Stuff that people are probably wondering.
Did you really get into Oxford?
Yep. I was pretty happy when I got this (click to enlarge if you wish):
Apparently MBA programs like to admit people in 4 rounds. I got in in the third round, and received the happy letter on June 3rd.
What about Scholarships?
Oxford is pretty good about supporting at least a handful of socially-minded students through the Skoll Scholarships. This is one of the reasons I was so keen to go there, as there’s a strong community of like-minded people. I think I would have been a good candidate. But they gave all the Skoll Scholarships in the first two rounds this year, so none were left by the time I got to ‘em.
I’m searching furiously for other scholarship options, and there are still a few decent ones out there (although many are gone by this time of year). If anyone knows of scholarships I should apply for (or companies that might sponsor me!), I’d love to hear about it!
If you don’t go, where will the money go?
Any donations not used towards my education will be donated to:
- Engineers Without Borders Canada: a fantastically entrepreneurial Canadian charity that uses technology to fight poverty. EWB has, by providing leadership roles and connecting me with hundreds of inspired people, shaped much of who I am.
- Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders): There are few humanitarian organisations that carry out their work with as much integrity, dedication and purpose as MSF. Remember when they started declining donations during the Tsunami emergency, when they decided they had enough money? Only a single, simple example, but trust me, MSF is a phenomenal organisation with a critically important role.
These donations would be anonymous, as it’s not really my money and I feel anonymous donations are the highest form of giving. I hope that alleviates any concern about where the money would go, if not towards my education.
NB: This is one main reason I decided to go ahead with this ridiculous idea: there’s no downside. If it works, I can get to Oxford, and if I don’t quite raise enough, then I can give it to two incredible organisations. Where’s the downside? Exactly!
The easiest way is probably through Paypal on the website (although it takes a 3-5% chunk). Paypal is well-established and secure.
If you wish, donations can be directly transferred to my bank account (which saves on paypal fees too!):
Royal Bank - (003) 02960 5042759
Major Canadian banks have email money transfer, which is ultra convenient. The fees wouldn’t make sense for a $3 donation, but would pull less than Paypal for larger amounts.
You can also send cheques addressed to Brendan Baker:
In Europe:
Brendan Baker
Jesus College
Cambridge
UK
CB58BL
In Canada:
Brendan Baker
c/o Doug Baker
#103-876 W 16th Ave
Vancouver, BC
Canada
V5Z 1T1
Is the money secure?
Paypal is the most used online money transfer service, used on sites from the tiny to the massive. More information can be found here.
Please fire me any questions you have. I’d be more than happy to answer them all, and would like to add thoughts to the FAQ that others may be thinking.
Are you a registered Charity?
As much as some people might think, I’m not a charity. So I can’t give receipts for tax deductions. If that’s a dealbreaker, please consider donating directly to one of the great charities mentioned above - they certainly need funding as well.
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