<ol>
<li><p>McGill is not all that different from large American State U., such as Wisconsin or Michigan. The first and second year classes are large. The bureaucracy at McGill is probably higher and you will live much more independently. The grading system is also more difficult at McGill, but US grad programs know that.</p></li>
<li><p>There are a zillion miscellaneous fees. And I mean a zillion. This is because the Quebec Government cannot for political reasons raise in-province tuition rates–so the raise fees on everyone. In addition, as a US citizen you do not have Canadian health care–so the student has to take an international health plan at $700 per year regardless of your coverage with your family in the US. The separate fees are all reasonable, but aggregated they are at least $2000 per year. Some US schools are higher.</p></li>
<li><p>?</p></li>
<li><p>If you do not qualify for work study, off-campus jobs can be hard to find, even though new laws make working off-campus legal. The problem is that except for dishwashing or telephone work, you will need to be bilingual.</p></li>
<li><p>Yes, Canadian Thanksgiving is observed in early October. (Your question shows an American bias, by the way.) American Thanksgiving is not observed, but my daughter has always come home anyway. Believe me, with the size of first year classes- no one will notice or care–lectures are all online anyway. Your Christmas break will be much shorter than your US friends get at their colleges.</p></li>
<li><p>Much more so than undergraduates. Tho YMMV based on your willingness to be assertive and demand face time.</p></li>
<li><p>Peanut butter 3’s answer is correct.</p></li>
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<p>The bottom line is that my daughter loves McGill and her freedom–she does not need the college to be another parent. Some students do. She is getting a great education at a reasonable price. She is happy- I am happy.</p>