I’ve been accepted to Oxford to study Philosophy, Politics, and Economics. The US schools I’ve been accepted to are Vanderbilt as a Cornelius Vanderbilt scholar (full tuition scholarship) and Brown. I have no idea how I was accepted to Oxford to study PPE because even though I’m genuinely interested in each of the subjects, I’m not sure I could commit to any career path down that field. It seems like an amazing opportunity regardless though. I have no idea what I should do at all…
Congrats on 3 super choices!
PPE doesn’t commit you to any particular career path- the number who actually go into philosophy or economics is not huge- people who are really interested in either of those tend to do them as single (or double) honours subjects. A lot of PPEists do go into various aspects of politics (including policy, etc.), but lots also go into investment banks, consulting, and business. A fair few do law conversion courses to get a law qualification (or go to law school in the US).
Vanderbilt is effectively free (and I believe that they are very nice to their CV scholars), which is huge- and may be an important decision element within your family.
Experientially, the three are strikingly different. Brown will give you the most independence in your choices, and Oxford will be more structured; Vandy will be somewhere in the middle,. Brown and Vanderbilt will be more continuous assessment, whereas in the UK the evaluations are fewer and weightier. The volume of work at Oxford is almost certainly higher during term time, but the terms are short- so do you like to work steadily, or in bursts?
Of course, you could do Brown or Vandy and do a year abroad at Oxford.
But the real question is: what are you looking for from your college experience? what drew you to each of these three? has your view of those criteria changed at all?
Thanks for the kind and thoughtful response. I applied to Oxford because I liked the idea of adventure, the college system, and the one on one attention provided by the tutorial system. However, I’m unsure about the ability it’d provide me to go into a US grad school as I’m not sure I’m interested in pursuing any of those career paths. I’ve been very interested in environmental science and I’m worried PPE could entirely rule that out as a career path. However, I do academically love the three subjects and would love to study them with the attention of the tutorial system.
I applied to Vanderbilt because I love Nashville. It’s one of my favorite cities, and I love the music opportunities nearby. I’m actually an aspiring musician and have gone to music studios in Nashville multiple times to record original music, and I’ve even put an album out. However, when I’ve visited Vanderbilt I’ve felt “too comfortable,” as weird as that is to say, like I wouldn’t be having any new experiences as I live somewhat nearby, and the people weren’t extraordinarily welcoming or inspiring to be around. Also the dorms… But it was just a visit.
I just applied to Brown on a whim. I’m not sure I’d like the independence as I’m very indecisive. I also geographically don’t like the school that much. I don’t like the option quite as much as the other two, but I’ve yet to visit (later this month). This is a very confusing month.
If you think you seriously may want to do grad school in environmental science, you may not want to do PPE, as you won’t get the pre-reqs you need- unless you are going the public policy route, in which case you would be fine. . Alternatively, you could do your undergrad, then spend a year getting your pre-reqs, and apply along with your US peers (as PPE is only 3 years, v the usual 4)
I am partial to Oxford, but it really truly matters that it suit you and that you are interested in working in those modules. The work is very intense, and if it isn’t interesting to you it won’t be any fun at all. Since you got an offer you clearly did well in your interview- aside from the general anxiety, did you enjoy that process? Also, although the program is more structured, there is also much less handholding and you work much more independently than in the US.
The interview was very fun. I didn’t prepare too much for it, it just felt like an enjoyable conversation about the subjects. I’m worried about the workload slightly though, as I’m guessing the bi-weekly essays will get painful…
But I could be interested in taking my pre-reqs at a local state school during summer terms
lol…no pain no gain!
It does get intense, no doubt about it. That’s a good part of why it is so important that the idea of being in it up to your eyeballs for 3 years* has to sound like a really great idea to you. If you enjoyed the interviews you are likely to enjoy the learning- IF the subject matter is interesting/exciting to you.
Summer courses could be a great option.
- or, to be more precise, for 3 8-week terms each year for 3 years