I am an international undergraduate majoring in chemistry and in my second year now. Because of great interests in physics, I decide to transfer to US or Canadian universities and major in physics there. I’ve received offers from both University of Toronto (main campus) and University of Michigan Ann Arbor, but I don’t know which university is better for me. I will definitely apply for theoretical physics PhD program (provided in US) after gradution.
I listed the factors I consider in making decision, ranking from the most important to the least improtant:
Which university is better for me to apply to the top graduate school (such as Harvard, MIT, etc.).
In Which university I can get a higher GPA with the same amount of working; which university provides abundant (or more abundant) research opportunities, and which university has more topnotch scholars whose recommendation letter will greatly help me to the application to top grad school.
Which university provides more difficult lessons which will enable me to become a well-trained physicist.
Which university has more outstanding students (who are very stronge in academic issue) and a strong academic atmosphere, providing a more competitive environment. (I love stay in competitive environment; the more the better)
Which university has a higher comprehensive ranking and physics ranking, or has a higher academic reputation in North America.
Which university has a cheaper tuition and fees; which university has a more prosperous surroundings.
Which university has a more friendly climate.
BTW, I am now in my second year in college, and I estimate that I would begin my study from the second year in US or Canada university due to the limited number of transferable credits. So I will spend 3 years learning physics before graduation.
I have a degree from Toronto and live very close to Michigan, so I’m in a fairly good position to answer this. 1-5, I’d say not much difference. I believe Toronto would be cheaper, but you can confirm online on each universities’ web site. Toronto’s surroundings are more prosperous, with quite wealthy neighborhoods to the east and north, and ok-but-not-wealthy neighborhoods to the south and west. Amazing restaurants in all directions, and wonderful subway system close to most parts of campus.
Ann Arbor is a “college town” which means lots of interesting bars and restaurants, but off-campus housing is not especially nice…lots of older houses for rent that are not maintained very well.
You probably know that Toronto has a lot of immigrants from many countries, with those from China/Hong Kong being very prominent, especially at the university. Michigan has big sports events (especially football, basketball, and ice hockey) which serve as opportunities for students and alumni to get together and have a good time. While U of Toronto has sports teams, the average student is barely aware of them, and they do nothing to bring students or alumni together.
When I was at Toronto, there was a good feeling about being at the top university in the country … I don’t think anybody at Michigan has that feeling, but of course they are very very proud of their university, and it’s in a much bigger country.
Also, in the US, a student typically takes about one-quarter to one-third of his classes in his major field. In Canadian universities, I think that it’s closer to half of his classes being in his major field.
