Oxford (Said) 2013 - Calling All Applicants

re-posting the link

https://www.facebook.com/groups/oxford2014/

I won't be able to answer your question directly since I did not apply to Cambridge, the reason being that I was an undergrad there and I wanted something new. Having said that, I did live in Oxford for three months working in a project so I can compare cities first hand if not the MBA programmes per se. Oxford is a much larger town which means that it is not as charming, but offers a more comfortable setting for older students like us. In particular, Cambridge is a lot prettier because colleges are "open" while in Oxford they act like independent fortresses. Don't me wrong, Oxford is still gorgeous. Also, Oxford being larger means that it might be easier for my fiancée to find a job. All in all, I think the main difference is that Cambridge feels like a small town, and Oxford like a slightly less small town.

In terms of impressions, I feel that the Oxford programme has one huge advantage which is that after the internship you get to return to school for a month. I think this is a great opportunity to reflect on what you learned during the summer and learn from others as well. Another big difference is that Cambridge has A LOT of mandatory activities outside the core courses (venture project, consulting project, capstone project, leadership seminars, etc.). This might work for some and not for others. I felt it wouldn't that much for me.

Just says content not available.. need permission to view page. Maybe cuz you made it a private group?

About the FB group: it seems like most people on it are current students rather than recently accepted... am I right?

I'm just going to throw this out there. Did any of you consider Cambridge? If so, if you have/had been accepted, which one will/would you choose and why?

From speaking with students, alumni and faculty in both schools, I have been impressed across the board. There are small differences in the program structure, class size and composition but I'm beginning to learn that the real differences may be in the "feel" of the two schools, which one can only sense after visiting both places (something I'm unable to do).

Anyway, feel free to chime in with your thoughts guys. Thanks!

I have never been to Cambridge, so can't really talk about the place. From what I hear, the places are quite similar. Personally for me, I looked at the people. The professors, their work, experience and involvement with industry. Oxford came out on top. Then there is Peter Tufano. There used to be a piece on poetsandquants on this. Try and look it up.

There is a new exciting initiative by Dean Tufano (I don't think I am allowed to talk about it yet). This is now in Hillary and EP has been pushed to Trinity. This new initiative will look at macro trends, global issues facing the world currently and will draw upon current students, alumni, professors, other research departments at Oxford and industry to try and find solutions.

I think EP and this-new-initiative is still relevant even if you don't want to be an entrepreneur post your MBA. Business is never just about being a consultant or banker or marketer. If you are half good, in few years, you will see yourself as a general manager. Where your skills, tools and vision will set the direction of an organization. You will tackle problems bigger than just financing that project or marketing that product. EP will give you that perspective, build that discipline to work with a group of people and lead an idea from conceptualization into a successful venture.

Cheers