<p>
</p>
<p>I don’t think it’s necessarily about universities’ obligations to each other, it’s just that it’s morally wrong to go somewhere else when you signed an official document saying you’d go if accepted. Colleges usually do have an honor code of some sort. However, I have personally heard of someone applying SCEA and EA to two very prestigious universities, admitted to both, and was never “caught”. So, I guess it isn’t even strictly regulated between prominent American universities.</p>
<p>1) Reputation of institution-worldwide: Cambridge > Northwestern = LSE</p>
<p>2) Employability-job prospects: Econ at Cambridge is amazing. It’s hard to get onto and one of the most oversubscribed programs in the university. It’s a top pick for banking and finance jobs. I’d rate it number 1. </p>
<p>NU MMSS = LSE Econ </p>
<p>3) Social life
Can’t comment on LSE’s and NU’s, but Cambridge’s social life is unbeatable. The university town is amazing. It has lots of pubs many with live bands, and restos serving all sorts of foods. The people are international. It has a posh ambiance. Lots of kids from the upper echelon of the society/royalties/top honchos from around the world. The college system is unique and enriching. The tutorial system makes you feel an important member of Cambridge’s community. I have never heard anyone complained about their stay at Cambridge.</p>
<p>Thank you all. I now have a much clearer mind about the pros and cons of the three schools. But who can tell me if you were me, a HS student who is going to be 20 by the end of this month, will you care about the age issue the most and choose LSE because it is 3 years?</p>
<p>I’ll be entering college at 19. I doubt it’ll make any difference at all if you’re talking in terms of social life.</p>
<p>If you’re talking about the one year extra as time wasted, I dont think you should think of it that way. If finances are not an issue, I would strongly urge you to make a decision on other criteria, not how long you’ll spend in college.</p>
<p>But that’s just my opinion.</p>
<p>Ah really thanks gapyearstudent! Actually I dont know whether it is me or my family who care about this issue. Have you ever had such feelings: when your peers entered colleges, you stayed at home. When they talked about their finals, you stayed at home. When they are making new friends, you stayed at home and wished they still remember you… That’s what will happen to me if I take a gap year to attend Cambridge I think. Maybe I am a little bit pessimistic?</p>
<p>yes, you are being a little bit pessimistic. Find something meaningful to do in your gap year, assuming you choose that path, and you don’t have to worry about what anyone else is doing.</p>
<p>Most students at Cambridge/LSE, or intyhe UK, begin university at the age of 19. Many at age 20.</p>