<p>cookiemom,</p>
<p>Give him some time. I know one student who had no interest in going to UK a year ago (“what would I do in England?..”) but who changed his mind over the summer and was endorsed by the U. The key for this student was the discovery of the excellent programs available and top scholars to work with.</p>
<p>But a key factor is that your son should line up recs this spring. Most students find the best way is to schedule a short meeting with faculty they want to ask. An email is a good way to introduce the whole thing. The recs are not due until much later (due date varies by university) but without the contact in person, the rec may not be so great.</p>
<p>Mabye the best is to encourage your son to look at the offerings at Oxford (for Rhodes and marshall) and Cambridge (for Marshall). He should understand that either scholarship offers the chance to extend a year to complete a PhD. Ask him if he thinks 3 years in the UK, returning with a PhD from one of the most respected universities in the world would hurt his career? I think not.</p>