<p>I've been accepted to McGill for the upcoming year, and I have a few questions. I don't know if anyone is familiar with Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota, but I have been accepted to both McGill and Macalester and right now it looks as though these are what I have to choose from. Macalester, for those who don't know, is an LAC with 2000 students or so. </p>
<p>So first off, finances:
McGill, I'd probably end up paying total 20k or so per year, since im a Canadian.
Macalester, with the financial aid they gave, I'd end up paying around 35k or so per year. Which is a bit expensive. Which is why I'm trying to allay my doubts about McGill.</p>
<p>I have a few qualms regarding McGill: it is very large, and from what I gather, class sizes can get pretty big. Is it very hard to get to know your professor? Is it thus difficult to get good grad school recommendations? Do classes in later years get significantly smaller? I'm afraid it'll be hard for me to put myself out there to be noticed by my professor. Any advice to help this?</p>
<p>Also, do many students conduct research as an undergrad? I am planning on entering the faculty of arts, majoring in anthropology or international development or something like that, so I was wondering if undergrad research in these fields would be a possible endeavor at McGill. I am quite interested in conducted research during my undergraduate experience. </p>
<p>In addition, Macalester College seems to emphasize research methods in their anthropology program - they have an "applied emphasis". Do McGill's anthropology/ IDS programs similarly allow students to be trained in research methods (like ethnographic fieldwork, etc) and conduct research? Or is it more theoretical rather than applied? I think I'll contact the department too but I was hoping I could get some information from you guys.</p>
<p>So finally, do you think it'd be better for me to attend McGill or Macalester? Macalester would provide a more nurturing environment, and possibly more research opportunities (?) but the finances are also a stretch... I don't know if I'd fare so well in McGill's more competitive, independence-requiring environment (any tips for dealing with that if I do end up going to McGill?)</p>
<p>Yeah I think that's it. I'd appreciate any information/opinions I can get! Thanks!</p>