Keep in mind that if you complete a year of full time study, both UAI and GPA are included to determine selection. So if you aren't going well this year, don't complete 8 subjects
San Francisco and New York are my two favourites so far. Vancouver's also awesome. Going to Europe in July, so will probs have a new favourite after that
How does it destroy the purpose? Getting into the course with a UAI is still easier and quicker. And going well at uni takes a lot more work than high school