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Thanks for your input. I couldn't agree more with everything you said. It's great to know that other people have the same impressions/are getting the same vibes about different programs. The schools are definitely comparable in terms of the quality of the program, quantitative and research emphasis, etc. I definitely feel McGill has a very close-knit program, and have heard this from several graduate students who are currently studying in the program. Their class size is also quite small, at a maximum of 50 for core classes and much smaller for electives. These things make McGill very appealing for networking and getting to know fellow students and faculty. I feel like the environment would be very welcoming and the faculty members and administration are extremely helpful (I got this sense throughout the application procedure...and much more so than for UofT). UofT, on the other hand, has much larger class sizes. I emailed them about the numbers and they said that for core classes there would be a minimum of 50 students and that we could expect much higher numbers. However, their info session really made it seem like there are numerous networking opportunities, and that there are lots of opportunities for getting feedback from profs on assignments. I feel these things could compensate for their larger class size. They also have the option for a second practicum, which is great. After speaking with students from McGill, a few of them had mentioned that some people had a hard time securing a practicum, and many were not satisfied with their practicum experience. This is a major concern for me since the practicum is such a crucial component to the degree. I feel like at UofT, this won't be an issue because of how established the program is. Overall, UofT seems very flexible in terms of the course options and additional practicum option for the second year of studies. It's a tough decision, and because I now know so much about UofT's program, it's difficult to compare it to McGill's, which I know much less about. But ultimately, for me, it's about which program is going to equip me with the best skillset for working and open as many doors as possible for the future. After the info session, I feel like UofT will, where as with McGill, there are more uncertainties. I emailed the MPH alumni at UofT because I haven't been able to speak with any students about their experience. Hopefully they can get me in touch with someone! I'm also going to visit the campus and city soon, and am hoping this will also help me make my decision. Congratulations on your acceptance, that is great news! Best of luck!

Have you heard back from UofT? I was set on McGill, but after the online information session last week, I'm actually leaning towards UofT now...I wanted to know what you thought of the program/info session if you participated. Thanks!

Also, does anyone have any more comments about what they thought of the webinar at UofT?

I am wondering the same for UofT (but for the MPH-epi stream). I was set on McGill, but after tuning in to the webinar held by UofT earlier this week, I am unsure. They really made it seem like they are a top school in terms of preparing students for careers and making sure they have the necessary skills to succeed. This is one of my biggest concerns (being able to apply what is learned in the classroom in a work setting, and make that transition). McGill's program is relatively new. However, it is quite small, as are the classes, which could also be beneficial for getting to network with faculty members and peers. I wish more schools had similar webinar info sessions, it was really useful and gave a much better idea of the program. Can anyone provide more comments about the programs at UofT? (other than class size which is apparently a bit large).

The webinar was extremely helpful! I was actually set on McGill, but now I'm not so sure anymore...I contacted McGill and they won't be doing a webinar, but will be sending out more detailed information in June. Im hoping this is before UofT sends the official acceptance letter so that I have time to decide. Yes, McGill does have a smaller program size, and small classes, which could also be beneficial for getting to know faculty and peers compared to UofT. However, after tuning in to the webinar, it really seems like UofT emphasizes networking and equips students with the best skills for working, which is a huge plus for me. I can't decide!!

I just received my unofficial acceptance for UofT-epi a few days ago. Can anyone comment on the program? I already accepted McGill's offer since they gave me until mid March to confirm, and I also live in Montreal so it was a top choice. However, so was Toronto.

They also mentioned in the email to notify the school of graduate studies if we intend on declining the offer already, since there are students on a waitlist.

I just got an unofficial offer from the MPH-epidemiology program at UofT recommending me for graduate studies!! Does anyone have any comments between the program at McGill vs. UofT? They were my top choices and I've been accepted to both.

I just received an email from McMaster's (MPH program) stating that I am on the waitlist. I have already accepted McGill's offer, so I won't be going there. McMaster's seems to be sending out the remainder of their rejection or waitlist letters today.

I did my undergrad at McGill. My major was in Ecological Determinants of Health (environment), and my minor was in Life Sciences. I live in Montreal so McGill makes a lot more sense financially. I also wouldn't need to adjust to much since I know how administrative/academic stuff works there, I would have a TA position, and I'd applied to a scholarship that only applies for studies in Quebec..so I feel like I could really make the most of the two years and get involved with things related to the program, etc.. If I move to Toronto i'll have to spend time adjusting and will be starting from scratch...However, their program is well-recognized and very established so it's a tough decision (if I get accepted there). Where have you applied?

There were a number of people in this thread that applied. I applied and will probably be going there. Ive accepted the offer, but am still waiting on UofT. I've spoken to several students in the program who all had good things to say. The great thing about McGill's program is that it is a MSc. You take the same classes as Msc Epi students the first year, so basically the program is a MPH with a specialization in Epi. I think this is beneficial because it opens up job opportunities in both Public Health and epidemiology, where as for a MPH, I think one would be more limited to finding jobs that are strictly Public Health related. That's just my opinion...I also applied to McMaster's and Queen's (MPH) and although Queen's seems like they have a great program that is very established, I really think that the programs at UofT and McGill will open up more doors in the future because you could apply to both public health and epi. I also really like math and I know McGill's program emphasizes quantitative skills.

I didn't apply to USask so I can't comment on their program. I accepted my offer to Mcgill's MPH, McGill and UofT (MPH-epidemiology) are my top choices. One of the reasons McGill was a top choice is exactly because their MPH program has such a strong Epi component. I have spoken with students graduating from the program this semester, and they said that MPH and Epi students take all the same courses during the first year. Because of this, the department at McGill says the MPH program is really a MPH, with a specialization in epi (and even advises students to write it this way on their resume). I have seen many job openings that are for Epi students or for MPH graduates who have a strong Epi background. I feel like McGill's program would prepare students for jobs in both the fields of public health and Epi, while some more general MPH programs are really geared towards preparing students for working specifically in public health.

When did you find out about Queen's? I'm having trouble deciding between McGill (have been accepted), UofT and Queen's if I also get accepted there. What made you choose Queen's over McGill?

I know that last year people were still receiving offers at the end of March

My cGPA is 3.72/4.00, GPA in the last 2 years was 3.88/4.00 Has anyone heard back from Queen's yet? McGill has given me until March 22 to accept, Queen's is another top choice for me. My Bachelor's was in Environment:Ecological Determinants of health...so pretty relevant for Public Health, and I did a minor in Life Sciences. I had 6 months of volunteer research in a top Pharmacology lab at McGill, and also did a final semester group research project on food systems in Montreal/their social aspects. As for work experience, I didn't have much related to Public Health...but I had a lot of environmental work experience with the public this past summer, and have held various part time jobs working with the public for the past 10 years. I also started out in math at McGill, which I think may have helped justify my interest in the math aspect of the program (and I also had pretty strong math grades).