What would be a better profile for grad. recuiting ... these profiles aren't mine, but I have friends who are considering applying to MC and was wondering which would be more successful with any strategy firms.Profile 1:- 4 A's @ A'Level- 3rd class degree from CambridgeProfile 2:- 300 UCAS points- 2:1 from Redbrick uni- MSc Distinction from redbrick uni

Profile 2, no question

Profile 1, without a doubt

1 every time. Let's be clear.

Without anything truly exceptional by way of work-experience or 'positions of responsibility' neither would get an interview at a top strat firm. so doesn't matter either way.

Love how the title of the thread is the exact opposite of the question.

The title and the body of the thread contradict each other. Profle 1 is worse. But yes, neither would probably get an interview. 2 at a push if there's something strat relevant in the CV.

Absolutely 1 is worse. A third, even from Cambridge, will get you no-where.

A third from Cambridge is a lot harder to get than a 2:1 or even a first from many of these redbrick universities where they spoon feed you everything!

right.... i'm sure that would go down a treat in cover letter or an interview

A Third is a fail regardless of the University; so you failed at one of the best Universities - hardly bragging rights. Given the quality of education at Cambridge there really is no excuse.

I think a 3rd at Cambridge is worse than a 2:1 at a decent Red Brick - you worked hard to get to one of best Universities in the world, and then c*cked it up - this shows real laziness, and a lack of perception - you had the opportunity to get yourself sorted (academically and application-wise) for life, but did not seize this opportunity. Not the best credentials.

This conversation is inevitably going to be biased as a result of people who may have a sort of academic 'Napoleon complex'.Any old fool can get a first in Media Studies from the University of Huddersfield. But can the same people all get a third in Classics from Cambridge?And besides, after a few years Cambridge issues you with an MA anyway.

Just caught up on this thread and am amazed at some of the posts. For all your ex-oxbridgers saying that a 3rd from there is better than a 2:1 and MA from a redbrick, take your heads out of your bottoms and wake up.Let's get this clear, a redbrick doesn't mean the University of Huddersfield. It means Warwick and Nottingham and Durham and Manchester etc etc etc. I know a lot of people that would actually prefer a 2:1 from those institutions that a 2:1 from Oxbridge, let alone a 3rd! It shows you just might have had a life beyond reciting the "crazy" parts of the Iliad.

Absolutely 1 is worse. A third, even from Cambridge, will get you no-where.

Just to antagonise the Napoleon complexers even more, I add the following:Re: Durham, everyone knows that place is full of Oxbridge rejects Hehe

Come on guys, they're both something to be very proud of! A degree from any reputable institution takes hard work and plenty of intelligence!

Not sure if everyone would agree with that statement...

Personally I disagree. I got a 2:1 from a redbrick in what is consider a very academic degree (law)... without much work.I went on to do a masters at a less distinguised uni (convenient location to home) and passed easily despite giving up pretty much!It's not a reflection on my intelligence rather on the lengths these places go to to push up their pass rates. Particuarly the non redbrick which basically told us the questions coming up in every exam, it was a farce. Yet plenty still manged to fail, quite sad really.

Carol Voderman?!?She ended up doing alright

Oh yeah, we all conveniently forgot about that thicko Carol Vorderman. There's no way that member of the "nines club" at cambridge could EVER have got a 2:1 from a respectable redbrick. Proof if ever you needed it that standards are higher at the redbricks.

I regularly hire candidates who have a 2:1 from a redbrick uni but would not consider a 3rd from cambridge or indeed Oxford for an interview.

A third no matter what Uni its from is a FAIL!I would hire a 2:1 from redbrick with the right attitude anyday.I also often find that ppl from Oxbridge have very little real life experiance and would not work well with my clients - they want someone who understands them and thier staff!

would you say a 2:2 in the late 80s from a red brick uni = 2:1 today

no

Agree with the above, a 3rd from the '80s is more like a 2.1 today ;)