Harvard vs Oxford

College Search & Selection
1

Hello.

I have been accepted to Harvard for my M.Ed and to Oxford for my MSc in Education. (Got accepted to Harvard last year and deferred because of a family problem, but could still withdraw if I decide to go to Oxford.)

I’m having a difficult time deciding which to attend.

Factors to consider:

1.) I’m an American citizen and currently live in America

2.) I wouldn’t mind working in the UK but, given the difficulty of getting a tier 2 visa, I will probably return to the US. I’ve never visited England or Europe either, and have no idea if I would like it or not. (Which could be a pro or a con, really. I’m a pretty adventurous guy.)

3.) Harvard is more practical for professional purposes in the US–Harvard alumni obviously far out number Oxford alumni here, and if I went to Harvard, I could network throughout my grad school year at the many, many great schools in New England, and figure out where I might want to work by seeing the schools in person

4.) On the other hand, I have always been fascinated with English culture and Oxbridge, and I feel that I might really regret not taking the opportunity to study overseas

5.) When I visited Harvard, I didn’t really like the whole uber-liberal, social-justicey culture I encountered there. The Ed department especially seems to be OBSESSED with racial issues, and I got the vibe that any dissenting voices would be shamed.

I’m so torn. I’m literally lying awake at night, trying to decide, and feeling decision paralysis. I know it’s a good problem to have, but my choice could seriously effect the rest of my life. Any advice would be helpful.

2

You answered your own question: Oxford

3

I do not think you would ever regret your time at Oxford. You have a rare opportunity to do something different and fun that can only enhance your credentials – which much be pretty darn good to begin with, given that you were accepted to both places. I’ll be happy to tell you how to find the best pub [personal opinion] if you go to Oxford. And you know that you really cannot go wrong whichever you choose, which is obviously part of the dilemma.

4

What do you want to do with that Master’s? Does academia recognize Oxford’s M.Ed as an equivalent to MSc in Education? What kind of career services does Oxford offer? Does it have professional connections you could take advantage of in the US? I’ve known EDDs from Harvard who were disappointed in the program, but raved about the doors it opened once they were looking for jobs.