<p>My impression is that which college one attends at Oxbridge makes a difference. Americans are more likely to submit an open application and that increases the chance of acceptance. However, the experience of being in one of the better Oxbridge colleges and one at the bottom of the tables is much greater than some young Americans realize when applying.</p>
<p>Much of the Oxbridge experience is based on tutorials, not lectures. The quality of tutors varies enormously and by and large is better in the colleges at the top of the tables.</p>