<p>Can’t go wrong with either of these schools. NW is one of the best and most difficult schools to get into in the US. Very, very underrated. McGill is arguable the best and most recognized school in Canada. Additionally, you are looking at Big Ten atmosphere in Evanston, Illinois (not Chi) vs. Non-NCAA in downtown Montreal. Very different atmospheres indeed, but both are very good schools. I don’t think you will find too many people on the McGill forums complaining about level of happiness and quality of life in Montreal, but I agree with blobof to look at the NW forums.</p>
<p>I disagree that undergrad degree doesn’t matter. It does, as much as well like to think it doesn’t I have heard first hand that it very much does. When comparing 4.0 vs. 4.0 student from McGill vs. X-State U, they will most likely choose McGill because of the rigorous reputation. However, this is not the case here, NW is a great school too and the name goes far in grad schools as long as you do well.</p>