McGill Vs. Notre Dame- Mech. Eng. PhD

[Unknown Name]

Hi all,

I've got PhD admission in Mechanical Engineering from McGill and Notre Dame Universities. I am graduated from University of Tehran/ Iran at the M.Sc. level and am resident of Iran. These universities have their own dis/advantages:

McGill:

Located in Montreal, the beautiful but usually cold city in Canada. I have got MEDA award (32000$ per yr.). The tuition for the 2010-2011 term was about 14000$ which seems to become more this year. I expect an stipend of about 16000$ per year. My supervisor is Prof. Habashi, a well-known and knowledgeable professor in CFD and aerospace in Canada. He may provide me with suitable job offers in his or other companies in Quebec in the filed of Aerospace. Also, because he admits a large number of graduate students every year, he cannot devote much time to his students. Studying in Quebec has the advantage of gaining residency of Quebec during my studies and the opportunity of traveling back home during these years without being concerned about getting visa to come back to Canada.

Notre Dame:

Located in South Bend/ Indiana. The whether is relatively warmer in this city than Montreal. The costs seems to be quite the same. I have got fellowship of 66000$ per yr. My stipend would be about 24000$ per year which is much money to live in this city and I can save some. My supervisor is a young, energetic, and knowledgeable lady who works in the filed of Bio-fluids, Complex and non-Newtonian flows which are really exciting areas for me to work in. The University campus is really beautiful and the people are warm and friendly. If I want to come back home to see the family, I should again apply for the US visa and the clearance process may take long and cause me some problems (which usually does not happen, but it has the risk).

It would be a great help to me if anyone can guide me through finding the best choice.

Thanks.

[hbgrad]

They are both really good schools. I tend to think Notre dame is better in terms of academic development. With a young adviser fighting for her tenure she can really push you far. But Mcgill seems better in terms of going back home frequently. Now is the time to pick career over other things! Go to Notre dame!

cheers!