<p>I also had a similar dilemma of choosing between the Ivies and, in my case, Cambridge. I eventually chose Cam to do economics.</p>
<p>I think you rightly pointed out that US unis have larger endowments and put more emphasis on research work and hence most people agree that they have the best grad schools. </p>
<p>But at UG level, I believe its very hard to compare US and UK unis because they both have advantages and disadvantages. It's needless to say that all top unis push you hard but overall, in terms of admission selectivity, quality of teaching and reputation, I would say that top Ivies and Oxbridge are neck and neck. </p>
<p>American schools provides better resources like better maintained sports facilities, newer computers and so on. For example, Princeton rooms have wireless internet, but some Cam rooms don't even have wired internet. So in this area, you'll probably have a more 'luxurious' education in the US. However one can argue that Oxbridge possess more tradition, history and also the most beautiful architecture amongst all universities. Some ppl might prefer that to the american cutting edge technology.</p>
<p>About the curriculum, the american one is less focussed as most US schools require you to take a broad range of courses, while the british only allow you to explore one subject in depth (although you can usually take additional languages as certificates ). Which one is better?....just a matter of preference. I knew I'm definite going to do economics. I know it'd be interesting if I can take classes in physics or philosophy, but it doesn't bother me if I can't.</p>
<p>Onto the student body, from my own experiences, american students, even at the top end of colleges, are less academically orientated than Oxbridge pupils. This is most probably due to the fact that US colleges stress so much on accepting people with extracurricular talents or 'well-roundedness', whereas Oxbridge only cares how well you think and how hard you work. Also, people in the US, in general, are more career minded (most go to ibanking, consultancy so they're more cutthroat) and care <em>a little</em> bit less about drinking (due to drinking age limit?).</p>
<p>Job wise, Ivies and Oxbridge are both great, provided that you stay in that particular country to work. If you want to work in new york, then Ivies; if london, then Oxbridge. Though, I think the alumni network in the Ivies are better maintained and so american schools probably have a more successful record of placing ppl into top jobs and grad schools. </p>
<p>In terms of international prestige though, esp. in SE Asia, I'm sure that only Harvard can rival Oxbridge.</p>
<p>Well...in the end, no one can say for sure which is better. Some prefer the modern sports cars (Ivies), some prefer the vintage classics (Oxbridge). Afterall, its only UG ...so there's no need to care too much about career opps or other things. Just choose the one where you think you'll enjoy yourself the most. I personally thought that going Oxbridge is a unique chance to indulge in the wonderful tradition, academic atmosphere etc etc.</p>
<p>Nowadays, most ppl go to grad schools to get phds/mba anyway, so a Oxbridge undergrad + a Ivies post grad will give you the best of both worlds, IMO, and also give you a chance to really judge for yourselves which side of the pond you prefer. :)</p>