The Cons of Oxbridge:
- Highly competitive. If you're used to being top of the class (which you probably are if you're applying to Oxbridge) you may be the average Joe, perhaps even below average when compared with your peers. If you need to feel academically confident and successful to succeed, Oxbridge may not be for you.
- Pressure to succeed. Due to the academic emphasis at Oxbridge, the idea of finding the work too difficult or wanting a break just aren't really as feasible as other universities. On top of that, people expect more of you. (I'm holding an unconditional and people always mock me if I say something slightly ridiculous, and I'm not even there yet!)
- Media. The media constantly portray Oxbridge in a bad way which means people will stereotype you if you go there. Recently I read an article on 'Cambridge Toffs' which made my blood boil. You're under the media spotlight at these universities, and you'll find unnecessarily so because most people there are intelligent but normal people, not the socially elite like the newspapers like to portray.
- Tourists. I've been to Cambridge a lot recently and the tourists are infuriating. They're everywhere, which, having gone to college in a town which was a tourist attraction, drives me bonkers. They're so annoying!
- Shorter terms. You have to cram, cram, cram to get everything in on time. There's no reading weeks like other universities, and supervisions mean you're constantly under an academic spotlight. Other universities give you much more space to breathe and relax, something with Oxbridge are notorious for not doing.
- Its just bricks and mortar. The university is made up of the people there, not the nice old buildings. I went to school in a tudor manor (no I'm not rich, I went to a state school) and after a week or two I forgot about the architecture. At the end of the day, you're going to university to learn - and you'll get a similar education elsewhere! Don't be too disheartened by ONE university not wanting you - there are other universities that you'll enjoy JUST as much.
If you're thinking about applying and you've read this; don't be deterred, there are huge pros as well! And I'm very excited to be going, but these cons are serious things to consider when debating whether or not to apply and dealing with rejection. I know I can handle these issues with Oxbridge, other people may not be able to for whatever reason.