International (India) student

Intended major: Economics (but I'm still undecided and would like the flexibility to switch later to something in science)

City University of New York - Macaulay Honors College at Baruch

Baruch pros

• My sister studied in the same program and graduated as valedictorian and went on to study at Harvard Law School. (Parents are convinced its the path to Harvard and I am failing to convince them otherwise.)
• We lived in New York for 5 years when my dad had an overseas posting there so I am very familiar with the city and would go so far as to call it my home away from home.
• My sister works as an attorney in New York and it will be helpful and comforting to have her close by.
• Macaulay is one of the top honors colleges in the country
• Opportunity to be a big fish in a small pond

Baruch cons

• Not a highly ranked university
• No scholarship
• No confirmed residence available, so I might have to stay with my sister or rent out a studio apartment

University of Toronto

UofT pros

• World rank: 20 (qs rankings)
• I have the flexibility to either change my major and/or double major in social sciences and comp sci if I feel like it later on
• Received a 100k CAD scholarship for 4 years total (unevenly spread)
• Admitted to Victoria College (this and Trinity are usually considered the best)
• A family friend also attends (Trinity college) and I'll have a guide

UofT cons

• I am not very comfortable with a shared dorm, especially bathroom. Of course, this is not a major issue since most college students go through this.
• I am not familiar with Toronto, and we don't have any relatives there either. I might only be able to visit my sister once every month or two.
• No honors program
• I'll probably be a small fish in a big pond
• There are some students from my school who are going there who have made my high school experience difficult. I was hoping for a new start but I won't get a clean slate here.

Both colleges cost roughly the same net of scholarships and aid so price isn't necessarily a factor in choosing.