Which University is good for physics and computer science?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the comparison of the University of Toronto and McGill University for undergraduate studies in physics and computer science. Participants explore various factors influencing the decision, including cost, academic quality, research opportunities, and future graduate studies.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • The original poster (OP) is considering the value of paying an additional 10,000 CAD for the University of Toronto compared to McGill University, which is perceived as equally good but cheaper.
  • Some participants question how "better" is defined, suggesting that it varies based on individual priorities such as academic quality, faculty interaction, and research opportunities.
  • One participant emphasizes the importance of co-op opportunities and industry connections, while the OP expresses a focus on academic factors due to plans for further studies.
  • Another participant notes that both universities are well-regarded in physics and computer science, suggesting that the choice may not significantly impact academic prospects.
  • Cost considerations are highlighted, with a participant pointing out that McGill's lower tuition and housing costs may make it a more attractive option for international students.
  • There is a discussion about the likelihood of attending the same university for graduate studies as for undergraduate, with differing opinions on whether this is common practice.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the importance of cost versus academic quality, and there is no consensus on which university is definitively better for the OP's situation. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best choice for the OP.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully defined the criteria for "better," leading to varying interpretations of the universities' strengths. The discussion also reflects personal experiences and assumptions that may not apply universally.

ujjwal3097
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Hi
I have been admitted to University of Toronto[ Trinity college] and McGill University as an international student for physics major. I am planning to do double major in computer science and physics. I want to know which university is better for these subject at an undergrad level.
I have to pay 10,000 CAD extra for University of Toronto. I am bit confused will that extra 10,000 bucks will be worth it knowing that McGil is cheaper and as good as UofT. Please Guys help me out in this one.
 
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You probably saw this coming, but how do you define "better"? Better for me is likely not better for you. Better bars? Better dating scene? Better computing resources? Better grad school prospects? What do you want out of your education?
 
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DrSteve said:
You probably saw this coming, but how do you define "better"? Better for me is likely not better for you. Better bars? Better dating scene? Better computing resources? Better grad school prospects? What do you want out of your education?
For me better is:
better academics
better faculty
better students body
better research opportunities
better faculty and students interaction possibilities
better resources
Overall Better academic atmosphere and better education
I will go for masters so Please take that into factor as well.
 
OK. Now I'm going to throw it back on you. You applied to those two schools and got accepted. What appealed to you about each? Have you looked into co-op opportunities, industry connections, their respective career resource centers?
 
DrSteve said:
OK. Now I'm going to throw it back on you. You applied to those two schools and got accepted. What appealed to you about each? Have you looked into co-op opportunities, industry connections, their respective career resource centers?
As i told you i am going for masters and then Phd so for now i don't need worry about the industry connection. Co-op opportunities are almost similar but i want to know which is better universities better than other for an undergrad student.
 
You didn't write that you were going for a PhD. You wrote "I will go for masters so.." In any event, you likely won't go to either university for your PhD if you go there for your undergraduate degree.
 
DrSteve said:
You didn't write that you were going for a PhD. You wrote "I will go for masters so.." In any event, you likely won't go to either university for your PhD if you go there for your undergraduate degree.
Yup that's true sir.
 
To the OP:

In terms of all of the criteria you used to determine quality in post # 3, U of T and McGill are practically identical. Both universities are well renowned in both computer science and physics (both academically and in research), with successful students in both schools going on to pursue graduate studies. So on those two issues, it really would not matter which school you go to.

I should also add that both schools are located in ethnically diverse, culturally rich cities (Toronto, McGill), with lots of things to see and do, so you have that going for both schools.

So then the question comes down to cost. As an international student, I would have figured that tuition for both schools would be about the same (the situation is different for domestic students), but it appears that U of T is more expensive by around $10,000 CAD in tuition (not to mention that off-campus housing is overall less expensive in Montreal than in Toronto -- don't know about on-campus housing). So if you are thinking about cost alone, then McGill may be a better choice.
 
DrSteve said:
You didn't write that you were going for a PhD. You wrote "I will go for masters so.." In any event, you likely won't go to either university for your PhD if you go there for your undergraduate degree.

Not necessarily true. I have known many students who have completed both their undergraduate and their PhD in STEM fields like math, physics or computer science from both schools.
 
  • #10
StatGuy2000 said:
Not necessarily true. I have known many students who have completed both their undergraduate and their PhD in STEM fields like math, physics or computer science from both schools.

That's why I used the caveat "likely".
 

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