NYU or Cambridge or Oxford?

Question

Hi everyone,

I'm having a dilemma about what B school to pursue. I just got admitted to Cambridge and am waiting for a response from Oxford. I also have an interview with NYU early Jan. The timeline for my round 1 schools is so spread out that I won't have time to hear back from NYU before I have to make a decision for Cambridge and Oxford. I'm leaning towards Cambridge if it's only Said vs. Judge based on the 3 consulting projects JBS offers in their program. But I'm torn between having the opportunity to go to NYU too. Any advice for me? I'm planning to apply for extension and hopefully hear back in time to make a sound decision. If not, what would you guys do?

Thanks

bb · Answer

That's a great question and a very common dilemma that schools sometimes purposefully create and impose. That's the reason for the deposit (people change their minds often and get into better schools). What is the amount of deposit at stake?

My suggestion would be for you to go to school in the country that you are planning to work. If you are planning to stay in Europe then head to Cambridge or Oxford. However, if you are going to stay in the States, then NYU would be a stronger bet from the recruiting perspective.

Best Regards,
BB

kkxkkxkk · Answer

That's great advice! I wanted the international experience that Oxbridge offers, but ideally I'd move back to US for a job. The deposit is about 8 grand for Cambridge. And Oxford would be about the same too. If it were around 1-2k, I'd be less hesitant...

bb · Answer

Oh wow... that's a much more severe penalty than with the US schools. Obviously the saying goes - don't apply to a school you are not willing to go to if admitted.... There is obviously no guarantee that you will get into NYU or Oxford. It is going to be a tough decision.

The other aspect to consider is the 1-year nature of the European MBA programs. There is not a whole lot of time to get an internship and get on the recruiting band wagon. It is not as important to get an internship if you are looking to stay in your industry/field but quite important if you are switching industries and have zero work experience in eyes of a potential employer. The positive here of course is that Judge felt you were capable enough to attend their program and be employable at graduation (they would not admit you otherwise).

So in a 1-year program, you pretty much have to work your ass off right from the start to lock in employment opportunities and the school is unlikely (though you never know) to have someone visiting on campus to recruit for positions in the US. The main question you want answered - what are the chances of you getting a job in US or Europe after Cambridge? I would ask some US folks/current students who are attending to get a reality check.

P.S. Some crazy situations have worked out in the past with people going to school in Australia and having an exchange semester in China and being able to find a job much easier than those studying in the US. However, as probabilities stack up, it is usually better to attend the school in the country/area/region you are planning to work afterwards.

kkxkkxkk · Answer

The decision is going to be tough! Any advice on how to craft a letter for extension? I'd like to at least take another 3 weeks to consider my future. They're giving me till end of december to depot 8 grand... -_- grrrr

NYU or Cambridge or Oxford?

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