<p>I assume you’re applying for an undergraduate bachelors degree. </p>
<p>This is McGill’s expected costs for international students:
[Money</a> matters](<a href=“http://www.mcgill.ca/viewbook/money/]Money”>http://www.mcgill.ca/viewbook/money/)</p>
<p>This is UC San Diego’s expected costs for international students:
[Budgets</a> for Undergraduates 2009-2010](<a href=“http://www.ucsd.edu/current-students/finances/financial-aid/budgeting/undergraduates-20092010.html]Budgets”>http://www.ucsd.edu/current-students/finances/financial-aid/budgeting/undergraduates-20092010.html)</p>
<p>Money and finances are a personal/family matter, so I won’t make any recommendations there. I will only speak to UC San Diego right now since I’m not familiar with McGill.</p>
<p>Biology is the most popular major at UC San Diego. That includes the variations:
Biochemistry and Cell Biology (B.S.)
Biology with Specialization in Bioinformatics (B.S.)*
Ecology, Behavior and Evolution (B.S.)
General Biology (B.S.)
Human Biology (B.S.)
Microbiology (B.S.)
Molecular Biology (B.S.)
Physiology and Neuroscience (B.S.)
Biochemistry/Chemistry (B.S.)</p>
<p>I mention it’s the most popular major because there are major benefits. Because there are so many students in this field, there is a lot of attention and resources given in this area. There are so many student groups dedicated to science and pre-professional organizations. A lot of businesses in biotech, bioengineering, and pharmaceuticals recruit from here, so the community gives this school a lot of attention.</p>
<p>I know you said you’re going in for biochemistry, but since majors can and will often change, I thought it pertinent to mention that San Diego’s bioengineering program is its greatest pride. It is ranked #2 in the nation second to Johns Hopkins. Plus UCSD has a nationally ranked med school and hospital. There are several hospitals in the San Diego region that are tied to UCSD as well as a cancer center and eye center.</p>
<p>Hope this helps</p>