<p>I can probably give you a good perspective. I went to MIT but went abroad to Cambridge (Queens’ College) during my junior year. As people above have mentioned, there is a huge difference in the basic framework of the educational system:</p>
<p>Cambridge:
3 years
Study only one subject for all of your courses
All of your marks (for the most part) depend on the end of year examinations</p>
<p>MIT:
4 years
Focus on one (or multiple) area(s) with the ability to dabble elsewhere
Grades determined by combination of p-sets, tests, papers, etc. and are averaged among classes, and not just one mark for the year</p>
<p>That being said, there are also a ton of differences outside of just what has been mentioned. In terms of academics, both have the rigor and the prestige. Though the way of teaching will be quite different. Cambridge courses are lecture-based (at the university level) with college-specific supervisions which are similar to recitations. At MIT, you will have both lectures and recitations with people from all over the university. </p>
<p>Outside of academics, the schools again have many distinctions. MIT is in a city, or at least next to one. This offers a ton to do outside of the campus life. Cambridge University dominates the town, and therefore, does not offer as much to do outside of student nights, etc. That being said, there are a TON of social events going on within the town. At MIT, people tend to be of the mentality of working hard during the week and going out on the weekends (though this may start on Wednesday for some people). In Cambridge, there is no such thing - every night is a going out night. </p>
<p>I could go on and on and on at length of all the differences. In the end, I loved both. And you can’t go wrong - you can always spend one year at the other.</p>