Intern
Joined: 16 Apr 2010
Posts: 4
Given Kudos: 0
Location: UK
Concentration: Marketing and Strategy
Schools:HBS, Stanford, Wharton, Kellog, Haas
Q44 V42
GPA: 4.00
Re: Oxford, Columbia, or UIUC?
[#permalink]
16 Apr 2010, 04:48
Hello Saruba
Considering the fact that your final target is a PhD, I would keep them in following order:
1- Columbia: Great brand (especially in finance and accounting). It will not be impossible to make a mark in a class of 200 if you start early. make an impression in the first class and the profs will remember you. Also, need to ensure that you work with 1/2 profs as a Research Assistant.
2- UIUC: Well known school, small class. But the rule for Columbia applies (shine in first class and get one RA level assignment). But simultaneously you would need a good GPA, especially because its a small class.
3- Oxford: Well known school, decent class size. But not known for research much. Other rules stay the same.
Your final decision should rest on:
1- Where else do you want to apply for PhD? Oxford can be a great place if you apply in UK and Europe. But if you are keen on USA, you might chose the first two.
2- Cost of the degree? Any scholarship? remember that Stanford will be more concerned about your undergrad degree/school/score than Masters.
My personal suggestion: Go to Columbia (costs being equal), pass at top of the class, get closely associated with couple of faculty, take a break for one year: work within university department as an RA and apply next year.
But final decision is yours.
All the very best