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Posted April 19, 2013

Which is Better Cambridge or Oxford?

Cambridge and Oxford are two of the most prestigious educational establishments in the world with one of the most famous, long running rivalries to match up to their statuses. This rivalry comes from hundreds of years of competition in sports, academic success, social standing, and old boy achievements. With that in mind, the question that is asked time and time again is 'which university is better, Cambridge or Oxford?' And which one should you apply for?
 

Before we break this down for you it is worth noting that Oxbridge (the portmanteau given to the two universities) have produced some of the most influential figures in the world and have been responsible for nurturing some of the greatest minds in history, highlighting the fact that they are both establishments to be proud of.

Success Stories

One way of measuring the relative success of these two academic giants is by looking at the successes of previous students, and seeing how they have gone on to impact the world:

Oxford University has been responsible for a staggering 60 heads of state and government including 26 British prime ministers, 48 Nobel laureates, as well as Dr Seuss, J.R.R Tolkien and many more.
 

Cambridge University has been responsible for producing a world record 89 Noble laureates, 40 heads of state and government including 14 British prime ministers, and notable world figures such as Charles Darwin, Isaac Newton, and John Maynard Keynes.
 

As you can see, it would be extremely difficult to pick a clear winner out of those figures, and we will not attempt to do so here!
 

Ultimate Decision

The real question we should be asking is probably not which is better, but does it matter? It is clear from looking at the huge influence that both universities have had on many of the great thinkers of history that both are equally as good as each other in that respect. If you are looking at the question out of mere curiosity, the answer could come in many different forms depending on what you value most. Cambridge are leading the varsity rugby match tally by 61 victories to Oxford’s 56, and they are also ahead in the boat race tally with 81 over Oxford’s 77, but then again there are countless other sporting events where Oxford have come out on top.
 

If you are asking the question because you wish to study at one of these institutions, you may be best off approaching the question from a whole different perspective. Whether you are deciding between Oxford and Cambridge , or any other universities, the most important thing to consider is which course is best for you. When you have figured that out, the rest will take care of itself. Both universities will look great on your CV, and there is no right answer to this question as it is completely and utterly subjective and always will be!
 

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