<p>Thoughts on the British system? I've been accepted to do a DPhil in the Humanities with someone terrific. We don't hear back about funding until the 29th but since I have to decide on the 31st, I'll count my chickens...For people who have crossed the Atlantic one way or the other: how different are the systems? What about the level and type of preparation? I'm thinking about more classical subjects, like ancient history, classical languages, oriental studies. I'm a little concerned that I am going to show up and have my supervisor say, 'oh, I thought that when they said you knew Greek that you could translate bits of Latin into perfect Attic prose without a dictionary...' or something equally frightening...Also, what is the deal with research degrees? Do you have a chance to network if you're not taking coursework? Who attends lectures? Clearly, I have no idea what I'm doing. It might be safer just to accept the offer in the States... Wait, finally: how do you think Oxford's reputation is holding up? My British friends claim that it is slipping but that sounds like jealousy talking. Right?</p>
<p>what dept? i'm starting a dphil in the english dept this year, having turned down Duke for it....</p>
<p>Oriental Studies. Where did you get funding? Or did ORS and Clarendon notify earlier for people in gather fields one and two? I wasn't seriously considering Oxford so I didn't apply to any external fellowships. Now I regret it. What in particular made you choose Oxford over Duke?</p>
<p>well i haven't heard back about funding yet but i'm just hoping and praying!!</p>
<p>why oxford over duke? god, i'd choose oxford over anywhere! also i'm irish, so have been schooled so far in the old-school system, and just couldn't see myself fitting into Duke. i went down for the recruitment weekend to duke, and everyone was so friendly and all, but i'm just used to the formality and and slightly aloof professors.</p>