Hi everyone,
I got accepted into the MSc in Statistical Science in Oxford and the MSc Statistics at ETH Zürich and I am torn between those programs. So I wanted to ask for some experiences people had and/or opinions. My long-term goal is to go either into quant finance or statistical machine learning research. My background is in Applied Physics, so I have had my share of mathematically rigorous courses in undergrad but not nearly as much as a math undergrad. This is my assessment:
ETH:
+ location in Zürich (I also speak German so there's no language barrier), mountains, lake (I love skiing and water sports)
+ program is very flexible, has a lot of courses to choose from
+ prestigious university, especially in STEM
+ opens doors to live and work in Switzerland in the future (I've heard it is easier to be hired/relocated to Switzerland if you have studied at a Swiss uni. Also I am an EU citizen so it's easier)
+ 1.5 year program and 6 month dissertation so I could do internships during the program and also travel a bit during semester vacation
+ lower tuition
- not as well-known to the public internationally
- not sure if it's a target school for my future job aspirations
- harder to find housing
- program is definitely easier to get into, not sure if this would affect me negatively as I didn't do a super competitive program
Oxford:
+ international prestige
+ very traditional and lots of ambitious people
+ better network into quant finance and target school
+ mathematically rigorous program
+ close to London, which is a very cool city
- program seems rushed (only one year) and a bit cashcowesque
- less courses to choose from
- residency requirement would require me to live there for the full year and not really be able to travel/visit my family and partner often
- program is only 1 year
- 30k tuition
would be very happy if some people on here could share their opinions!