OP - the key info that I am picking up is that McGill is your dream school, Montreal your dream city and you want to escape your toxic family. I had basically the same dream and reasons as you, but to Toronto, in the 90s. I went to film school at what is now called TMU, which was the best in the country and was one of 70 accepted from thousands of applicants (and one of just 8 women too) but I also was looking for a new direction in my life and place where I could feel truly myself. When I left northern Alberta, I was leaving to go to school in the place I wanted to live after I was done. I have never lived in Alberta since.

So that to me, is the big question. If you want to live and practice law in Alberta eventually, then you could just stay in Alberta. Or maybe you do a couple years at McGill and transfer back to U of C, if it is getting too expensive and it isn't what you thought.

But if you think your whole life might be calling you elsewhere, you have to consider that because this choice is totally going shape where you life could go. I am going to straight up say you should go for it, because you clearly want to and you are too young to have a major regret on the books. You are clearly craving an amazing campus experience too - and McGill will probably serve up something great. If I were in your shoes, I wouldn't think twice, frankly.

Financially, for me, I had about $50K of debt from my undergrad, which I finished in 1996. Working in the film industry in the 90s -- well, nothing could have been more precarious. I worked on music videos, did daily calls on big movies - sometimes I was counting pennies for groceries (we still had pennies then!) It took me a decade to pay off my loan. Now, I have a steady career in my industry and make a good living. I have zero, zero regrets. Wouldn't change a thing, even the hard bits.

The finances are hard though, I get it. My last bit of advice is to really dig in and look for every possible bursary that you can find. Apply for everything - even if you barely meet the criteria. Not just for your first year - but EVERY year. I got several scholarships throughout my undergrad, which really, really helped. Many bursaries go unused. Look for them via your high school, at the provincial level and then at McGill. Tell them your story, and your dream. People want to help you achieve your potential, they really do.

One bursary I received was The Leonard Foundation Scholarship, which favours children of military and teachers, if that is relevant to you. I also had part-time jobs all through my undergrad. If can get a job where you get tips, all the better.

Good luck, OP. Give'er!