What are the disadvantages of studying at Cambridge?

Hi, I'm Gautam. I'm thinking of applying to a college at Cambridge at the end of this year for economics. I want to apply because I've read a lot of material from professors there, and it'd literally be a dream to actually speak to them and work with them. But, what I want to know, is other than the workload, what are the disadvantages of studying at Oxbridge?

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Reply 1

Puddles the Monkey

@gmahapatra I've popped this in the Cambridge uni forum for you :h:

You should get responses here.

its not lse

Original post by gmahapatra

1. Its very hard to get an offer and it will be the hardest one to meet.
2. The workload is heavier than most alternative choices
3. It may be harder to get a high degree class than at an easier university

The Economics courses at the two Universities are completely different. I suggest you need to do more research on your dream so that you actually know what you would be studying. You cannot apply to both.

BTW LSE has poor student satisfaction at undergraduate level because the campus life is less good than a college and the teaching is not as good, no supervisions and more lectures by postgrad students.

Reply 4

gmahapatra

Original post by Colmans

Thank you for replying! Yeah I know, I prefer Cambridge I think, because it's heavily maths based, whilst e and m isn't so much. But at the same time, I'd also like to take student life into account. Doesn't graduating from an incredible uni make up for a lower degree class?

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Reply 5

Colmans

Original post by gmahapatra

I chose Cambridge over LSE and I don't regret it. I got a first. Had I got a 2;2 I might feel differently but it would depend what career I wanted.

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Reply 6

sweeneyrod

Original post by gmahapatra

Doesn't graduating from an incredible uni make up for a lower degree class?

In the eyes of most employers, I think it does (to an extent). A 2:1 from Cambridge will often be regarded similarly to a 1st from another university.

Reply 7

Helenia

Original post by sweeneyrod

In the eyes of most employers, I think it does (to an extent). A 2:1 from Cambridge will often be regarded similarly to a 1st from another university.

But a 2:2 or 3rd, even from Cambridge, will still close doors.

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Reply 8

Chief Wiggum

It seems pointless having to work really hard to get a 2.1 at Cambridge when you could probably get a First with less work somewhere else. I don't really think the Cambridge brand makes too much difference?

Short intense terms too, that could be seen as a disadvantage.

Reply 9

gmahapatra

Original post by Colmans

I chose Cambridge over LSE and I don't regret it. I got a first. Had I got a 2;2 I might feel differently but it would depend what career I wanted.

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Thanks. To be entirely honest, I doubt I'll be in a position to pick between the two anyhow! :smile:

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Reply 10

gmahapatra

Original post by sweeneyrod

In the eyes of most employers, I think it does (to an extent). A 2:1 from Cambridge will often be regarded similarly to a 1st from another university.

Thanks for letting me know! So a 2;2 for a 2;1?

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Reply 11

gmahapatra

Original post by Helenia

But a 2:2 or 3rd, even from Cambridge, will still close doors.

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How much harder to get a 2:2 from Cambridge than a 2:1 from say, LSE?

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Reply 12

TheDefiniteArticle

If you don't spend three years doing absolutely nothing you'll get a 2.2 at least. Very few people get less than a 2.1.

Reply 13

Thomb

You might find the work load a bit daunting and although you may have been top of the class at school you might find yourself bottom at cambridge. :wink:

Reply 14

sweeneyrod

Original post by gmahapatra

Thanks for letting me know! So a 2;2 for a 2;1?

I think there is less equivalence there, but a 2:2 from Cambridge is definitely closer to a 2:1 from another university than it is to a 2:2 (in my opinion). While a 3rd from anywhere isn't worth much, if it is from Cambridge there is still the possibility it will get you a foot in the door with an employer entranced by the Cambridge brand.

Reply 15

Helenia

Original post by gmahapatra

How much harder to get a 2:2 from Cambridge than a 2:1 from say, LSE?

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Probably not harder at all. Perhaps slightly harder to get a 2:1 from Cambridge than LSE, but for economics my understanding is the courses are relatively similar in difficulty.

Having never studied my subject elsewhere I can't really say how it would compare.

Reply 16

Chief Wiggum

Original post by gmahapatra

Thanks for letting me know! So a 2;2 for a 2;1?

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I definitely don't think employers will view it that way. A 2ii, even from Cambridge, will look bad. I think that's very unfair, since I think the vast majority of Cambridge students would be getting a First at most other universities (even those getting a 2ii at Cambridge), but employers will certainly not look kindly upon a 2ii from Cambridge.

Reply 17

Doones

Original post by Chief Wiggum

Would be interesting to see the graduate salary ranges and employment rates per degree class from different universities.

(Ideally, filterable by course...)

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Reply 18

Colmans

Original post by jneill

Would be interesting to see the graduate salary ranges and employment rates per degree class from different universities.

(Ideally, filterable by course...)

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Curiously I can remember that the year I graduated Cambridge Economics had the highest starting salary of any degree. Don't know exactly why it stuck in my mind so clearly.......

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Reply 19

Chr0n

- The econ department (and all of Sidgewick) is the most depressing building I have every seen...
- Facilities at the faculty are terrible (use your college facilities!) - although the library is very well stocked
- The administration of the department is also a bit disorganised (although the professors are great!)
- It can be stressful as terms are short and very packed
- There are no resits - if you fail a few modules you're screwed

Can't think of anything else, but there are many positive things that speak for Cambridge - so focusing just on the disadvantages might not give you the best picture overall.