My 18-yr old has just graduated from high school and is trying to decide which university to choose. He has been accepted into a B.Sc. (Biology) programs at UVic, UofA and Mount Royal. We don't have a clear winner, as each choice carries some good pro's and some significant con's.
- UVic has an excellent biology program. It's a beautiful city with nice climate. He'd live on campus and will not need a car. He will learn to live independently sooner. Lots to do in Victoria. Service jobs should be easier to find for part-time work. Con's: he would have be away from the family for two thirds of year. Travel and living costs will be high.
- UofA - he is accepted at the UofA Augustana campus in Camrose. Students to Profs ratio is quite a bit lower than average, I was told. He can transfer to Edmonton campus after the first year if his grade average is high enough. UofA is a good school with good reputation. They also have a medical school, if he decides to continue education. Con's: Camrose is pretty small and, I am guessing, not a very exciting town to live in with not much to do after studies. He will need a car (+gas+insurance) to travel home, which for the large part would be winter driving.
- MRU - brand new campus, can live at home and save $8,000/year on residency costs. Half of his high school friends are staying in Calgary. Con's: MRU is very low on the university ranking scale.
I am asking anyone with any exposure to these three universities to share their experience and opinions. Also, I would welcome any other advice that could be helpful in making the right decision. Thank you.