than it is for a US law school graduate to move to and practise in Canada. If you are Canadian and don’t have dual citizenship, it would be best all around to go to law school in Canada.