Got accepted to both schools and really struggling with this decision.
I’m an international student who just got admitted to Notre Dame for their Class of 2029. I was already excited about ND because the campus culture seems incredible, the dorms look great, and everyone I’ve talked to says the community is amazing.
Then this morning Oxford accepted me too, so now I’m completely torn.
Here’s my situation:
- Notre Dame: Finance program at Mendoza
- Oxford: Economics & Management program
- Goal: Want to work in investment banking after graduating
- Money: ND won’t require loans but Oxford would mean taking on major debt
What I love about Notre Dame:
The whole American college experience really appeals to me. Football games, campus traditions, strong alumni connections. I’ve heard Mendoza has good finance recruiting. Being in the US would make it easier to get work visas and find American jobs. The campus honestly looks beautiful and I love the community vibe.
What concerns me about Notre Dame:
It’s not quite at the same level as Harvard, Yale, Princeton or Wharton for finance jobs. Maybe not as strong for getting top Wall Street positions.
What draws me to Oxford:
The reputation for finance recruiting is supposed to be amazing. International recognition could help with MBA applications later. The tutorial system sounds interesting. It’s closer to my family.
What worries me about Oxford:
Honestly, the old buildings aren’t my style compared to ND’s campus. Seems less social and more just focused on academics. Way more expensive. The weather is probably worse than Indiana.
I’m also waiting to hear back from some Ivy League schools that might change everything.
Anyone have thoughts on this choice? Really appreciate any perspectives you can share.
Think beyond your first job. Sure, others focus on immediate recruiting results, but Oxford’s global reputation gets more valuable as you climb the finance ladder. Senior roles need international perspective and cross-border deal experience - that’s where Oxford’s network really pays off. The tutorial system builds critical thinking and communication skills that set you apart when you’re competing for promotions. On the debt side, IB comp usually lets you crush those loans in 2-3 years. Real question: does Oxford’s positioning boost your earning potential enough to justify the cost? Here’s what most people miss - top MBA programs love candidates with diverse educational backgrounds. Oxford’s academic rigor plus your international experience could make you a strong MBA candidate later. I get that cultural fit matters, but are you choosing short-term comfort over long-term career positioning? Oxford’s tough, but it builds the resilience and intellectual depth that finance pros need throughout their careers.
You’re way overthinking this prestige thing. Mendoza’s solid for IB recruiting - all the major bulge brackets show up there. The gap between Oxford and ND for banking isn’t nearly as big as you think. Your performance, networking, and interview skills matter way more.
You’re brushing off the money side, but it’s massive. Starting debt-free from ND vs. carrying Oxford debt changes everything. That debt affects where you live, what risks you can take - your whole early career.
As an international student, ND’s alumni network in US finance beats Oxford’s for Wall Street. Those American connections and on-campus recruiting are huge for visa sponsorship and actually landing jobs.
Both are solid choices - you can’t go wrong either way! Trust your gut about Notre Dame’s community feel. Those real connections and graduating debt-free will open doors down the road.
Been there - different schools, same dilemma. Here’s what nobody tells you: the “prestige gap” vanishes after your first job. What actually matters is how you perform and who you know. I chose the debt-free route and it was the best call I ever made. Financial freedom meant I could take risks, move cities, even switch careers without freaking out. You sound genuinely pumped about ND’s culture - that excitement will get you through the rough patches. Oxford isn’t going anywhere if you want grad school later.
lol you’re really gonna pick dusty Oxford over football Saturdays? Look, everyone talks up the prestige, but Oxford’s cutthroat as hell. You’ll be miserable studying 24/7 while drowning in debt. At ND you’ll actually have a social life AND graduate debt-free. Plus American recruiters don’t care about Oxford as much as you think - they want cultural fit. Sounds like you already know where your heart is. Stop overthinking it.
I’d go with Notre Dame, no question. Starting debt-free in finance is huge - those brutal hours are way more manageable when you’re not stressed about loan payments. The American college experience is irreplaceable too. You’ll kick yourself if you miss out on game days and dorm life. And don’t worry about job prospects - Mendoza grads land on Wall Street all the time.