Hi,
I am comparing these schools to see which one I would like to go to. I’ve been hearing very mixed things so I’m guessing that overall they’re all somewhat similar. I’m going into the pre-med field, probably a bio/biochem major. I’m a Canadian citizen but I’m currently in HS in the US. GPA 4.2, SAT 1510, ACT 35.
What is the environment at these schools like? Which ones are more competitive? More opportunities for research/internships etc?
Also the location…which city is bigger/busier/has more things to do? I really like big cities (I would have applied to UBCV but I missed the deadline…UBCO still has their app open for certain programs including science. super mad at myself for not discovering UBCV earlier…)
The University of Northern BC is of course in Prince George. This is a long way north. British Columbia is very large and getting up to the middle of it is quite a drive (although I have done it in one day from Vancouver). I used to know someone who lived there. He had stories of piles and piles of snow. The population of Prince George is well under 100,000, and there is not much nearby (at least that I have ever found) other than wilderness. Winters will be dark and cold. I have heard good things about the university but I would be reluctant to go that far north for university (or for any winter activity).
UBC Okanagan is in the Okanagan valley in the middle of the south of BC. It is a great place for outdoor activities. It is not in or near a big city.
I have driven by U. Victoria but I have never visited it. I have heard very good things about the university, and Maclean’s ranks it highly. You will have the mildest winters in Canada there. I also like Victoria quite a bit. The Native American museum there is superb and there are quite a few other things to do in Victoria. I have enjoyed several visits to Victoria and always have found interesting things to do.