For a girl it is the certificate of a course of studies.

For a man an Oxford or Cambridge degree means atmosphere unique in character, immemorial tradition, association, all kinds of interests and subtle influences out of the past, the impressiveness of numbers, among which the individual shows in very modest proportions indeed whatever may be his gifts.

The difference is that of two worlds.

Bat even at other universities the degree means more to a man if it is anything beyond a mere gate-key.

It is his initial effort, after which comes the full stress of his life's work.