Should You Choose Waterloo or McGill for Math and Physics?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the comparison between the mathematics and physics programs at the University of Waterloo and McGill University. Waterloo offers a four-year structured program, while McGill provides a three-year degree that some participants perceive as less organized. Concerns about preparation levels from the French Baccalaureate system compared to Quebec's CEGEP are raised, alongside considerations of graduate school perceptions and the financial implications of attending U.S. institutions like MIT and Princeton. The conversation also touches on the importance of extracurricular activities, referred to as "hooks," in the admissions process.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Canadian higher education systems, specifically the differences between CEGEP and university programs.
  • Familiarity with the admissions processes for U.S. universities, including the significance of standardized test scores like the SAT.
  • Knowledge of the concept of "hooks" in college applications and their impact on admissions.
  • Awareness of the financial considerations involved in attending universities in Canada versus the United States.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the curriculum structure of the mathematics and physics programs at the University of Waterloo and McGill University.
  • Investigate the admissions criteria and expectations for international students at MIT and Princeton.
  • Explore the concept of "hooks" in college applications and how to effectively present extracurricular activities.
  • Analyze the financial implications of attending U.S. universities compared to Canadian institutions, including potential debt and funding options.
USEFUL FOR

Prospective Canadian university students, particularly those interested in mathematics and physics, as well as individuals considering applications to U.S. institutions like MIT and Princeton.

HarryHumpo
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So I'm a Canadian student currently in Terminale in a French Baccalaureate school (french equivalent of grade 12), and I was hoping some of you could help me out with some questions I've got.

In Canada, I'm applying to Waterloo and McGill in their mathematics/physics programs. McGill is a 3 year degree, Waterloo a 4 year degree.

Personally, I prefer the way the Waterloo program is layed out compared to McGill's, it seems really well structured as to how you approach subjects. McGill's seems kind of messy :p. Is this a legitimate concern or is it just my bias?

Also, I don't need to take a prep year at McGill since I'm from the FB system. But, we cover less than what's done in CEGEP, the standard Quebec preparation. Should this small lack of preparation dissuade me from going to McGill or is it something that's easily caught up if I work hard?

I know both are good schools in math and physics, but does one have a particular advantage over the other? How would grad schools consider them?
I hear Waterloo is sort of a boring town :P, is that something I should think about?


Finally in the States I'm applying to MIT and Princeton. I wrote my SAT's about a month ago and scored 2200 (800 math, 730 writing, 670 reading). This is about the average score for an applicant who gets admitted, but I'm applying internationally, so are the demands more rigorous for scores?

Also, I constantly read that you need a "hook". What exactly is a hook? I love playing blues guitar and have performed at festivals in the city where I live, and dedicate a lot of my free time to it. Is that a "hook"? I'm not too sure since it's just something I do for fun to relax.
In terms of EC's I also teach tennis over the summer, and hope to teach swimming this winter for some cash. Oh and I have a ton of volunteer hours.

Do I stand a chance of getting into one of those schools?

And one last question:
Assuming I get into say MIT or Princeton, and Waterloo or McGill, is the money needed to go to one of the schools in the states worth it? I'd probably have to take on some debt and ask my parents for a lot more help than expected for a Canadian school.
 
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idk a thing about Canadian schools, but i would imagine that going to mit would be "worth it" financially. . . also if you are interested in math, you should apply to harvard as well.
 
Since you're in the French system, in the event you don't get in anywhere (highly unlikely), you can always look into the CPGE in France? The MPSI is the class you're looking for and it would definitely keep your costs down. Schooling is free if you go to a public school and the ENS Ulm (long shot but you're looking at the likes of Princeton) is an excellent place to do maths or physics at.
 
All the programs are well structured at schools like Mcgill or Waterloo. Especially an area like Math/Physics. They might not show it on the internet but they have a course calendar that are given to enrolled students each year.
 

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