u/Boring-Art9203

help me pick between mcgill university and uc santa barbara!!

context about me: from california, studying psychology, ideally want to go to a UC for grad school to become a psychologist

mcgill 

pros:

• more prestigious institution
• better city life/nightlife (clubs and bars, drinking age 18)
• more academically focused
• better for psychology

cons:

• academic calendar (VERY minimal breaks and i probably wouldn't be able to visit home for any of them)
• far from home
• maybe fewer connections for grad school in california?
• harder to keep up a good gpa (grade deflation)

uc santa barbara

pros:

• in california (closer)
• academic calendar
• better for grad school? more well-known in california?
• probably easier to do well (no grade deflation)

cons:

• less prestigious
• not as good for psychology
• i feel like the people there are less my vibe (lots of white girls who love to party?)