The Student Room Group

Why do people choose to go to Oxbridge?

Why do people fascinate about getting into Oxford and Cambridge so much when other universities are just as good? At the end of the day all that matters is whether you personally like the uni you go to and what grade you get. Why does a degree from Oxbridge mean more to an employer than one from a former polytechnic. I've been at university three years and I still don't fully understand.

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Reply 1
Why not go to Oxbridge?
Reply 2
Generalofthesupersubsquad
Why do people fascinate about getting into Oxford and Cambridge so much when other universities are just as good? At the end of the day all that matters is whether you personally like the uni you go to and what grade you get. Why does a degree from Oxbridge mean more to an employer than one from a former polytechnic. I've been at university three years and I still don't fully understand.


As you said; people can pick the university that THEY want, and that's right for them.

I wouldn't even consider Oxbridge because I don't like the attitude that seems to be involved with it (snobbery, arrogance etc.), the idea that life there would revolve around academics (i.e. no jobs, little free time) which doesn't make a well-rounded person imo, and the collegiate system, amongst other things.

However, some people might prefer those things; so, as the poster above said...why not Oxbridge?

Though, like you, the obsession with Oxbridge, league tables, it being the 'be all and end all', 'I'll die if I don't get in' etc. seems weird to me.
Reply 3
I guess it's the reputation. I'm in lower sixth at the mo, and although prob a bit premature, as I don't have my AS results yet, at the back of my mind I know I'd really love to go to one. They both have an excellent reputation, and both are really beautiful, old buildings. Plus they have some of the best (I'm not necessarily saying THE best) research facilities and tutors.
Because its one of the best in the world and we all want to go to the best don't we?
Why? Because:

- Centre of academic excellence
- The two best universities in the UK, and thus the best students
- A degree from Oxbridge is a ticket to a decent career
- As a university, the collegiate system is very good, and a more personalised learning experience

oh, and:

IT IS OXBRIDGE!!

:smile:
Reply 6
Chrisateen
Because its one of the best in the world and we all want to go to the best don't we?


'best' is subjective.
Because the degreee will be worth more,you'll be working with some of the top in your field (maybe) and there's a certain amount of prestige attached. Also it's a challenge. Although personally, I'd much rather get into Imperial because small towns don't apeal to me.
Edamame
Why not go to Oxbridge?


I'm not saying that Oxbridge is bad and that people shouldn't go there, just wondering why someone would choose Oxford and Cambridge over somewhere else?
Reply 9
Generalofthesupersubsquad
I'm not saying that Oxbridge is bad and that people shouldn't go there, just wondering why someone would choose Oxford and Cambridge over somewhere else?


Probably the same reasons they choose other universities over somewhere else: they feel it would suit them better.
cpj1987
I wouldn't even consider Oxbridge because I don't like the attitude that seems to be involved with it (snobbery, arrogance etc.), the idea that life there would revolve around academics (i.e. no jobs, little free time) which doesn't make a well-rounded person imo, and the collegiate system, amongst other things.

The word you're looking for is "stereotype".

Generalofthesupersubsquad
I'm not saying that Oxbridge is bad and that people shouldn't go there, just wondering why someone would choose Oxford and Cambridge over somewhere else?

Why did you choose [insert uni name here] over your five other choices? Well... yeah.

I chose Cambridge for a lot of reasons, most of which could be summed up in "I preferred Cambridge to anywhere else". Do you really want a list of reasons?
cpj1987
As you said; people can pick the university that THEY want, and that's right for them.

I wouldn't even consider Oxbridge because I don't like the attitude that seems to be involved with it (snobbery, arrogance etc.), the idea that life there would revolve around academics (i.e. no jobs, little free time) which doesn't make a well-rounded person imo, and the collegiate system, amongst other things.

However, some people might prefer those things; so, as the poster above said...why not Oxbridge?

Though, like you, the obsession with Oxbridge, league tables, it being the 'be all and end all', 'I'll die if I don't get in' etc. seems weird to me.


Lol, I love the assumptions there. True in some cases, but I can honestly say that this year I've done no more than 20 hours work a week so far, which is quite low for a science course anywhere (what with practicals etc.) Also, people do have jobs! Especially now we're living out this year, and it's more expensive. I do go to a fairly relaxed college though, so I've no doubt there's a lot more truth in what you've said, for someone at somewhere like Merton.
Anyway, in terms of why Oxbridge - it does seem to be a strange obsession for some. I've met quite a few people here who seem to have been built up to the idea of coming here since they were small. That just seems weird to me! However, there are a lot of people who would have been just as happy to go elsewhere, and on many essay based all-nighters, cries of 'Oh god, why didn't I go to Leeds instead?' can be heard across the library. So I don't think that many people here really have the built-in 'must go to oxbridge' mentality.
That said, getting a decent degree from here gives really good job prospects, which I think is a lot of peoples' motivation. Plus it has some of the best departments and staff in the country (if not world) which means that if you really love your subject, you can have an amazing time here, in terms of what you're learning.
To be honest, I never thought I would fit in here, I'm very much working-class, northern and bog-standard comp educated. However, that isn't at all uncommon here (well perhaps the northern bit is, but loads of people come from 'normal' backgrounds.) I accepted the offer over my other five, because my parents and school were delighted that I had an offer and encouraged it, and because I thought it would be an amazing opportunity. And I think a lot more people would probably apply/accept offers if they realised what it was like here, and didn't have this built up idea of how snobby it was. Sadly at the moment, it seems that it's only private schools/good grammars that instill the enthusiasm to come here in pupils, which I think is a great loss.

EDIT: Wow that turned into a bit of a rant. Sorry! I just hate the way that these stereotypes are thrown about - I do a lot of work with the access scheme, which works so hard at encouraging people from 'non-traditional backgrounds' to apply, and to dispel a lot of the myths and exaggerations that surround the university. It just drives me up the wall when people describe the uni as such. I have no quibble with saying that it's very hard, and has a high workload, it does! But I, personally, would disagree with 'snobby' and 'arrogant' being used as descriptive terms. To the person I quoted, I'm not having a go at you, it seems I just have too much time on my hands, so felt like having a bit of a rant :smile:
Reply 12
I may agree that a degree in Oxbridge may be a pass to a decent, well normally more than decent, career but I can't agree that they have neither the best facilities neither the best academic staff / researchers.
cpj1987
'best' is subjective.

Course it is, and there's quite a lot of people out there who honestly believe that Oxford / Cambridge is the best for them. So? :s-smilie:
Reply 14
Generalofthesupersubsquad
Why do people fascinate about getting into Oxford and Cambridge so much when other universities are just as good?

It is a misleading statement that "other universities are just as good". There are a several other universities that are of comparable standard, that is true, but Oxbridge's more stringent entry requirements mean that its students are thought to be of higher quality. Oxbridge also attracts a lot of the leading figures in academia, and thus it is inferred that the education received by these students is of a superior standard.

Whether the quality of a student after graduation is significantly different to that of a student from other universities, however, is debatable and - in my opinion - not generalisable.

From what I've seen:
- a 3rd/2:2 from Oxbridge is worth the same as from any other university
- a 2:1 is possibly worth a bit more
- a 1st is definitely worth more

However, I would urge employers to take an Oxbridge degree as an indication of a bright, employable person, but by no means a guarantee. I have seen some 1st class Oxbridge graduates with absolutely no common sense, and similarly some 2:1 class students from other top universities with a lot more common sense.
Reply 15
generalebriety
The word you're looking for is "stereotype".


Not really; I wouldn't not go somewhere just because it has a stereotype attached to it.

I just said the attitude there SEEMS to be - not saying everyone's like that, but it does come across a lot from my experiences so far, and those experiences would put me off.
I wanted to go to Cambridge because it's such a pretty town. It's a good university, but I didn't hold it above the other 'good universities' in my mind. I didn't apply, though, because I couldn't have coped with an interview :P

They're considered better because they're very firmly established and very prestigious, and probably because in some areas they are the best. :smile:
Reply 17
generalebriety
Course it is, and there's quite a lot of people out there who honestly believe that Oxford / Cambridge is the best for them. So? :s-smilie:


Exactly; as I said in my first post. I was just stating that to the person I was quoting, who simply said 'Oxbridge is best'.
cpj1987
Not really; I wouldn't not go somewhere just because it has a stereotype attached to it.

I just said the attitude there SEEMS to be - not saying everyone's like that, but it does come across a lot from my experiences so far, and those experiences would put me off.

What experience? You said you'd never consider going there. I mean, I'll take it as read that you don't study there; but if you'd never consider going there, that probably means you've never been on an open day, didn't apply and consequently didn't go for interview, and probably have never visited the universities. So what are you basing your experience on?

Whatever it is, it's a completely different experience to mine. Most of the ********s get picked off at the interview.
Reply 19
Hmmm, from someone actually at one of them (the above statements from applicants seem a little idealistic, to be honest), the reasons for going there:

- The course structure suits how I want to learn my subject completely.
- The work is hard, and relentless, but it's rewarding and you have some of the best academic experiences of your life (experiences which I doubt could be replicated at another university, and certainly not in your first term of an undergraduate degree).
- The collegiate system is ideal, you form close bonds with the people you live with, and you live, eat, work, drink and sleep (:p:) with the same people for 3 years. I have friends at other universities who change flatmates every year and don't seem to have as close a bond with their friends, there isn't as much a sense of community.
- I love the city. It isn't too big and impersonal, it is mainly centred around students and there are plenty of things to do. Oh and it's fairly pretty.
- There is a higher expectation and an atmosphere conducive to that, getting a 2.2 is seen as a bad thing here. You're not only expected to work to a higher level but as all your friends are doing the same thing, there is more of a culture to work. I have friends that spent the first 10 weeks of term getting trashed at other universities, and then worked the two days before their deadline, that just doesn't happen here. Yes we get trashed, but we work the rest of the week. The higher pressure and expectation are probably going to be to my advantage - I'm probably going to work harder and have a higher chance of coming out the end of it with a decent degree.
- The social life is great. Yes we spend a fair amount of time working, but we also spend plenty of time socialising/getting trashed. I've made some awesome friends.

Or, in short, I love the place, and can't wait to get back there.


As for:

Why does a degree from Oxbridge mean more to an employer than one from a former polytechnic?


Well, in short, the people who get into Oxbridge generally have higher qualifications when they enter than people at former polytechnics, therefore employers can be fairly certain that someone with an Oxbridge degree is at a higher level. The workload is also generally much higher and is intense, students get used to working under intense pressure and to a high standard. You are scrutinised every single week and expected to improve, so you become a bit more refined.

Whether rightly or wrongly, that's why employers have the perception that an Oxbridge degree is better than a degree from a former poly. (Though that does not mean that a 1st from a former poly is worth less than a 2.1 or 2.2 from Oxbridge, simply that if they're both at the same level, an employer would probably favour the Oxbridge degree).

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