Late decision - Oxford or LSE: both fully funded

[mariobross]

If you still have time for LSE, go there !!!!!

[Karina 07]

My opinion which I've said before is Oxford is not to be missed but it depends on what kind of life you prefer.

Also, where you might want to work afterwards -- if in the UK or Europe, Oxford's name will actually probably take you farther than LSE's, probably even in Canada.

If you thought you had a good shot at getting into a top 10-15 program in the U.S., and preferred to do that than stay in the UK, then I would go for Oxford (because you can succeed from either place, but Oxford is the better place to live imho . I think you would get more of profs' attention at Oxford and there'd be slightly less competition, even if LSE's program were to be counted as a bit better, so they should be about equal overall). If you knew you wanted to stay in the UK for the Ph.D. but then move back to the U.S., then I guess LSE (depending on your interests -- check out the profs). If you knew you wanted to stay in the UK for the Ph.D. but then stay in Europe, then Oxford. But this is all rather blurry and depends a lot on personal preference. My personal preference is clearly Oxford , but.

[LJF]

I would like to share some of my views;

I got accepted from LSE (MSc Econ 1Y), Cambridge (MPhil Econ option B), and Oxford (MPhil Econ). And I finally decided to go to Oxford. My reasons are as followings;

First, I look for the research-oriented programme. And the uniqueness of the extensive thesis work in the second year matches my specific aim on research study.

Second, I am interested more of Development Economics and Game Theory.

Third, considering the size of the incoming class, the maximum class size of Oxford is 50 students, while LSE class is around 100 students. And I prefer a smaller class which I could get more professors' attention.

Fourth, I plan to go for PhD afterwards, probably in the US. Thinking of attending one year programme at LSE - starting in September, I would have a very short-period to get to know with my new professors, and grades are yet out, at the time I apply for the PhD in the US (Deadline is normally 15 December). So, I prefer more of the 2-year programme.

Fifth, I had an experience of working in London for half a year, and I didn't like London life style that much. Oxford seems to be a better place to live and study for me.

These are my reasons for preference Anyway, I wouldn't say that Oxford is better than LSE. I think both are overall in the same level, but you might have to choose the one that perfectly macth to your interests and conditions.

Cheers,

[asianeconomist]

Originally Posted by LJF

I would like to share some of my views;

I got accepted from LSE (MSc Econ 1Y), Cambridge (MPhil Econ option B), and Oxford (MPhil Econ). And I finally decided to go to Oxford. My reasons are as followings;

First, I look for the research-oriented programme. And the uniqueness of the extensive thesis work in the second year matches my specific aim on research study.

Second, I am interested more of Development Economics and Game Theory.

Third, considering the size of the incoming class, the maximum class size of Oxford is 50 students, while LSE class is around 100 students. And I prefer a smaller class which I could get more professors' attention.

Fourth, I plan to go for PhD afterwards, probably in the US. Thinking of attending one year programme at LSE - starting in September, I would have a very short-period to get to know with my new professors, and grades are yet out, at the time I apply for the PhD in the US (Deadline is normally 15 December). So, I prefer more of the 2-year programme.

Fifth, I had an experience of working in London for half a year, and I didn't like London life style that much. Oxford seems to be a better place to live and study for me.

These are my reasons for preference Anyway, I wouldn't say that Oxford is better than LSE. I think both are overall in the same level, but you might have to choose the one that perfectly macth to your interests and conditions.

Cheers,

But what about Cambridge. From what I gather from your post, Cambridge should also be a contender for 1,2,3 & 5.

[reactor]

Originally Posted by LJF

[....] I didn't like London life style that much. Oxford seems to be a better place to live and study for me.

I agree on this. I've recently been to Oxford and my friends and I liked it a lot (although we seriously doubt how comfortable their student is but then London housing can be miserable too).

[asa_sl]

I would definetly go Oxford.
because I like the reputation it has. I dont care rankings. rankings are always change but reputation never change like that.

[ForTheWin!_08]

Originally Posted by asa_sl

I would definetly go Oxford.
becuase I like the reputation it has. I dont care rankings. rankings are always change but reputation never change like that.

Obviously, it depends on whether your goal is to impress the public at large or economists. I picked Chicago over Princeton, which I maintain was the right choice, but non-economists think I'm an idiot.

[argmax]

I agree with most of the things said here. If you are interested in going to a US top 10-15 school I think LSE is a better option. But if you are going towards the phd in one if these schools and you are sure about your interests in developement perhaps Oxford is a better fit. The best economist in developement in my country studied at Oxford. It is just one person but still.
Finally you should consider the differences between living in a city and in a more quiet place.
You have many variables to consider but both schools are great so don't worry so much.

[teardrop]

Originally Posted by argmax

I agree with most of the things said here. If you are interested in going to a US top 10-15 school I think LSE is a better option.

In what sense is LSE better option for the US? Strength of program? Repuation? I have a feeling LSE has a better rep in the Us while Oxford has a better one in the rest of the world.
Or do you mean that LSE has better profs and courses are stronger?

[Sam_Jackson]

I think for a springboard to the US top 10, both are fine. You would need a distinction or a high merit to be competitive.

Do also note that on the LSE EME it is notoriously hard to get a distinction. Some years there havn't been a single distinction! So the Oxford option might be better in that regard. I'm not saying Oxford is easy, but I do think it is easier. MSc econ at the LSE is a different story. Good program but not as scary as the EME.

I say go to Oxford. You had already decided upon it. It's a good option for dev econ.

Sam.