Carleton vs McMaster for Poli Sci‼️
Let me just say that my long term goal is to get into an MBA or Law program at a T14 school. As you can tell, I want to shoot for the moon.
I am torn between the University and ai badly need advice.
heres the breakdown for each school:
Carleton:
-in a city (Ottawa) the capital with direct access to opportunities that otherwise might be less accessible for someone at McMaster. But its 5 hr drive or 6hr commute from where I live.
- not as world renowned. in terms of reputation of the name. But ik it would not matter much for graduate studies.
- Great program for government related undergraduate degrees (especially a lot of ppl tell me poli sci is useless without a graduate degree whoch is partially true but I think Carleton would get rid of that worry for me)
- Guaranteed Res (I visited the school and I think its good but Im not overly joyous about it)
- rideau canal and nature proximity, makes me feel like an adult who moved out rather than a college kid.
-not much school spirit, I heard they only have the Panda games. Im not sure if theres much to do but i mean its in the city of ottawa im sire theres plenty to do but im just worried i wont make the same connections as other schools.
-(non co op )on and off campus job opportunities while studying could be easier to get hired? I have retail and food service experience.
Mcmaster
- no guaranteed res but Im looking into off campus res (although im worried i wont have the traditional experience and would have a hard time finding my ppl comapred to livingnon res)
- great co op program too (im not sure if its better than Carleton’s)
-not sure if off camous jobs are easy to find. I have hopes for on campus jobs tho. but as much as possible off campus jobs would be better for me.
-small campus just like carleton but more charming in terms of architecture. not like carleton its maybe just plain old square red brick buildings
- has sororities im looking into joining
- has the night life ( at least in comparison to carleton) like hoco, st pattys, frat parties, etc.
-the name carried weight and prestige (maybe more on their STEM programs but idk ifbits the same for their humanities I)
- its in hamilton, a small town (im not rlly a small town person but its close to toronto. however i dont rlly want to come back home all that often and be around a toxic environment)
-off campus housing is cheaper than a big city than ottawa
Overall, I know both schools has their own unique traits that maybe better than the other. But I can’t shake the feeling about regret.
Let me just say I care about my GPA and opportunities and mental health when going to school. I also want to come out of my shell and be outgoing and network for possible career opportunities.
I prioritize program excellence ,college experience ,and my career path.
Im sure I can get great co op or internships ifni go at either schools. Im not only focused on government jobs tho, so idk if its worth it choosing carleton just for that, but also the inconvenience of having to find off campus res and adjusting as a first year not having that dorm room might make or breaknit for me)
I will say tho, either way I might transfer out after first year.
Please tell me about your experience at both school (program, success, co-op, network, college experience, lifestyle, and vibe)