They don't have similar rankings. Oxbridge recruits older, more qualified students and they graduate into higher salaries and more desirable jobs. That data is all available in the FT ranking: compare salary, employment, etc.

In terms of how good the programmes are at helping students to change country, they are all pretty good.

I wouldn't say they recruit older students per se, as the average age of incoming cohorts at all three schools tends to be about 29-30.

That said, there's a pretty wide gap in terms of GMAT scores between Manchester and Oxbrdge - which translates into different cohort qualities, and eventually different salaries.

What are your stats in terms of work experience/background and GMAT score?

It's it not much of a gap, but MBS students do have slightly less work experience than Cambridge MBAs, and Oxford has an even higher figure. The quality of the work experience also differs.

Ok, thank you. I have about 5 years of experience - would this be enough for Cambridge and Oxford?

In terms of the GMAT, I estimate that I will score around 660, based on my practice tests. I'm going to try to put some time into studying, so hopefully it will be higher when I actually take the test.

Other things being equal, you will not be a competitive candidate unless you do better on the GMAT. Students there typically have a 690 or 700 GMAT and are 29, with five and a bit years' work experience. If you're under the average on work experience and GMAT then you have to make it up, ideally by having quality work experience in an area which is valued by the school and under-represented. If you are female (your name suggests that to me) then you have a modest asset if you apply in the early rounds.

OK, it looks like I'll need a bit more time to prepare for the GMAT, which will probably require some intensive tutoring. I guess I'll have to push back my applications to the second round for all schools.

Certainly, since the first round is already closed at some of these schools. But don't wait. Submit your applications and say that you are resitting.

OK cool, thanks for the advice.

I'd just like to point out that while all three have relatively high brand awareness - the post MBA salary stats put Manchester at a disadvantage - around 30-40K USD according to the most recent FT rankings.

Good to know. I have decided to give myself a little more breathing room, and get another year of experience before applying (and also give myself time to get an amazing GMAT score!)

Maybe with more experience I can apply for all three, with Manchester as a safety school.