I’m an Indian applicant. I’ve been admitted to the College (for PPE, but I might also do Mathematical Econ/Econ). I’ve also been admitted to Oxford University for their PPE degree.
Relevant factors: I’m very unclear about my goals in the future. Academia or business both work fine for me, though I’d like to know which university might give me an edge in either. There’s also a significant cost difference ($130k for Oxford vs $280k for Penn, would have to go about $60k into debt for Penn). I’m a US citizen and will almost certainly come to live in the US even if I choose Oxford, so I’d like to know whether it’s easy/possible to find employment in the US after Oxford PPE.
Could someone offer advice as to which I should choose, with reasons?
FWIW, my son withdrew his application to Penn for Mathematical Econ once he received his Maths/CompSci offer at Oxford (Worcester). He likes the focus the Oxford program better. He also likes the three year program vs. four year (or masters in four). Even though I am a Wharton grad and we have friends in Philly, he much preferred the Oxford setting as well.
@karthiktadepalli If you are unclear about your career goals and want to work in the US afterwards, I think Penn is the better choice. You will have an easier time finding employment in the US, especially if you decide to go into business.
On the other hand in terms of costs Oxford seems more favorable. 60k debt is not huge but it is not small change either.
Oxford vs a top US university are vastly different undergrad experiences. do you prefer one over the other?
Having studied at both Penn and Oxford, I would say it does come down to what your career goals are. If, as you mentioned, your priority is working in the US after graduation, Penn is a much safer bet since you will have access to top notch recruitment, internships and networking through the university. While Oxford has a stronger global brand, it would not provide you with nearly the same degree of opportunities out of undergrad in the US as Penn would.
Both schools provide top notch academics and plenty to do in terms of social life. I would also say that the stereotypes are pretty accurate in the sense that Penn has less of an intellectual orientation and is more pre-professional, while Oxford is the reverse of thatl. That being said, depending on what activities you engage in and the people you spend time with, you will find plenty of intellectual and pre-professional opportunities at either.
All in all, if you are set on working in the US and are ready to leverage the opportunities at Penn, I would vote for Penn. Oxford is incredible in many ways as well, but not as well-suited to your particular goals of going into business or academia in the US.