Harvard vs. Cambridge
Hello. At the moment I find myself in a very unique position. I am holding acceptances from both Trinity College at Cambridge University (to study economics) and from Harvard College. I am american, but I want to live and work in the UK/Africa doing Hedge funds, VC, or Private Equity. I have to decide relatively soon between the schools, and it is proving to be harder than expected. Does anyone have any advice on my situation or insight into how either school could set me up to work in any of the aforementioned fields/locations? Thanks.
It's mid July... Aren't you a little bit late?
No because I am taking a gap year.
Don't you have to get a gap year approved by the school you intend to attend?
You can't go wrong with either. Cambridge is a fantastic place and so is Trinity. I am a UK student so Harvard is more wow to me. But both are on par for prestige. Any scholarships?
Both are excellent choices. Really can't go wrong. You might want to see what firms recruit at Cambridge. My suspicion is that you're going to get fewer American firms doing OCR at Cambridge so depending on where you ultimately want to end up (location wise) that could be something to consider. Great resume stamp either way.
Brief question, whilst slightly off topic, do you think the University is more important than subject? I know its an age old discussion but if you have offers for a Master's/undergrad in say Maths or Engineering at both, would you take them over finance at a lower rep uni? I tend to believe that its all about university for IB/Consulting and as long as your subject is rigourous IE not music lol, you will be seen well.
Well, I think for a lot of positions the math/engineering is in a better spot than the finance major. Trading, quant, risk, etc. So, at least for those jobs you might take a Georgia tech engineer (especially Georgia tech) over a Harvard finance major. I don't think finance as a major ever has enough pull by itself to get you over someone from a higher ranked school because most of the jobs in finance can be learned so quickly. What can't be learned quickly is 4 semesters of calculus. So, basically it depends on the combination of the parties majors, the job, and the schools--basically it is a case-by-case decision. No always true answer.
Relating back to the original post, I want to vote Harvard here, but I am hesitant because of your long term goals. However, I don't think Harvard has any trouble placing people anywhere so even if you go there you won't be making a mistake. No matter what you do, you'll be fine. Just not as happy as you otherwise might be. (If you choose Harvard)
I am not familiar enough with Trinity at Cambridge to comment. I don't know whether that's proper Cambridge or a satellite. Assuming it's proper, then you'll at least be okay within GB which is what you want. (I'd reconsider that destination choice though)
I think @gamecockfan" is right...it depends on the school/major combo. For your example I'd definitely go with math/engineering over a lower rep school. However, I wouldn't take a fine arts major over something more applicable.
Also consider that the person looking at your resume is going to spend 10-20 seconds on it so they'll likely see Harvard/Cambridge, check that box, and skim the rest. Another thing to consider is whether your grades will take a huge hit by doing something more rigorous like engineering at a more difficult school. Even though those are great schools, you'll still need high marks to be competitive.
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go Harvard, mad swagger.
amirite @Going Concern"
Obviously Harverd, I mean I don't even think Cambridje has hoodies
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