I actually attended this information session about Said with two Romanians who got in there:
- their strength is social entrepreneurship. Basically what happens is MBA students monetize the research of the university, with many small companies or start ups in the area that put into practice the various technological advances from Oxford
- the school sticks rigorously to old norms (i.e. wear that black robe when you're taking a written exam!)
- city is relatively small, built around the university
- lots of sports and other clubs to join
- the average age is pretty high compared to American MBAs
- it's also kindda expensive, but then again, Great Britain tends to be so all over!

Maybe you can post your profile for other members too?

I was accepted to Oxford in Rd 2 and will likely attend. Now it's time to look for financing!

Hi There,

I am curious. What did you like about Oxford? What made you apply?

I myself thought it was a great school - just really expensive.

Thanks,
A

Hi,

I applied to Oxford because:
1. it's a top MBA program (top 20 worldwide, top 5 in Europe and top 3 in UK), and associated with one of most world-known universities;

2. it's a short program 12 months and it's near London (30'-45' min by direct train) - I was looking for MBA programs in/near London;

3. I disagree it's expensive - total tuition fee is GBP 33,000 ~ EUR 41,500, whilst other comparable MBas are GBP 31,000 - Cranfield and GBP - 37,300 - Cambridge. Other top programs are clearly more expensive (not taking into consideration higher living expenses!): LBS is GBP 50,000 and INSEAD is EUR 52,000. As the average post-MBA wages (as per FT ranking'10) are USD 139K for Oxford and only 142K for LBS and 140K for INSEAD, clearly the ROI is better for Oxford.

4. after I participated to a SBS Open Day and visited Oxford, I am sure the learning environment is high standard and the living conditions are ... magical! Imagine living in a 13-14 century building!

Of course, there are downsides (as each MBA program has) but this are the reasons for me to choose Oxford. As a ranking, for me were: 1. top 5 European 1y MBA program 2. close to London 3. very good study & living conditions.

Hey there,

I am actually thrilled that you mentioned the living conditions and proximity to London. These are things I did not consider!

I did speak to a representative and she seemed quite warm and kind. I liked her. Plus, I was reading that Oxford is definitely one of the best.

You checked out the living conditions? So, they are pretty good? Roommate? Dorm-style? How big is the town?

Thanks for answering!

Since you mentioned that it's a short program - 12 months, does that mean that it only caters to people who want to stay in their current career? US MBA programs have a summer internship between the 1st and 2nd year for that very purpose. How does Oxford accommodate people who are doing an MBA to break into another industry?

I've just been offered a place for the 2010/2011 MBA programme as Said, which I'll probably be accepting, presuming I can persuade the bank to give me a fat loan.

I've actually been living in the city for the past 5 years already so if you have any questions - like what different areas are like to live in, feel free to drop me a message or leave a post here.

I look forward to meeting you all in October.