Is McGill worth the cost?

Heisenberg27
Wed, 29 May 2013 03:55:02 +0000

Hi everyone

So, I’m right on the edge of deciding where I want to go to school for the next four years. Specifically, I plan to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Bioinformatics (i.e. McGill’s joint major in Computer Science and Biology) as an intended precursor to medical school.

Judging as best I can from internet research alone, I love almost everything I’ve read about McGill. Its abundant research opportunities, excellent location, solid MCAT preparation, and a reputation which would carry much clout for an undergraduate degree are all strong pros in McGill’s favour. However, I have a problem.

As an out-of-province applicant with expensive flights for travel between home and McGill, McGill’s hefty costs (esp. residence) frighten me. Particularly, I have also been accepted to a much less expensive local university (which has the benefit of proximity, smaller class sizes, and a better chance at earning a high GPA) but it would seem this university is noticeably lacking (relative to McGill) in its Computer Science department. (Also, the easier nature of the courses may cause me to become disinterested and/or prepare me less sufficiently for the MCAT)

Now, I should note that I have put alot of work into budgeting/cost reduction at McGill. Namely, my plan would be to pursue residence at Solin Hall and save money by cooking for myself during U0. Then, in later years, I would save even more money by living in an off-campus apartment and still cook for myself. However, this plan is still not a decisive solution. By all accounts, it would seem my annual first year budget would be between $19k-$26k with ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING considered. Fortunately, it does appear that in later years, I should be able to reduce this budget to between $16k-$20k annually.

HOWEVER, regardless of whether or not this seems manageable, the clincher is that at the other school (UNBC if you must know), I could get by on $16k-$17k annually. (Also, my calculations above disregard the fact that I have received a one-time $3k scholarship from McGill and a one-time $5.5k scholarship from UNBC).

SO, I guess what I’m asking is “based on your experience at McGill (reflecting on all of its pros/cons), do you feel that attending McGill is worth the increase in cost that you can see from my above situation?”

I don’t expect you to make my decision for me but, essentially, I’m tying to assess the value that McGill offers for its increase in cost. Thanks in advance for taking the time to review/address any of the above information. Any advice/insight is hugely appreciated :)