Stanford University or University of Cambridge?

Hey all,

My friend has an unconditional offer from University of Cambridge and an offer from Stanford University. He wishes to pursue Computer Science and Mathematics. He is from an asian country so both the universities will be international for me. It would be great if you guys could provide your opinions as to which one to choose. He does not wish to work after undergraduate. He will continue with education, so US vs UK is no factor. Working environment isn’t a factor either. Do give reasons for the university you suggest.

Thank you.

Where does he want to teach/ attain a graduate degree afterward? Obviously, being in the US, he will be exposed to more American opportunities. If in the UK, more UK opportunities. Certianly choosing one does not limit him but the likelihood is present. Would he rather be in the US or the UK in ten years? Then choose accordingly.

Also, at Cambridge, you will only study CS and math. If you realize you’re actually not that interested in those subjects and change your mind, tough.

At Stanford, there are a lot more majors you can go in to if you realize that your passion lies elsewhere.

In general, US universities would have more research resources as well, though that is not as much of a concern for CS and math as for engineering.

Stanford

Stanford is arguably number one for CS in the world.
Cambridge is an amazing university, but for CS, Stanford is the king.

MIT is better ^^

Thank you all for your inputs.

@PurpleTitan‌ he is an international olympiad in informatics medalist. So he is very clear about pursuing comp sc + math. Cambridge has a lot of resources for computer science. The computer laboratory at Cambridge has received large endowments from Gates and from silicon fen. Cambridge has the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) which allows for undergrad research. My friend says such a system isn’t there at Stanford. He says Cambridge’s system of teaching will allow for more faculty interaction and better research prospects.

@T26E4‌ working is not an issue for him as of now. As it is inbreeding is discouraged in cs. So he will do his grad from an institute different from his undergrad one. If he goes to Cambridge, he says he will pursue his grad at MIT since the shift from Cambridge to MIT according to him is very easy due to the “Cambridge-MIT institute” establishment. If he goes to Stanford, he will try for gates scholarship at cambridge in grad. So essentially, he will be able to work in US/UK, wherever he pleases.

@texaspg‌ please provide reasons to backup the claim.

So, he is studying in Combridge now?

The main difference is that at Stanford he will have to take classes in other non-mathematical subjects; is that a plus or a minus for him?

That aside, it sounds from what you’ve said that he’s leaning to Cambridge. If that’s what his gut is telling him, he should choose it.

Moderator’s Note: OP has not posted since March 2015. Closing this thread.