UPenn versus McGill?

College Search & Lists
1

Trying to decide whether or not I should apply ED to Penn …

I’m interested in microbiology/immunology and McGill, as far as I’m aware, is the only top university in North America to offer a dedicated major program (and not just a concentration within biology …), and with their generous AP credit policy I would be able to enter as a U1 (i.e. complete undergrad in 3 years, which is apparently the norm.)

Is there any significant difference in prestige/research opportunities/quality of education/difficulty of classes (McGill is notorious for its grade deflation, but not sure how it compares to US universites)? And would choosing McGill over UPenn affect my chances of US allopathic medical school admission?

Thanks!

2

Assuming that you are American, McGill would in no way lessen your chances at American medical schools.

If you are Canadian then attending Penn will not help your chances at an American medical school, you would still be an international applicant.

If American and in need of financial aid, Penn would likely be more generous.

3

@TomSrOfBoston Everyone says it’s nearly impossible to get 3.7+ in the sciences … but nobody seems to be able to quantify this in comparison to other universities. Do you think McGill is any harder (I know that some of the upper level biology classes are even curved to A-) than, say, Cornell? And it doesn’t seem too abnormal that grades are curved to B/B-.

4

As a public university, like all universities are in Canada, admission standards are not as high as at Cornell or Penn. If you are a top applicant you will likely be at the top of any curve. If you just squeak in, you may be at the bottom of the curve. My son is a McGill alumnus and his GPA was in excess of 3.7 but that was in management.

5

@wildesfeuer grade deflation might be an issue as US med schools care a lot about GPA. In terms of prestige difference, yes there is a difference but in practical terms it would not affect your chances to med school just by itself. A practical consideration for choosing Penn is the biomedical research opportunities which are superior. The ability to say you have done research at Penn’s medical school get a letter of recommendation from someone in Penn Med can go a long way in medical school admissions.

All that said if there is a significant cost difference, I would probably go with the cheaper option between the two.