How is McGill?
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Anonymous
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We are transplants from France living in Maryland and are in shock over the cost of American universities. McGill University in Montreal offers significant tuition reduction to French citizens, comparable to the cost of in-state tuition at the University of Maryland, and so we are wondering if this could be a good solution for our children.
1. For an undergrad education, does anyone know how McGill compares to UMD, or other US universities? Is a degree from McGill easily recognized in the USA? 2. If our children want a university in the US, how likely is it that they would receive financial aid? Thank you. |
Anonymous
| McGill has a great reputation in the US in my experience and is a fantastic school. It sometimes is a bit of a challenge for US kids who may be encultured for a more US style residential college and whose French isn't as strong (McGill teaches in English but campus and Montreal culture really runs on bilingualism). But in your case it sounds like a great option. |
Anonymous
| Excellent option for bilingual French-English speakers. As the PP said, great reputation both in the US and Canada. It is probably the most well known Canadian university in the US and attracts the most American students. Within Canada it's known for strong academics, although I think other schools have better reputations for research (Toronto, BC and McMaster, for example). Atmosphere will be a bit closer to the European university model. Many international students. |
Anonymous
| It’s actually the perfect option for your family OP! |
Anonymous
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McGill sounds like a great option. Regarding financial aid, we don't know your income! Look at the Net Price Calculator on Harvard's website. It is one of the most generous colleges. If Harvard won't give you financial aid, no one will.
Now, there is also merit aid, but that is dependent upon your child's credentials and where he/she is willing to go. |
Anonymous
| Not only is McGill tuition likely to be lower than most U.S. options (I think French citizens pay the Canadian rate), but the cost of living in Montreal is super low for a city or even a U.S. college town. My kid graduated from McGill a few years ago and it was a home run -- top notch academics, great, cool city, huge range of students, plus it cost us far less than any of the U.S. options on the table, even at the higher U.S. tuition rate. DC didn't qualify for non-merit financial aid. |
Anonymous
| I taught at McGill several years ago. The departments vary quite a bit: architecture, music, and sciences are the real strengths on campus; the visual arts and humanities less so. At the time, it was a bit of a sink or swim kind of place. Lots of classes are taught in lecture format. For students who need more support than that, it's probably not ideal, but if your student is independent and self-motivated, it's a great option. |
Anonymous
Beautiful college and wonderful city. Well-known in the US. Sounds like it could be a great fit for you. Your French daughter might cringe at the Qu[code]ébecois French accents, though. 
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Anonymous
| McGill is very well regarded in US. I know three students there currently (2 Canadian, one American--excellent student). All three are having a great experience. |
Anonymous
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OP your kids will need top grades in the highest academic subjects - McGill is competitive entry and one of the top universities in Canada.
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Anonymous
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Tourists can stay in the dorms in the summer. We did that.
Op, given your circumstance, I would insist that they apply. Apply, get in, get in to a wide range of school, know the final cost, AND THEN go visit. You don't want your student saying, "NO" early, before applications, when it might be their best option. |
Anonymous
OP here. My high schooler has all As, in his AP and Honors subjects, except math, which is his weak area. Do you think he can contend? |
Anonymous
Yes |
Anonymous
| How he does on the AP test themselves will matter a great deal. |
Anonymous
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A spectacular, impressive university that produces cool, sophisticated graduates who have actually undergone a maturing process. Not quite as warm and fuzzy as some US schools but really a strong and solid place.
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